Best Rural Activities

Women’s Wilderness Weekend helps women enjoy Nebraska’s great outdoors

Nebraskans can boast about our many lakes, reservoirs and miles of fresh, flowing rivers, compare our acres of waterfront to Minnesota, and say the state is second only to Alaska for wildlife viewing. Yet for many women, Nebraska’s great outdoors might as well be on Mars because they lack the knowledge and skills to participate in and enjoy outdoor experiences. That’s exactly why the Women’s Wilderness Weekend at Harlan County Reservoir near Alma was created.

The Trailblazer Natural Resources, Conservation and Development District (RC&D) in nearby Red Cloud facilitates the weekend activities.

“Thirteen years ago, the RC&D Board was exploring ways to raise funds for our many projects,” said Jan Harvey, RC&D program support assistant. “We also wanted to promote tourism in our seven-county region and healthy living for our population. Among many ideas, hosting a camp to educate women in outdoor activities sparked our interest. We have skilled instructors and thought women may prefer learning outdoor skills from someone other than their husbands.”

Women’s Wilderness Weekend appeals to both the experienced outdoor woman and those who want to get outdoors, but feel intimidated by their lack of experience and the high tech equipment associated with most sports and activities.

Every year since the camp started in 1996, approximately 100 women congregate at the 4H Camp on the Harlan Reservoir. Participants come from Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Florida, and all places in Nebraska. They sleep in the air conditioned 4H dorm or camp in tents or RVs. Many return each year for the camaraderie and laughter, the exhilaration of participating in an outdoor activity and the challenge of learning a new skill.

Robin Stroot of Hastings enjoys the experience so much that she has returned every year for five years. “I like to try new activities,” says Stroot. “I had never scuba dived, shot a hand gun, driven a jet ski, kayaked and so much more.” Stroop likes meeting women with similar interests who enjoy outdoor activities. She recommends the quality of the learning experience at the camp. “The instructors are conscious first and foremost about our safety,” says Stroop. “They teach the basics of every activity, and we have time to practice.” She adds, “The Women’s Wilderness Weekend is a great opportunity for any woman who wants to learn something new and meet people with similar interests who like to have fun.”

New activities are added every year and nearly 40 are on the agenda for this year. A new and especially fun addition to the 2009 Women’s Wilderness Weekend is Belly Dancing taught by Samantha Clark, an experienced belly dancer and teacher.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner also get top billing at the camp, and the food is fresh and well-prepared. Last year the campers made a request to cook their evening meal over a campfire, so this year they will barbecue hamburgers on Friday night and learn how to make a “cream-can supper” on Saturday night.

The Iron Woman Contest appeals to a select few of the strong and fit campers, and medals are awarded for the first three places. Four activities constitute the Iron Woman Contest: skeet shooting, a half-mile run, archery, and an “outdoor activities” obstacle course.

For more information, you can download a brochure , or contact Jan Harvey at 402 746-3560 to register.

Guide to country and small town events and entertainment

Fresh, funky, rugged and fun describe what we do for entertainment in Southwest and South Central Nebraska.  Whatever your interests – festivals, rodeos, car shows, marathons, fishing contests, bird watching, carnivals, county fairs, art galleries, theatre or music – you’ll find it happening here. Listed below are links to some of our favorite places to find fun things to do.

Auto racing in McCook.
www.mccookspeedway.com

Events in Alma and Harlan County Lake
www.almaisforyou.com/events.asp

Fishing by Kayakjak in Benkelman
www.kayakjak.com

Graham Gallery of Fine Art in Hastings
www.grahamgallery.com

Horse events and rodeo in McCook
www.kiplingerarena.com

Performing arts and art gallery in Red Cloud
www.willacather.org

Performing arts in Holdrege
www.thetassel.org

Performing arts, art gallery in Minden
www.mindenoperahouse.com

Tri-City Storm semi-pro ice hockey
www.pickmytickets.com

Visit Nebraska Wineries
www.vintagenebraska.org

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