In 2007 the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and the Outdoor Industry Foundation (OIF) partnered with 20 communities across the country to launch the Teens Outside! initiative.  The project combines partnership development, mentoring and teen programming with outdoor recreation skill development approaches that expose teens to new lifetime activities that promote healthy lifestyles. You are invited to be a part of this amazing national movement!

Teens Outside partners:
Riverside Kayak Connection; School of Outdoor Leadership, Adventure & Recreation; Project FISH; Oakland County Youth Assistance/Mentors Plus; JCC Mentor Connection; Campfire USA; Sporting Lands Alliance; North Oakland YMCA; Waterford Twp. Parks & Recreation; Independence Twp. Parks & Recreation;  Huntington Woods Parks & Recreation; Clawson Parks & Recreation; Farmington Hills Parks & Recreation; Oak Park Recreation; Orion Twp. Parks & Recreation; Berkley Parks & Recreation; Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities

Teens Outside flyer '08

Teens Outside Mini-Grant for recreation agencies

Great Oakland County Tent City - For teens only!
July 25-26
New this summer…the first-ever Great Oakland County Tent City will be held in Oak Park! This event connects the Teens Outside and Great OC Campout initiatives into one fun-filled night for teens ages 11 - 17. For details, call 691.7555

Great Oakland County Campouts
This new initiative which began as a partnership between Farmington Hills Parks & Recreation and Oakland County Parks in 2007 is gaining momentum and spreading like wildfire! We are encouraging all families, whether or not you've camped before, to spend the night outdoors in your designated community park or your own backyard! 

2008 Great Oakland County Campout Dates & Communities
(Don't let your community miss the boat! If your community isn't listed here, contact your local Parks & Recreation Department or Oakland County Parks to start a campout near you!)

June 14-15  --  Farmington Hills (473.1800)
June 20-21  --  Berkley (546.2450)
July 12-13  --  Orion Twp. (391.0304)
Aug. 23-24  --  Independence Twp. (625.8223)

Great American Backyard Campout
June 28
This is another opportunity for you to campout with your family, in your own back yard! Camping resources and information on this Outdoor Industry Foundation (OIF) and National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Initiative can be found at www.outdoorindustryfoundation.org/programs.gabc.html