Loading Events
  • This event has passed.

Education

 

The Women in the Wilds event at Sinnemahoning State Park, which will be held at Sinnemahoning State Park during the weekend of June 24-26, 2022, is a ladies-only weekend of outdoor recreation and environmental education. 2022 WITW event offers women the opportunity to participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities such as kayaking, archery, trap shooting, geocaching, snorkeling, interpretive walks, wild edibles, Dutch oven cooking, yoga, journaling, nature crafts and more. A complete list of activities with descriptions is attached.

Program fee is $110.00 per person. Fee includes choice of nine outdoor recreation and interpretive classes, Friday evening snacks, lunch and dinner on Saturday, lunch on Sunday, plus all program materials and supplies. Equipment for outdoor recreation activities such as boating will be provided (quantities are limited) or you can bring your own gear.

Program fee does NOT include overnight accommodations or breakfast either day. All participants are responsible for finding and paying for their own overnight accommodations. A list of local cabins, B&Bs, and motels will be provided upon request.

Registration for the event is being managed by our friends at Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. To register, please visit the PPFF Educational Events Calendar at https://paparksandforests.org/events/category/education/. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required by Friday, June 10th. Limit 48 participants. When the registration is full, we will take an additional 6 people on the Wait List.

When your registration is completed, you will be sent a confirmation email from PPFF. Attached to that email will be the WITW Class Selection Form. Please complete the form and return it to me within 10 days of your registration.

For more information about Women in the Wilds or other programs at Sinnemahoning State Park, please call the park office at 814-647-8401.

If you need an accommodation to participate in PA State Park activities due to a disability, please so indicate in the space provided on the registration page. With at least seven days’ notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs. If you have any questions about the Winter WITW event at Sinnemahoning State Park, please call the park office or email [email protected].

Summer Women in the Wilds Class Descriptions
Friday, June 24 – Sunday, June 26

Please use these descriptions to help you select the classes you would like to attend.  Mark your class selections on the “Class Selection Form”.

Be sure to indicate your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices for each time period.

FRIDAY EVENING

Get Acquainted Social & WITW Weekend Overview: Enjoy refreshments and get to know the other participants as we introduce the Sinnemahoning State Park staff, the PA Wilds and the “Women in the Wilds” Weekend program.  Will hand out event t-shirts and participants schedules and review details of weekend at this time.  (Offered one time: Friday evening, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM.  Late arrivals welcome.)

Night Sky Yoga: Certified yoga instructor, Adriann White, will guide you through breath work, yoga poses, and deep stretching while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at night.  Suitable for all levels.  Bring your own yoga mat or a large towel. Class held near the Arch Tree.  (Offered one time: Friday evening, 8:45 PM – 9:30 PM.)

SATURDAY MORNING

Trap Shooting: Experience the sport of trap shooting. Have a fun, hands-on experience as Alan Lichtenwalner and friends teach you shotgun and trap range safety and give you an in-depth understanding of the sport.  You will then have the opportunity to shoot a shotgun at a real trap range for a round of 25 shots at clay pigeons.  Class will be held off-site at Bucktail Rod and Gun Club near Emporium.  Carpooling suggested. Group size limited. Meet in the Wildlife Center classroom to arrange carpool. (Counts as two classes.  Offered one time: Saturday morning, 8:00-11:30 AM.  Drive is 35 minutes each way.  Class is 2 hours long.)

Bird Walk: Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with local birding enthusiasts and members of the local birding club.  Learn to identify songbirds by field marks and vocalizations as you enjoy a slow-paced 2-mile hike along the Lowlands Trail.  Wear sturdy waterproof shoes and bring water.  Binoculars and field guides will be provided. Meet at 40 Maples Day Use Area. Group size limited. (Offered one time: Saturday morning, 8:00-9:30 AM.)

Geocaching Basics: Discover some fun while “treasure” hunting with your GPS, smart phone or tablet.  Geocaching enthusiast, Bill Daly, will explain how GPS receivers work, how to mark and find waypoints, and how they are used for the fun and popular outdoor activity called geocaching. The program will also include a chance to explore a geo-trail right here in the park.  Meet in front of the Wildlife Center. Group size limited.  (Offered two times: Saturday morning, 8:00-9:30 AM and 10:00-11:30 AM.)

Outdoor Yoga & Qi Gong: Get out of the studio and into nature to experience yoga as it was originally intended.  Certified yoga instructor, Adriann White, will introduce you to “Qi gong”, or “energy work”, an Asian form of yoga with thousands of years of history.  Learn to coordinate your breath, eyes, and body movements to gain focus, harness willpower, and move energy throughout the body while you enjoy the sounds of the stream and shade of the maple trees.  Suitable for all levels.  Bring your own yoga mat or a large towel. Program held along the creek at the 40 Maples Day Use Area.   (Offered two times: Saturday 8:00-9:00 AM, and Sunday 8:00-9:00 AM. Shorter sessions allow participants to choose both yoga and journaling at the first time period if they desire.)

