CAPITAL CAMPOUT, JUNE 2014

On May 30th, 2014, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback hosted more than 30 youth from around Kansas at MacLennan Park near the Governor’s residence in Topeka forGreat Outdoors Month 2014’s first Capital Campout. Campers enjoyed more than a dozen fun activities including hiking, fishing, catching frogs, archery, a 25-foot tall Smokey Bear balloon, and the bright red Coleman “big rig” featuring a history of recreation products. Governor Sam Brownback joined campers, families and media to talk about the importance of outdoor recreation to Kansas families and communities. Recruitment of campers and their families is being spearheaded by the staff at the National Park Service’s Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. The leadership team of Heartland Healthy Neighborhoods served a healthy snack. Campers created their own customized trail mix by combining choices of crackers or pretzels, nuts, dried fruits and a little bit of chocolate.  The snack was designed to teach campers about portion control and help them choose a variety of foods to replenish their energy while hiking. View more photos of the event on flickr.