In a partnership with City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation, Cowan Lake State Park and local No Child Left Indoors volunteers, two summer opportunities are available.

On Thursday, June 29, Family Camping 101, will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the Cowan Lake State Park. This program is especially geared for anyone who wants to introduce the family to camping, but needs a little nudge in the right direction.

This is a great opportunity to learn the basics of camping, including preparing your campsite, making and cooking with fire, activities with kids, and local opportunities for camping.

The program will be Thursday, June 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. and will get your family ready for their first camping adventure. Cowan Lake State Park Naturalists will conduct the program, along with local No Child Left Indoor volunteers.

The program is free but pre-registration is required.

Participants will meet at the Cowan Lake State Park Campground, 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington. There’s no need to bring anything except comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, bug spray and your sense of fun and adventure.

The goal of the program is to give families the information and confidence to pursue the fun of camping on their own. For more information, call Lori Williams, Wilmington Parks and Recreation @ (937) 382-4781.

For more information and to register, go to greenalliancecc.com.

The second program has become an annual event.

On Wednesday, July 19, Cowan Lake State Park Naturalists Erin Shaw and Sarah Blair and No Child Left Indoors volunteers will lead a guided canoe tour of Cowan Lake to explore the beautiful Lotus Cove area of the park.

Canoes and life jackets will be provided. This activity is geared toward children ages 5-14 and will focus on safety and proper paddling techniques. This is a great opportunity to introduce children to the lifelong activity of canoeing at one of Ohio’s most beautiful state parks.

Parents or adult companions must stay with the children during the event. Participants will meet at Cowan Lake’s Campground, parking lot “B” at 1750 Osborn Road.

The program will start at 10 a.m. and will last approximately an hour and a half. Families are encouraged to bring a lunch and afterwards enjoy one of Clinton County’s natural treasures.

This program is also free, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information and registration go to Greenalliancecc.com.