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WIN: Women in Nature

6/17/2023 | Finger Lakes State Park | Columbia, MO

Hey, ladies! Have you ever wanted to explore the great outdoors but did not know where to begin? Come to Finger Lakes State Park and experience a half-day of outdoor adventure taught by all female instructors. This event is intended to be educational and relaxing. Whether you are new to the outdoors or consider yourself an expert, we will help you gain a few new skills and improve your techniques in a relaxed, fun and supportive atmosphere.  

Time:

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location:

Trailhead of Finger Lakes State Park Water Trail

Participants can park at the beach parking lot on-site. 

Age Requirements:

Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the entire program.

Activities:

Kayaking (Moderate/High*)

Learn the basics of flatwater kayaking, including equipment, entry and exit, strokes, safety, water, and wind. By the end of the class, you will feel more comfortable on the water, better understand the safety risks around you, and will have had fun. Participants will have time to practice and explore.

Archery/Atlatl (Moderate*)

Archery is a time-honored sport that is growing in popularity. It is not only good fun but good exercise – and now you can learn how it’s done. Have you ever heard of throwing with an atlatl? Well, participants are going to get the opportunity to learn and explore the technique behind this historic hunting weapon. This course will cover archery and atlatl safety, ethics, shooting techniques and equipment selection. Participants will receive personal instruction and adequate time to practice what they learn. 

Registration:

Registration is $10, and there is a maximum of 20 participants.

Click on the “REGISTER HERE” link below to register. When you get to the registration website, you will need to enter the date in the “Choose Date” box. The classes that are currently open for registration will pop up. Registration closes five weeks after the registration open date. All slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register here

If a class is full, you will have the option to register for the waitlist. If you register for the waitlist and a spot becomes available, you will be contacted to get registered if you are still interested.

Refunds/Cancellations:

All cancellations will need to be done over the phone or via email.

Program Change Policy:

Organizers reserve the right to cancel, reschedule or relocate any proposed offering without prior notice. Insufficient enrollment or emergency cancellations by the instructor are examples of why a program offering could be canceled. Organizers also reserved the right to substitute instructors if necessary.

*Physical Activity Guide:

Please be advised that WIN: Women in Nature programs are outdoor activities. Participants will be walking on tread surfaces at times that contain roots or embedded rocks and may have elevation changes.

To help participants anticipate each course and know what physical levels are expected in each class, a physical activity rating system has been created. You will find a physical level rating for each course next to the course name in the Activities section of this page.

  • Low: requires minimal physical skill/endurance (example: lecture-based and hands-on activities in a classroom)
  • Moderate: requires moderate physical skill/endurance (example: lecture-based and hands-on activities while standing or taking short walks)
  • High: requires high levels of skill/endurance (example: lecture-based and hands-on activities while standing, hiking, lifting or engaging in full-body movement)

For more information:

If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Ratcliff with Missouri State Parks at Taylor.Ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov

To see additional Women in Nature programs at Missouri State Parks, click here.

Click here to read the news release.

Finger Lakes State Park is located at:

1505 E. Peabody Road, Columbia, MO | 573-443-5315

Associated activities

  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Interpretive Programs