Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is partnering with the National Wildlife Federation to host its second annual Great Navy Campout June 24-Sept. 3.

Sailors and their family members are encouraged to take this fun, summer-long camping pledge and enjoy some of nature's most scenic campsites on Navy installations, which can offer soaring mountain views, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear lakes. The Great Navy Campout coincides with the National Wildlife Federation's Great American Campout, and aims to inspire participants of all levels to hit the trail and get active.

"We participated in the campout event last year and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves," said Karen Schulman, MWR community recreation programmer, Southwest Region. "Every so often, people who participated would come up to me and ask if we are doing it again. We are definitely participating this year!"

Eligible patrons can stay at a Navy Getaway's campground, recreation vehicle (RV) park, vacation rental, or a state/national park. They also can rent a tent from Navy MWR Community Recreation or get help pitching their own tent. Navy MWR can supply all the gear they will need for a wonderful camping experience.

"Our vision this year is to have a summer camp feel in one day for all ages," added Schulman.

Customers are encouraged to learn more about what it takes to go into the wild by attending a Navy MWR Community Recreation leisure skills class such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, Camping 101, and more. Select MWR locations also will hold events such as family bonfires, outdoor movies, night hikes, and gourmet s'mores making.

Sailors and families can experience different worldwide camping adventures throughout more than 58 participating Navy locations. Jim Creek Navy Community Recreation Area in the Northwest Region, for example, is holding a weekend-long celebration from June 23-25. Participants will learn the basics of camping, enjoy roasted marshmallows, catch an outdoor movie, and have a chance to win free camping gear. For more information, visit http://jimcreek.navylifepnw.com.

"An important part of our mission is to deliver customer-driven, quality of life programs and services to our Sailors and families," said Patty Owens, community recreation program analyst at Navy Installations Command. "Outdoor enthusiast or not, you can get involved. The Great Navy Campout provides a unique way to explore the outdoors and nature this summer. I encourage everyone to discover their adventure!"

To join in on the fun, visit your local Navy Community Recreation office for more details. Navy Getaways' campgrounds, RV parks and vacation rentals are located worldwide, offering the perfect place to stay, play, and relax! For more information and reservations, visit www.navygetaways.com or call 1-877-NAVY-BED (628-9233).

Navy Installations Command is comprised of approximately 52,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide responsible for the operations, maintenance and quality of life programs to support the Navy's fleet, Sailors and their families.

For more about the Navy's shore enterprise, visit: http://www.cnic.navy.mil

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Janay Powell is a contributing writer for the Marketing and Multimedia Development Program under Navy Installations Command.

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/.