Nature Journaling: Nature journaling helps you to become a better observer, naturalist, and artist and opens a world of beauty and discovery. Experienced amateur nature journalist, Terry Hoffman, will explain how to keep your own nature journal and give you tips to develop your drawing and writing skills.  Personal journals and writing materials will be provided. Program held at 40 Maples Day Use Area. Group size limited.    (Offered two times: Saturday 9:00-9:30 AM, and Sunday 9:00-9:30 AM. Shorter sessions allow participants to choose both yoga and journaling at the first time period if they desire.)

Wildlife Watching Kayaking Tour: Explore the reservoir by kayak to learn more about important wetland habitats and the animals that live there.  This session is offered as a longer kayak tour for more experienced paddlers. Kayaks, paddles, life vests provided. Wear watershoes and bring a towel and change of clothing. Group size limited.   (Offered one time: Saturday morning, 10:00-11:30 AM. An introductory course for beginners is offered on Saturday, 1:00-2:30 PM. See below.)

Wildflower Walk: Get to know the plants and wildflowers of the PA Wilds woodlands with DCNR Bureau of Forestry botanist, Christine Firestone.  Enjoy a slow-paced 1.5- to 2-mile walk along the Lowlands Trail while learning the folklore and uses of the woodland flora. Wear sturdy waterproof shoes and bring water. Meet in front of the Wildlife Center. Group size limited.   (Offered one time: Saturday morning, 10:00-11:30 AM.)

Dutch Oven Cooking: Learn to create tasty dishes with cast iron Dutch ovens. Park volunteers, John and Jan Halter will introduce  to Dutch oven cooking, covering essential equipment, history, proper care of cast iron, and cooking techniques.  Each individual will have the opportunity for hands-on preparation of both a main dish and dessert and then enjoy the tasty results of their efforts. Program held at 40 Maples Day Use Area. Group size limited.  (Offered two times on Saturday: 10:00-11:30 AM and 1:00-2:30 PM.)

Saturday Afternoon

Kayaking for Beginners: First time kayaking?  Don’t want to commit to a long tour of the lake?  Join experienced instructors to learn about kayaking equipment, basic skills, and safety.  Includes a short paddle along the shoreline to practice your skills. Kayaks, paddles, life vests provided. Wear watershoes and bring a towel and change of clothing. Meet at the boat launch of the Lake Day Use Area. Group size limited.  (Offered one time: Saturday afternoon, 1:00-2:30 PM. A longer paddle for experienced kayakers is offered Saturday morning, 10:00-11:30 AM. See above.)

Dutch Oven Cooking: Same program description as Saturday morning. (Offered two times on Saturday: 10:00-11:30 AM and 1:00-2:30 PM.)

Wellness in the Woods: Spend time in nature receiving the gifts of wellness and wisdom and  reflect on the question of, “How do we support the health and wellbeing of the natural world?” ANFT Forest Therapy Guide Certified instructor Sue Schiemer will guide participants during this green exercise activity. This short, leisurely walk on mostly level trails will not be strenuous – but very healthful. Meet at the 40 Maples Day Use Area. Group size limited. (Offered two times, Saturday afternoon, 1:00-2:30 PM and 3:00-4:30 PM.)

Wind Chime Nature Craft: Create beautiful windchimes using a combination of natural materials and suspended metal or wood tubes. All crafting supplies, including cording, hangers, and a variety of natural materials for suspension ring, striker, and wind sail, will be provided.  Each participant will make and take home one wind chime. Led by home crafter, Cyndi Colson, this program will be held in the classroom of the Wildlife Center. Group size limited. (Offered two times, Saturday afternoon, 1:00-2:30 PM and 3:00-4:30 PM.)

Freshwater Snorkeling: Discover the wonders of the underwater world as you explore the First Fork Sinnemahoning creek using masks and snorkels. Led by environmental educator, Kim Lott, and certified scuba diver Alyson Rotello. Wear water shoes and dress to get wet. Bring along a towel and change of clothing. Program held along the creek at the 40 Maples Day Use Area. Group size limited. (Offered one time, Saturday afternoon 3:00-4:30 PM).

Skies of Sinnemahoning: Sinnemahoning State Park, the next-door neighbor to the famous Cherry Springs, also has high quality dark skies.  Join park naturalist, Susan Schenck, to learn how to read a star map and discover what constellations and other celestial objects are visible in the skies of Sinnemahoning this weekend. Includes PowerPoint presentation and hands-on practice with star maps. Program held in the Wildlife Center. (Offered one time, Saturday afternoon 3:00-4:30 PM).

Free Time: An opportunity to rest up or to explore the park and its natural resources at your own pace.  Loaner bicycles, float tubes, fishing gear, binoculars, and GPS units are available for your use.

Saturday Evening

Spouses and family members are welcome to participate in the optional evening activities. Please let us know total count for night programs.

