By DENNIS AMOR

THERE will be much clowning around and laughter when caravan parks all over Australia stage a big night of free camping later this year.

Phillip East hams it up with Clown Doctors at last year's BIG4 conference in Adelaide

The BIG4 chain will offer a free night's camping at over 150 of its member parks during which they will promote the highly successful Clown Doctors.

The chain last year forged a partnership with the Humour Foundation's scheme to bring huge smiles to the faces to children in hospital.

Each year a team of more than 50 Clown Doctors, including loveable characters such as Dr I.M. Crackers and Dr Tickle, visit about 85,000 patients across Australia, delivering doses of laughter to mainly children, and some adults too, to help brighten their day.

And to raise funds for the charity, BIG4 parks taking part in the night of free camping will sell Clown Doctor dolls and donate funds from the sale of BIG4 memberships.

There will also be special activities such as face painting, juggling competitions, pancake breakfasts and treasure hunts.

BIG4 chief executive officer Terry Goodall said Come Camp with BIG4 would provide the perfect opportunity for new and seasoned campers alike to enjoy the outdoors with a free night of camping.

"This year we are celebrating the fifth annual Come Camp with BIG4 event, focused around giving family and friends a chance to relax and enjoy each other's company on us," he explained.

"Each year we have more and more BIG4 parks and campers participating in Come Camp with BIG4. Last year over 140 parks across Australia were involved as well as more than 10,000 campers. We anticipate these figures will increase significantly this year.

"For some, Come Camp with BIG4 can kick start the camping season. For others who are new to the idea it's the chance to try camping and be welcomed to the BIG4 group. We want Come Camp with BIG4 to be an event in the diary of every Australian," Mr Goodall added.

The event will be held on November 7.

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