(KFVS) - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says the Great American Backyard Campout in Missouri state parks will be Saturday, June 23.

The event is a nationwide initiative by the National Wildlife Federation to encourage families and communities to reconnect and experience the outdoors. To help you celebrate, eight Missouri state parks are offering special programs and activities to make this night one to remember.

"The Great American Backyard Campout is a great way for families to get outdoors and enjoy nature, whether you’re an experienced camper or trying it for the first time. Once you’ve experienced your first camping trip, you’ve taken the first step to creating a healthy and fun family camping tradition," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

DEXTER, MO (KFVS) - I stopped by the West Park in Dexter, Mo. Tuesday morning and took a couple of pictures while I was there.

It is located on Highway Business 60 and is such a pretty park. There is a great playground for the little kids.

There are two pavilions and nice, clean restrooms. The paved walking trail is such an asset to the community. Now we don't have an excuse not to get out and get our walk in.

I just like to go there to relax and read or watch the squirrels play.

You can e-mail us pictures from your community to cNews@kfvs12.com or click here to upload them. Don't forget to include your name, where you're from and a brief description of the picture.

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(KFVS) - The Missouri State Parks is encouraging visitors to help implement Camp Smart, a green initiative, throughout the park system that they say will help conserve energy, protect the environment and save money.

According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, reducing energy use will also help Missouri State Parks keep camping fees low.

"We are about fun in the outdoors, but we want to conserve our natural resources and be cost effective too. Our Camp Smart initiative allows campers to actively participate in a program that helps keep fees low and conserves energy at our state park campgrounds," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.