Former Soil Conservation Service employee and longtime writer Mat Taylor offers his outdoors column for Dispatch Record readers. He can be contacted at (254) 518-2262 or via e-mail at mntaylor@wildblue.net. New Year’s Day has come and gone already. I have never been one to make New Year’s resolutions, however it is not too late to set some goals for 2010.

One resolution I would recommend is to spend more time with your family in the outdoors and to reconnect with the natural beauty of Texas.

One way to do this would be to participate in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Texas Outdoor Family program. TPWD invites families to enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes: camping. The program is offering 28 new camping workshops throughout the state.

If you like to camp or are interested but not sure if your family will enjoy it enough to invest in the purchase of gear, there is now a chance to give it a try.

I always enjoyed camping -- especially if it was in conjunction with a hunting or fishing trip. My wife’s idea of camping, however, is staying at a Holiday Inn with room service. Most of my camping trips have been with my brother and son.

During the overnight Texas Outdoor Family program, participants learn the skills that lead to a successful camping experience. TPWD staff will provide all the camping essentials and lead a day’s worth of familyfriendly activities.

The program’s activities reflect each park’s unique amenities and natural resources. Events may include some of the following: fishing, photography, crafts, kayaking and more. Also included in each TOF weekend is an introduction to the sport of geocaching.

“Geocaching is basically a hightech scavenger hunt that anyone can be part of,” said Robert Owen, a ranger with the TOF program.

“Something called a cache is hidden in the park. Then participants are provided with a set of coordinates and a GPS unit to lead them to the treasure. Both kids and parents alike love the adventure.”

The workshops cost $55 per family (up to six people), which covers park entry, campsite rental, professional park rangerled programs and instructions, a curriculum tailored to each state park, a Junior Ranger certification program and, most importantly, all the camping equipment needed for the night.

Campers need to bring just sleeping bags or bedding, and food and drinks.

The TPWD program is not limited to families with young children, but all sorts of groups are welcome to participate such as extended families, groups of friends, Scout groups or adults without children.

Some of the state parks that offer the Texas Outdoor Family program are South Llano River on Feb. 27- 28; Blanco State Park, March 6-7; Enchanted Rock, May 8-9; Colorado Bend, May 15-16; and Inks Lake, Aug. 17-16.

For each two-day workshop, participants receive in advance a checklist of what they need to bring, along with a suggested packing list for meals and personal items.

To obtain additional information and a complete calendar of programs, visit the Texas Outdoor Family Web site at www.tpwd.state .tx.us/learning/bof

Families can register by calling (512) 389-8903 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. and speaking to a TOF representative or by sending an email to tofsp@tpwd.state.ts.us.

After registration, a confirmation packet with details will be sent.

If you want to enjoy the outdoors and get your kids away from the television, computer or video games for a couple of days and spend quality time with family or friends, consider participating in the Texas Outdoor Family program.