The Great American Backyard Campout, hosted by MWR’s Pacific Edge Outfitters (PEO), is happening Friday and Saturday,
July 27-28 at Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton’s Camp McKean. It is a great way to get into the outdoors and enjoy the
beautiful Pacific Northwest. And best of all, it’s free!
The Great American Backyard Campout is part of a nationwide event that is happening in various locations across the
country, including Bremerton and Whidbey Island. The event enjoyed great success last year, attracting over 100 campers
to the Whidbey campout, and participants agreed that it was a great family experience and an opportunity to get together
and spend quality time with each other.
“The idea of the trip is to teach people about camping, and to show them that it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Many people
have fathers and husbands who are deployed and we want to show them that they can still get out and camp,” says Melissa
Reyes, PEO Intern and coordinator of the event. Instruction on how to set up a tent, how to build a fire, and other camping
skills will be taught throughout the weekend. Participants will even learn how to make a yummy dessert in a Dutch oven.
Along with that, you can expect a variety of fun activities. A few holes of disc golf will be set up and canoes will be available
to take out onto the lake. You can finish the evening by cozying up next to a bonfire Friday night.
“Camp McKean has not been used in the past for family overnight experiences. I hope to bring a variety of events here so that
more families can enjoy the Kitsap Lake waterfront this summer,” said Tammie Van Diest, PEO manager.  “This event will feature
both learning and fun for people of all ages.”
The campout starts at 7 p.m. on Friday and goes until noon on Saturday. Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast are included through
a generous sponsorship from The Home Depot and Armed Forces Bank. Bring your own tent and sleeping bags or rent through
PEO at Bangor.
Other “Family Campouts” will be held at Camp McKean on July 4-5, and Aug. 1-2. Enjoy the waterfront, camping activities and fun
and games while staying in the local area.  The cost for these two campouts is $15 adults, $10 children and includes breakfast,
lunch, necessary camping equipment and boating.
For more information about these events, or if you are curious about other trips this summer, you can contact PEO at
(360) 535-5919 or check it out on the web at http://www.navylifepnw.com, click on activities in the upper right hand corner and search
for activity number 79801 (Great American Backyard Campout).