WIN: Women in Nature

9/21/2024 | Roaring River State Park | Cassville, 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 Roaring River State Park for Women in Nature’s full-day 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.  

Time:

9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m.)

Location:

Check in at Camp Smokey. From Highway F, drive to the end of Campground 3 Road; Camp Smokey is on the left, just past the fish cleaning station.

Age Requirements:

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

Accommodations:

Camp Smokey will be available for you stay at on Friday, Sept. 20, and Saturday, Sept. 21. The cost is $6 plus tax, per night. To arrange accommodations, contact Anna Skalicky at Anna.Skalicky@dnr.mo.gov.

Lunch:

Participants must bring their own lunch. A refrigerator is available at Camp Smokey. The park store offers some basic food items, including sandwiches, chips and granola bars.

Activities:

Archery and Atlatl (Low-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. You will also get an introduction to atlatl throwing. This course will cover archery and atlatl safety, ethics, shooting techniques and equipment selection. You will receive personal instruction and adequate time to practice what you learn.

Basketry (Low*)

Roaring River volunteer and retired National Park Service interpreter Marty Falkenstien will present a program on basketry. Basketry is the oldest form of art, predating pottery and stone carving, and was traditionally performed by women. See a large variety of baskets made from sticks, bark, grasses and twigs, and make your own basket to take home.

Fly Fishing Basics (Moderate*)

Learn the basics of fly fishing, including casting, flies, reeling and catching the fish. All equipment will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite rod, reel and tackle.

Nature Journaling (Low*)

Learn the basics of keeping a nature journal. Practice sketching, writing and reflection, and learn how nature journaling can connect us with the natural world. Journals and writing materials will be provided, although you are welcome to bring your own.

Optional Activity: Campfire Music

Join us at 7 p.m. for a campfire and gathering at Camp Smokey! We will have s’mores, and you're encouraged to bring your instruments if you’d like to play around the fire.

Registration:

Registration is $20, 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 select the event date from the calendar in the “Choose Date” box and then click "Search Activities." From there, click on the green “Show 1 session available” button below the WIN listing. Then, click on the green “Sign Up!” button. Registration opens Aug. 8.

All slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration close date is listed on the registration website.

Register here
Refunds and Cancellations:

All refunds and cancellations must 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 at times that 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 (examples: lecture-based and hands-on activities while standing or taking short walks)
  • High: requires high levels of skill/endurance (examples: 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 Sarah Frantz or Anna Skalicky with Missouri State Parks at sarah.frantz@dnr.mo.gov or Anna.Skalicky@dnr.mo.gov.

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

Roaring River State Park is located at:

12716 Farm Road 2239, Cassville, MO | 417-847-2539

Associated activities

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Interpretive Programs