Charlotte, N.C. - The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is hosting the Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 28, 2008.  Kids of all ages are invited to participate in a day filled with exciting events and thrilling adventure.

Want to learn how to cook your own breakfast at a campsite?  How about winding down in front of a fire and roasting marshmallows after a fun-filled day on the river?  You can do this and much more in a fun, safe environment at the Great American Backyard Campout at USNWC.

Activities at the event range from camping clinics and knot tying workshops to live animal shows and nature hikes.  There will also be Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids (PEAK) programs that last throughout the day.  And of course, all the amazing activities like whitewater water rafting and rock climbing available every day at USNWC.

The festivities will last into the night as participants can be the first ever to camp out at the USNWC.  Starting at 9 p.m., campers can roast marshmallows by the fire while being enthralled by storytellers.  The evening will wind down with a camp out on Jones Island, USNWC's own private getaway.

For more information, to sign up for clinics or to reserve a camp site, call (704) 391-3900 ext. 225.  Spaces are limited, but sign-ups are available on the day of the event on a first-come-first-serve basis.  Parking is $5, tent spots are $20 and all Great American Backyard Campout activities are FREE!  Additional USNWC activities will be offered at a 10% discount to all Great American Campout participants.  A $5 donation to the non-profit USNWC Youth Programs will help ensure the continuation of the program.

Great American Backyard Campout is sponsored by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, 96.9 The Kat, Lite 102.9, The Schiele Museum of Natural History, REI, the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Located on the banks of the Catawba River in Charlotte, N.C., the U.S. National Whitewater Center is the world's largest artificial whitewater river and an official U.S. Olympic Training site.  The Whitewater Center is a locally owned and operated non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles.  The 307-acre public adventure sport facility includes whitewater rafting and kayaking, mountain biking and hiking trails, a climbing center and ropes course, a 2400 square foot conference center and a 300 seat River's Edge Bar & Grill. For more information, visit www.usnwc.org.