Families with young children seeking a nature-intensive outdoor experience are invited to register for the third annual SMR Family Campout scheduled for Sat., Sept. 10 through Sun., Sept. 11 (rain dates, Oct 8-9). The program will be based out of Summit Field in Essex County South Mountain Reservation. Sponsored by the Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs and the South Mountain Conservancy, the event will feature nature games, guided hikes, kids’ exploration and crafts, music, a campfire with s’mores and stories, morning yoga and a Sunday breakfast. Activities are designed for children ages four through 12. Families are responsible for bringing their own tents and camping gear, snacks and Saturday night dinner.

The program will be limited to 45 families and registration is required by Wed., Sept. 7; registrations will not be accepted at the event. The event cost is $30 per family who are already Conservancy members, $55 for families who are not. For more information on the agenda and how to register, visit the Conservancy’s website, www.somocon.org.

“The South Mountain Reservation is an exceptional natural resource for Essex County residents,” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, Jr. “This third campout organized by the Conservancy and our Parks Department again affords a special introduction to nature for young children in a controlled environment.”