JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 5, 2022 – Ladies, have you wanted to explore the great outdoors but didn’t know where to begin? Join the team at Finger Lakes State Park and experience outdoor adventure through classes taught by female instructors. From 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 20, women will be able to learn new skills or improve their techniques in a relaxed, fun and supportive atmosphere.
This event is part of the new Women in Nature (WIN) program, held at state parks throughout the state. The WIN program encourages girls and women to participate in activities they may not otherwise have the opportunity to. All programs and classes are created for women and taught by women, and provide the opportunity to learn by doing.
Participants must be at least 10 years old and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Parking is available at the beach and the program will take place at the Water Trail trailhead.
WIN is an active, outdoor event. Participant may walk on surfaces containing roots, embedded rocks and minimal elevation change. To help participants anticipate each course and know what physical levels to expect, a physical rating system follows.
- Low: Requires minimal physical skill/endurance (ex., lecture-based and hands-on activities in a classroom setting)
- Moderate: Requires moderate physical skill/endurance (ex., short walks; lecture-based and hands-on activities while standing)
- High: Requires high levels of skill/endurance (ex., hiking; lifting; full-body movement; lecture-based and hands-on activities while standing)
Classes and their level of physical activity follow:
- Kayaking (moderate/high): Learn the basics of flatwater kayaking. By the end of the class, you will feel more comfortable on the water and better understand the safety risks around you. Participants should be prepared to get wet. They will have time to practice and explore.
- Archery/Atlatl (moderate): Archery is a time-honored sport that is growing in popularity. It’s not only good fun, but also good exercise and now you can learn how it’s done. Participants will also get the opportunity to throw an historic hunting weapon, the atlatl. This course covers safety, ethics, techniques and equipment selection. After some instruction, participants will have adequate time to practice what they learn.
Cost to participate is $5 per person and preregistration can be done by visiting icampmo.com and searching “WIN.” There is a maximum of 20 participants. All refunds and cancellations must be done over the phone at 573-751-1643, or by emailing Taylor Ratcliff at taylor.ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov.
Finger Lakes State Park is located at 1505 E. Peabody Road in Columbia.
For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.