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Date: February 5, 2013 MINERAL - In looking towards the future, Lassen Volcanic National Park is in the planning phase to create a camping facility which will provide greater opportunities for youth groups to camp, explore and experience their park. Crags Campground, located just 4.4 miles from the Manzanita Lake Entrance Station, has been the site of numerous camping adventures by children participating in Lassen Park Foundation's Youth Camping Program. For the past 16 years, this program has supported non-profit youth groups that serve at-risk or underserved youth by awarding scholarships to assist with camping costs. Many of these young participants have never camped or visited a national park before participating in the youth camping program. The new youth camping facility will create deep connections between a younger generation and the park through outdoor immersion. A wide range of youth organizations including school groups, educational groups, and scouting organizations will be encouraged to use this designated facility to introduce children to their national park. The Crags Youth Camp is slated to open in 2016, in time for Lassen Volcanic National Park's 100th Anniversary. The existing Crags Campground will be upgraded to include two group camping areas each comprised of five tent cabins, a picnic/cooking pavilion, and shared amphitheater and shower facilities. Currently youth groups are required to bring all of their own camping equipment so these expanded facilities will improve accessibility for a greater number of groups and reduce the amount of equipment required for first-time campers. The costs of these facility upgrades will be made possible through fundraising by the Lassen Park Foundation and project funding through the National Park Service. For more information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo/forkids/youth-camping. |
Last updated: February 28, 2015