The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department welcomes beginning campers to join an overnight guided camping experience this summer at state parks. For $30 per family, the parks district provides tents, sleeping bags and other gear. Volunteers will help out. Activities include ranger-led hikes, owl prowls, bat chats and s'mores.

To register, call 1-800-551-6949. Most events are limited to 35 people and spots are filling up quickly.