Outdoor recreation hosts Women's Outdoor Adventure Program

Published Feb. 1, 2007
By Senior Airman John Gordinier
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The outdoor recreation center kicked off its Women's Outdoor Adventure Program with a trap shooting event Jan. 25 at the skeet and trap range.

The program provides a different avenue for the women at Shaw to learn a new activity, said Curtis Marshall, 20th Services Squadron outdoor recreation program manager.

"This program started because a customer approached us about doing outdoor activities during the day for women," Mr. Marshall said. "We thought it was a great idea and have set it up during the hours when children are in school and spouses are at work."

Active-duty and retired military women, spouses and family members of active-duty and retired military members, and other authorized users of base facilities can all participate, he said.

"We understand this may be difficult for women who work and can't get off duty during the event," Mr. Marshall said. "However, if we have the interest, we will certainly expand this program to weekends."

Trap shooting taught the women about the sport of trap, how to handle a shotgun safely and how to shoot, Mr. Marshall said.

"I had fun learning skeet and trap," said Chaplain (Capt.) Melissa Ollendieck, 20th Fighter Wing chaplain's office. "I liked it for two reasons: I enjoy the art of learning and I like being exposed to new things."

In addition to skeet and trap, other classes are planned.

At 10 a.m. Feb. 22, an Introduction to Camper Trailer Camping class at the outdoor recreation center facility will teach women how to operate campers, hook them up to vehicles and set them up as well as show them troubleshooting techniques. Participants will also tow and back up the camper into a camp site. A camp-cooking demonstration and a cook-out lunch are also planned. The cost is $10 per person.

On March 22, a hike at Poinsett State Park is planned. Participants will meet at the outdoor recreation center at 8:30 a.m.

"We will be hiking the nature trails at one of the oldest state parks in South Carolina," