ST. LOUIS, Mo.— Are you looking for a safe and easy way for you and your family to discover outdoor adventures? The WOW St. Louis Outdoor Skills Day and Campout event is for you.  WOW is designed to give newcomers and first-time campers a chance to explore fishing, canoeing, cooking outdoors, and an overnight camping experience.

There are two parts to WOW—an outdoor skills day held at Forest Park Saturday, Oct. 6, followed by an overnight campout Saturday night at Robertsville State Park.  The camping program will wrap up Sunday, Oct. 7.  Families can choose to participate in either the outdoor skills day or extend the adventure with the overnight camping trip to Robertsville State Park.  Participants must attend the Saturday outdoor skills program to attend the campout.

The Saturday outdoor skills portion of WOW offers classes in a variety of outdoor activities, including archery, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, geocaching, a map and compass flag adventure, birdhouse building, 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.

During the campout at Robertsville State Park, WOW participants will have the opportunity to have a real overnight camping experience, including tent set-up, cooking meals, enjoying a campfire, and evening programing.

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 bag and personal gear, and dress for the weather.  WOW staff will be on hand to help participants with all aspects of the camping experience, including tent set up and cooking.

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 program 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.

The cost to attend the outdoors skills classes Saturday is $15 per person, making it an affordable day of family fun.  Registration fee includes equipment for all activities and lunch on Saturday.  The Saturday night campout is an additional $10 per person which covers all food for dinner Saturday night and Sunday morning breakfast.  Financial and camping assistance is available on a case-by-case basis.

Registrations will be accepted through Sept. 14.  For more information or to request a registration packet with full details, visit the WOW website at MoStateParks.com/wow or call (314) 340-5794.

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, Conservation Federation of Missouri, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.