WIN: Women in Nature

10/7/2023 to 10/8/2023 | Crowder State Park | Trenton, MO

Maximum of 40 participants

Hey, ladies! Have you ever wanted to explore the great outdoors, but did not know where to begin? Come join us at Crowder State Park for Women in Nature’s weekend experience to learn some new skills, 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.  

Dates:

Saturday, Oct. 7, to Sunday, Oct. 8

Times:

Oct. 7: Registration starts at 8 a.m.

Oct. 8: Pack out by 10 a.m.

Location:

Camp Grand River at Crowder State Park

Age Requirements:

Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Any participants under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

Activities:

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 and throwing techniques, and equipment selection. Participants will receive personal instruction and adequate time to practice what they learn. 

Beginner Orienteering Course (Moderate*)

Orienteering involves finding one’s way through various terrain using a compass, a topographical map and land navigation skills. The objective is to make your way through a series of points identified on a map and to return to the finish line. 

Nature Journaling (Low*)

In this class, you will learn the basics of keeping a nature journal. You will practice sketching, writing and reflection and will learn how nature journaling can connect us with the natural world. Journals and writing materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Kayaking (Moderate/High*)

Participants will 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.

Fishing Basics (Moderate*)

This class will offer instruction on the basics of fishing, including casting, bait, reeling, and catching the fish. All equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite rod, reel and tackle.

Optional Activities:

Dutch Oven/Camp Cooking (Low*)

This activity will be on the evening of Oct. 7. Participants will learn the basics of cooking with a Dutch oven. There will be instruction as well as hands-on experience as you prepare and cook your own dinner in the great outdoors.

Night Hike (High*)

Enjoy a guided interpretative hike on the evening of Oct. 7. During the hike, you will learn how to identify plants along the way and the basics of reading and using a map for hiking. The hike will last roughly an hour and a half; we recommend that you wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

Early-Morning Birding 101 (Low/Moderate*)

Experience the basics of birding through base ID, using binoculars, bird sounds and smartphone apps on the morning of Oct. 8.

Nature Yoga (Low/Moderate*)

Join us in the morning on Oct. 8 for some light stretching before you head back home for the day.

Tracks:

There will be two activity track options when you register. Please be sure to select the option you prefer.

Track 1 will consist of Fishing, Archery/Atlatl, Nature Journaling and Orienteering.

Track 2 will consist of Kayaking, Archery/Atlatl, Nature Journaling and Orienteering.

Accommodations:

There will be cabins available for you to stay in at Camp Grand River. You are also welcome to bring a tent to use.

Registration:

Registration is $40, and there is a maximum of 40 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

Refunds/Cancellations:

All refunds and 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 and emergency cancellations by the instructor are examples of why a program offering could be canceled. Organizers also reserve 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 that, at times, contain roots or embedded rocks and may have elevation changes.

To help participants anticipate each course and know what physical levels to expect, 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, outdoor recreation coordinator, at Taylor.Ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov, or Anna Persell, Crowder State Park, at anna.persell@dnr.mo.gov

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

Crowder State Park is located at: