It’s back! Every other year we hold the Women’s Outdoor Skills Workshop! The day is a chance for women to relax, enjoy exploring new skills in a welcoming environment, and make new connections!  Ages 15 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $70. Lunch provided from Palumbo’s of Granville.

To Register: 1) Sign up on signup genius at the link below to reserve a spot.  You will then be emailed a detailed registration form within one business day. Fill out that form as soon as possible, as we fill the session classes on a first come, first serve basis upon receiving it.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Registration starts at 8:30am.  Participants will choose their class schedule on a first come, first serve basis based on their registration form. There will be 4 sessions: three 1.5 hour sessions throughout the day followed by the final 1 hour wellness short session. Each session will have 5 or more classes to choose from upon registration. We tried to have the majority of instructors be women, however some classes we were not able to.  Regardless the classes are all fabulous!

Course Descriptions

Backpacking Basics and You: Whether you want to camp at a designated campsite or try your hand at backpacking, this workshop will give you the basic knowledge to get started. Participants will learn about the camping gear required, how to pack a bag, and how to plan your camping menu. Instructor: Maryellen O’Shaughnessy with Columbus Outdoor Pursuits

Beekeeping 101: Have you thought about becoming a beekeeper? This class will offer an introduction to honey bee biology and beekeeping basics. They will also talk to you about different flowers, trees, and shrubs that you could plant that will benefit honeybees and other pollinators. Instructors: Cathy Dixon and Gail Hubert with ECOBA

Beginning Archery: You will learn how to select and use bows, arrows, and other archery equipment. There will be a range set up where you can try different equipment. Instructor: Ace Archers.

Birding 101: Learn more about Ohio birds and about the rewarding activity of birding. Learn why birds are so amazing, what you can do to attract them to your property, and where to go to get more birds on your life list. Bring your binoculars if you have them. Instructor: Anne Balogh, Licking Park District

Canoe: This is a brief introduction to paddling a canoe. Students are presented with basic information from paddle safety and potential hazards to simple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water. Instructor: Emily Fouts, Licking Park District.

Fire Making: This workshop will instruct participants in various aspects of fire making including the basics of site and material preparation, fire sustainability, safety, self reliance starting methods, advanced considerations of matching different fire types to specific purposes, and care for the environment. The workshop includes hands on practice in fire starting, and producing sustainable fires while emphasizing safety and environmental protection. Instructor: Vince Alessi

Fly Fishing: Learn the basic differences between fly fishing and conventional tackle. Learn about types of flies and when to use them, fly casting, knots, and how to choose equipment that suits your fishing needs. There will be one-on-one instruction and casting practice time. Instructor: Land of Legends Fly Fishers

Native Foraging: “Native Foraging” is an empowering, beginners foraging class. We’ll walk the grounds, looking for and identifying plants to use in teas, tinctures, and medicines. You’ll learn the active constituents, most common and beneficial uses, along with what the plant tells you about itself, using the Doctrine of Signatures. This class will empower you to identify useful plants in your own backyard. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, take notes and learn how to support you and your family. If time allows, we will arrive back and learn how to make a lip balm from a plant that we identified, to take home with you. Instructor: Dr. Diana Hand

Gnarly Knots to Know: Have you ever wondered which knots are most appropriate for a specific situation? Do you want to be more confident when tying knots? Our instructor will introduce you to several important and most useful “daily life” knots, including the figure eight, bowline, trucker’s hitch, half hitch, clove hitch, and the sheet bend. You will also have the opportunity to tie your own keychain. Instructor: Tami McAdams, Licking Park District.

Intro to Falconry: Learn about this most ancient of outdoor sports, falconry. Learn about the history of falconry, its origins and growth throughout the ages, the important role that raptors (hawks, eagles, owls and falcons) play in their ecosystems and Falconry’s key role in raptor conservation efforts. 10 people in the session will handle and fly one of our trained hawks to your glove! Instructor: Ohio School of Falconry.

Kayak: This is a brief introduction to paddling a kayak. Students are presented with basic information from paddle safety and potential hazards to simple rescues. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water. Instructor: Kris Lohrman, Licking Park District.

Nature Journaling: Nature journaling is the practice of drawing or writing in response to nature. A nature journal is a place to record observations, thoughts, and feelings about what you see. This fun, relaxing practice helps you to connect more closely with nature, and results in the creation of your own unique nature journal. Instructor: Anne Balogh, Licking Park District

Open Paddle: Did not get a chance to try canoe, kayak, or SUP? Spend an hour unwinding, just trying out the paddling equipment. Instructor: LPD staff

Outdoor Cooking: If you can get a fire started, you can cook some wonderful meals. You will have hands-on experience with various cooking methods and leave with some delicious recipes. Instructor: Suzan Jervey

Stand-up Paddleboard: Students are presented with basic information on appropriate dress to paddle safely. A minimal paddle skill set is presented and practiced, allowing students to safely and comfortably maneuver on still water. Instructor: Renee Wallace from River City SUP and Yoga

Tai Chi: In traditional Chinese medicine the term chi (pronounced “chee”) translates to life force energy. The ancient practices of Tai Chi and Qi Gong are comprised of movements that serve to re-establish and maintain the flow of chi/qi (pronounced the same way) through the meridians in the body. This energetic flow, like a river, can become stagnant or even blocked resulting in less than optimal health and well being. The exercises (or flows) are very slow moving and gentle, and open up the flow of life force energy. The movements mimic the natural world. They are repetitive, fun, and easy to learn. Join us at IMP surrounded with the sights and sounds of the natural world for this moving meditation. Instructor: Cindy Houpt

Walking Meditation: In this guided meditative walk, you will experience how meditation can help you discover and open new ways of sensing and observing the world beyond the usual “five senses”; mindfully explore the natural world around you using these new ways of observing; appreciate curiosity and awe, and how they open you to new possibilities; and take time to document your observations (if you wish) through words or pictures (bring a notebook or camera). Instructor: Toni Kellar

Women in Rhythm Drum Circle: Tap into your body’s intelligence and discover your innate ability to play rhythm. Understand the relationship between elemental energy and the quality of sound in playing a drum. Learn about the history of women as drummers. Experience how to create improvisational rhythms in a group drum circle format. Drums and percussion instruments will be provided, and you can bring your own. Instructor: Toni Kellar

Yoga: Participants will use breath to guide them through poses increasing strength, flexibility and energy while decreasing stress, self judgment, and mindless chatter. Classes incorporate ways to find a balance of effort and ease. Instructor: Leona Vrbanac