WOW overnight campout in Forest Park helps families discover nature

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News from the region
Saint Louis
Published Date
09/18/2013
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St. Louis, Mo, – Have you ever wanted to learn to camp or fish, or maybe go canoeing or create great meals outdoors? If you answered yes, 2013 WOW St. Louis is for you. This educational family event will be held in Forest Park Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27.

WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School is packed with opportunities to learn skills to enhance your outdoor experience. It is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Bass Pro Shops, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, Wonders of Wildlife, National Park Service and St. Louis Department of Parks and Recreation.

WOW St. Louis is presented in two parts. Saturday is the outdoor skills portion. The program will offer classes in a variety of outdoor skills including archery, canoeing, fishing, geocaching, orienteering, rock climbing, kayaking, outdoor cooking and more. WOW St. Louis is designed to teach participants how to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreation activities while practicing personal safety and outdoor responsibility. Classes are open to anyone age nine or above. For children under nine, a kids’ camp will offer activities tailored especially for young children.

The second portion is the overnight campout. WOW participants will have the opportunity to spend the night in Forest Park. The camping experience will include a campfire, cooking demonstrations, informal learning stations on how to set up a tent, Leave No Trace camping, plus stargazing courtesy of the St. Louis Astronomical Society. This year the musical duo “WildHeart” will perform a campfire concert of family-friendly nature songs. Tents will be available to those who don’t have one on a first-come, first served basis.

The cost to attend is $10 per person or $25 per family of four, making it an affordable day of family fun. Registration includes equipment for all activities and lunch, along with a hotdog cookout Saturday night and breakfast snacks on Sunday. Scholarships to cover to cost of the event are also available. Advance registration is required. The deadline to register has been extended; registration forms must be received by Oct. 11.

For more information or to request a registration packet, log onto the WOW website at wondersofwildlife.org/Page/Conservation-Education-Wow-School-stl.aspx . You can also request registration information and forms by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at (314) 340-5794 or toll free at 1-800-334-6946 (voice) or 1-800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).