POWR Series opens the door to outdoor adventures

"Small group size, amazing instructors, absolutely fantastic! Lots of staff for our small groups so our instructors were able to pinpoint issues and help us improve." Comments like these from POWR Series participants inspire the South Carolina Wildlife Federation to continue to provide quality instruction for women and their outdoor adventures.

This educational program has grown from a weekend of introductory outdoor activities to a progression of topics that help participants build knowledge and confidence in outdoor skills. After learning the basics with patient and knowledgeable instructors at POWR, participants are ready to build on what they learned at POWR Up and in POWR+ events. These longer and more in-depth programs foster their newfound skills and build on those they already have, giving them the confidence to participate on their own or with like-minded women they may meet at the events.

Registration for the Oct. 4-5 POWR Up is open to anyone wanting to build on their outdoor skills. Set in beautiful Santee State Park, participants will have the opportunity to register for up to three classes including topics like Boating and Trailering, Bass Fishing, Outdoor Photography, Hunting in South Carolina, Pine Needle Basketry, Kayak Fishing and more. All gear and equipment are provided for this event, and the small class sizes make this such a valuable experience for the instructors and the participants. As one participant described, "POWR keeps me connected to like-minded women in an atmosphere that brings me back to my beloved Girl Scout days. (It is) A way to experience the outdoors without having to own all the equipment needed for all the activities I want to experience."

BeBe Dalton Harrison, director of education at South Carolina Wildlife Federation, organizes POWR and wants to invite women who want more experience in the outdoors to join in this year's event. "POWR Up builds on basic skills to help women feel more confident spending time outdoors," Harrison said. "We want women to not only learn outdoor skills, but to take what they learn and continue it with friends and family, and in some cases develop a passion for it. We want women to move from awareness of these amazing opportunities to participation in their own outdoor adventures. Women can confidently invite others to go fishing, boating, birding and more."

In addition to the fall POWR Up event, two POWR+ events are scheduled for September. POWR+ events are one-day sessions that run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering an in-depth look at a specific topic. Registration is also open for these two POWR+ events.

- The first is POWR+ Inshore Fishing with Artificial Lures with Captain Tanya Dowdy on Sept. 23, where participants will learn techniques to fish with many different types of artificial lures including hard baits, soft plastics, floats and more. Participants will get the chance to meet at one of South Carolina's newest state parks, May Forest. There will be an instructional portion along with the opportunity to fish using their new skills.

- The second is: POWR+ Beach Ecology with Naturalist Amber Von Harten, who will introduce participants to our coastal environment at the beautiful Botany Bay on Sept. 29. Participants will learn about the beach environment, flora and fauna and shell identification.

The POWR Series is presented by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation with generous support from organizations and volunteers. Supporters who help make these events possible include the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Bass Pro Shops (Greenville store), Nature Adventure Outfitters, Angling Women, Chattooga River Fly Shop and Three Sisters Essentials. These partnerships enable us to provide a wide variety of activities conducted by a diverse group of expert instructors.

To learn more about the POWR Series, visit www.scwf.org for more information. We suggest that you register early for these fun and educational experiences.

About the South Carolina Wildlife Federation

One of the 52 state & territory affiliates of the National Wildlife Federation, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) was founded in 1931. As the oldest conservation organization in the state, SCWF promotes science-based wildlife conservation policies and provides high quality education programs for all ages. SCWF's mission is to conserve and restore South Carolina's wildlife and wildlife habitat through education and advocacy. This is an urgent responsibility for all South Carolinians. Our natural resources improve the quality of life for each of us: hunters and fishermen, hikers and bikers, bird watchers and nature lovers, surfers and kayakers, and countless others. Our goal is to help people connect more deeply with our environment-and to protect it for the next generation. For more information, visit our website at www.scwf.org.