Ever wanted to build a shelter in the woods? Now’s your chance to learn how to do just that. You will learn tips for choosing a safe shelter site, how to forage materials and the various types of shelters that offer protection from the elements. You will have the opportunity to practice these skills on Meadowside grounds by foraging for natural materials and building a shelter of your own. Each participant will also receive a waterproof tarp ($10 value) to take home. Welcome to W.A.N.D.E.R. – Women And Non-binary individuals Deepening their Environmental Relationships, an empowering hands-on program that provides accessible and practical knowledge in various outdoor activities. W.A.N.D.E.R. is an invitation to explore, learn, and thrive in the great outdoors. Our workshops cover outdoor skills such as shelter building, campfire cooking, fire building, foraging, wildlife identification, and more! This program is designed for participants 18 and up; no prior experience is necessary, and complete beginners are encouraged to attend. Research indicates access to nature provides numerous social, physical, and psychological benefits. W.A.N.D.E.R. workshops foster an inclusive, non-competitive atmosphere where participants feel encouraged to further their journey outdoors. Instruction by our experienced Parks’ staff and guest instructors is intentionally hands-on, providing participants with practical knowledge that goes beyond the workshop. We aim to emphasize not just skill acquisition but also the joy, camaraderie, and transformative potential that outdoor recreation offers.
