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A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
ST. LOUIS, Mo.— Are you looking for a safe and easy way to get introduced to outdoor adventures? Would camping out in St. Louis’ most famous park make you say wow? If so, then WOW St. Louis is for you. This beginning overnight camping event will be held in Forest Park Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8. It’s a chance to experience camping, fishing, canoeing, and cooking outdoors.
The purpose of WOW St. Louis is to empower anyone new to camping and outdoor recreation with the skills, comfort and confidence they need to take the next steps on their own. The emphasis is on family participation; however, individuals are welcome, too. The campout is part of the WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School. It’s packed with opportunities to learn skills that will enhance your outdoor experience.
WOW St. Louis is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri State Parks, Bass Pro Shops, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Forest Service, Wonders of Wildlife Museum, National Park Service, City of St. Louis, Gateway Region YMCA, Missouri State University, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The weekend program is presented in two parts. Saturday is the outdoor skills portion where WOW offers classes in a variety of outdoor activities, including archery, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, geocaching, orienteering flag adventure, outdoor cooking and more. Each one is designed to teach participants how to enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities while practicing personal safety and outdoor responsibility. Classes are open to anyone age six and up.
The second portion is the overnight campout. WOW participants will have the opportunity to spend the night in Forest Park Saturday night. The camping experience will include tent set-up, campfires, and outdoor-themed movie night.
Tents will be available on request on a first-come, first-served basis for those who don’t have one. Campers should bring their own sleeping and personal gear, and dress for the weather.
The cost to attend the outdoors skills classes Saturday is only $15 per person, making it an affordable day of family fun. The Saturday night campout is an additional $5 per person. Registration includes equipment for all activities, lunch on Saturday, and a hotdog cookout Saturday night with breakfast snacks Sunday morning for campers. Financial assistance to cover the cost of the event is also available.
Registrations will be accepted through Sept. 15. For more information or to request a registration packet, visit the WOW website at MoStateParks.com/wow or call (314) 340-5794. For more on discovering nature, including MDC family camping spots, visit https://goo.gl/xFpF3X.