Cherry Springs Nature at Night and Night Sky Viewing Programs: Optional evening activity. Experience the famous dark skies of Cherry Springs State Park with a public program.  Learn about the resource, hear myths and legends, and see a laser guided tour of the stars and constellationsThe park will have telescopes available for public viewing at the end of the program. Dress in layers and bring a flashlight.  Program held at Cherry Springs State Park. Weather permitting. Carpooling suggested. 35-minute drive each way.  (Saturday evening only.  Depart by 8:30 PM from the Wildlife Center.  Return approximately 11:45 PM.)

Living With Black Bears in Pennsylvania: Optional evening activity.  Pennsylvania’s bear population has been increasing for decades, and at the same time, many people have moved into the areas where bears reside. As a result, bears and people are coming into contact more than ever. Join educators from the PA Game Commission to learn more about Pennsylvania’s black bears, their habits, and how you can stay safe when visiting bear country.  Program held outdoors in open area; exact location TBD.  (Offered one time: Saturday evening 7:30-9:00 PM.)

Sunday Morning

Moving Water Kayaking: Join Hansel and Jody Lucas from Performance Kayak for a kayaking adventure on the First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek.  Learn to maneuver a kayak in moving water while enjoying a trip of 4-6 miles through the beautiful First Fork Valley. Equipment, safety gear, and instruction will be provided.  Swimmers only.  Must have prior flat-water kayaking experience. Be prepared to get wet; wear watershoes and bring a towel and change of clothing.  Route may be changed or cancelled if water levels are too low.  Exact location TBD. Meetin in front of Wildlife Center to carpool. Group size limited.  (Counts as two classes.  Offered one time, Saturday morning, 8:00-12:00 PM)

Bird Mist Netting/Banding: Join licensed bird-bander David Hauber for an up-close and personal look at some of Sinnemahoning’s resident songbirds. David will demonstrate the mist netting techniques used to capture and band birds and discuss the importance of banding in researching migration patterns and population trends.  Don’t forget your camera! Meet on Lowlands Trail near the Wildlife Center.   (Offered two times, Sunday morning, 8:00-9:30 AM and 10:00-11:30 AM.)

Archery For Beginners: Discover the exciting sport of archery.  Local bowhunters Steve Bajor, Vince Hornung and Randy Overly will cover the basics of archery, including safety, parts of the bow and arrow, and proper shooting techniques, then let you test your skills to find out if you are a true “Robin Hood”.  Archery range is located near Wildlife Center, across from the Arch Tree. Group size limited.  (Offered two times, Sunday, 8:00-9:30 AM and 10:00-11:30 AM.)

Outdoor Yoga & Qi Gong: Same description as Saturday morning. (Offered two times: Saturday 8:00-9:00 AM, and Sunday 8:00-9:00 AM. Shorter sessions allow participants to choose both yoga and journaling at the first time period if they desire.)

Nature Journaling: Same description as Saturday morning. Group size limited.  (Offered two times: Saturday 9:00-9:30 AM, and Sunday 9:00-9:30 AM. Shorter sessions allow participants to choose both yoga and journaling at the first time period if they desire.)

Wild Edible Plants: Join the environmental educator from Kettle Creek State Park for a short walk along the edge of the forests, fields, and wetlands of Sinnemahoning to learn what plants are edible and what plants you should stay away from. You will be given a demonstration of jelly making and then sample some jams, jellies, and teas made from edible wild plants.  Minimal hiking required.  Meet in front of the Wildlife Center. (Offered two times: Sunday 10:00-11:30 AM, and 1:30-3:00 PM.)

Free Time: An opportunity to sleep in or to explore the park and its natural resources at your own pace.  Loaner bicycles, float tubes, fishing gear, binoculars, GPS units, and field guides are available for your use.

Sunday Afternoon

Butterflies of Pennsylvania: Learn more about the butterflies of the First Fork Valley and their habitats with Kim Lott, park educator.  Following a short introductory talk, the group will head out to the meadows to catch and release butterflies.  Hike will cover about 1.5 miles over uneven and weedy terrain.  Hiking shoes or boots recommended.  No sandals please. Meet in front of the Wildlife Center. (Offered one time on Sunday afternoon 1:30-3:00 PM.)

Pontoon Boat Tour: Wrap up the weekend with a fun and relaxing ride on-board the pontoon boat, while learning about the history and ecology of the George B. Stevenson Dam with park naturalist, Susan Schenck. Meet at the boat launch of the Lake Day Use Area. Pontoon has ramp to assist with accessibility.  Group size limited.  (Pontoon tour offered one time: Sunday afternoon 1:30-3:00 PM.).

Pre-registration is required.  Limited number of spaces available.  To register, please visit https://ppff.events/register-2022summer-sinne-witw or click the link at the top of the page. Again, a Class Selection Form will be provided in the email you receive confirming payment and registration. You should receive the confirmation email within ten minutes of completion of your registration. If it does not immediately appear in your inbox, be sure to check spam or a similar sub-folder.

Share Event

Summer Women in the Wilds – Sinnemahoning State Park