Learn to enjoy the outdoors at WOW Kansas City Sept. 23-24

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Have you ever wanted to learn skills that will enhance your outdoor adventures?  If you answered yes, then WOW Kansas City is for you.  WOW Kansas City will be held inSwope Park Sept. 23-24 and registration is open now.

 The WOW National Outdoor Recreation and Conservation School is packed with opportunities for people of all ages to learn outdoor recreation skills. 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; the National Park Service and Missouri State University.  The event will begin on Friday evening with a camping opportunity, and will continue from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

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. WOW will offer classes in a variety of outdoor skills including archery, fishing, canoeing, campfire cooking, camping and more. Participants will camp at SwopePark and participate in Saturday classes at James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area. Transportation to the wildlife area will be provided from Swope Park.

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 trained professionals provide hands-on instruction for people who may not be familiar with the outdoors and children who may be experiencing nature for the first time. The workshop is a great opportunity for families to learn activities together and take the "Children in Nature Challenge." 

The cost to attend is $15 per person or $30 per family, making it an affordable day of family fun. Financial assistance is also available.  Advance registration is required and the deadline to register is Sept. 9.

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 and can be reserved through the registration process.

 For more information or to request a registration packet, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources by calling toll free 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or sending an email to moparks@dnr.mo.gov.  Registration information and forms are also available on the web atmostateparks.com/wow.