Thursday, May 28, 2015

BPS Outdoor Days at MO Capital Offer Free Activities to Encourage Outdoor Activity

Governor's Capitol Campout allows families to try out new outdoor skills with an overnight stay at the Jefferson City Capitol Complex

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A variety of free activities, from camping and kayaking to archery and geocaching, are being offered during Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Days Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City.

This day-long event, in partnership with Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Wonders of Wildlife, is being hosted to introduce Missourians to the many different ways they can enjoy the outdoors this summer. The enjoyment can last all summer by exploring the many different fun outdoor opportunities at Missouri's state parks.

Free activities, programs and demonstrations are possible thanks to participation from partners such as Coleman and the Boy Scouts of America. Activities will include: Ascend Kayak Pool, King of Bucks Truck, Rock Wall and Gaga Ball Activities, Mountain Man Rendezvous Skills Village, Dutch Oven Cooking and Baking, Wonders of Wildlife and Bass Pro Shops Village with Live-animal Showings / Outdoor Games / Archery / Meat Smoker and Grill Demos, Metal Detecting and Sand-trap Course, Premiere Camping Equipment Demos, Progressive Bike Ramps Bicycle Pump Track, Geocaching and Orienteering Course, Interactive Fly Fishing Trailer, Hay Wagon Rides, Casting, Air Rifles, and more.

In addition to the huge variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations, Outdoor Days participants also can enjoy live performances by recording artist Liz Moriondo, Camo the Clown, and Professor Farquar and Miss Polecat Annie: Music, Mirth, and More.

The event will coincide with Kidsfest, a free event hosted downtown by Jefferson City Parks and Recreation from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Also on May 30, Gov. Jay Nixon will host the Governor's Capitol Campout, which provides 24 Missouri families the opportunity to enjoy a weekend of outdoor adventures and sleeping under the stars at the Jefferson City Capitol Complex. Those participating in the overnight Campout can enjoy the activities occurring during Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Days as well as get hands-on experience with the camping equipment supplied by Coleman Inc. and Bass Pro Shops.

"Whether it's hiking, jogging or just playing a game of catch, getting outdoors has always been a proud Missouri tradition," Gov. Nixon said. "My administration has made it a priority to promote the outdoor assets our state has to offer, and we are excited to partner with Bass Pro Shops and the Department of Conservation to kick off Great Outdoors Month here in Missouri."

All of these events are in celebration of Great Outdoors Month, which is held each June. Proclaimed by nearly every governor in the nation, Great Outdoors Month is an ideal platform for encouraging families to enjoy the outdoors and help uphold our conservation legacy. There are lots of health and wellness benefits associated with enjoying the outdoors, too. Camping, fishing, hiking, and paddling are great ways to reduce stress, get some exercise, socialize with friends and family, and feel a sense of accomplishment from learning new skills.

For more information about Kidsfest, visit http://www.visitjeffersoncity.com/display-events.php?id=277

For more information about Great Outdoors Month, visit http://www.funoutdoors.com/taxonomy/view/or/143

For more information about Bass Pro Shops, visit http://www.basspro.com

Media Contacts:
Martin Mac Donald
Bass Pro Shops
Director of Conservation
mmacdonald@basspro.com
417-873-5023

Heather Feeler
Missouri Department of Conservation
Communications Manager
heather.feeler@mdc.mo.gov
573-522-4115

Steph Diedrick
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Acting Director for Office of Communications
573 751-1010
steph.deidrick@dnr.mo.gov