Outdoor Skills Classes, Camping at WOW KC Event

First posted on 08-21-2008

Have you ever wanted to learn skills that will enhance your outdoor adventures? If you answered yes, then WOW Kansas City is for you. You can enjoy and learn about outdoor activities at the 2008 WOW Kansas City event to be held in Swope Park Sept. 26 and Sept. 27.

This WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School is packed with opportunities to learn outdoor recreation skills. The event will begin on Friday evening with a camping opportunity, and will continue from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The event is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources; Kansas City, Missouri, Parks and Recreation; Bass Pro Shops; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Missouri Department of Conservation; Wonders of Wildlife; and the National Park Service.

WOW will offer classes in a variety of outdoor skills including archery, fishing, wall climbing, disc golf, canoeing, Dutch oven cooking, nature discovery and more. WOW Kansas City is designed to teach participants how to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreation activities while practicing personal safety and outdoor responsibility. Participants can choose to take classes offered at Swope Park or at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, which are offered as part of the National Hunting and Fishing Day event at this site. Transportation to the wildlife area will be provided from Swope Park.

Advance registration is required, and the deadline to register is Sept. 12. Classes are open to anyone age nine or above; however, nine to 12 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to classes. The cost to attend is $10 per person or $25 per family, making it an affordable day of family fun. Financial assistance is also available. A Junior WOW day camp for ages five to eight will be provided to families participating in WOW.

Camping on Friday night will be held at Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park and will begin at
4 p.m. with tent setup and a hands-on outdoor cooking experience (food is provided). Evening activities will include an owl program and family activities and hikes. Tents will be available to those who do not have one on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information or to request a registration packet, contact the Department of Natural Resources by calling toll free 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or sending an e-mail to . Registration information and forms are also available on the Web at http://www.mostateparks.com/wow.htm.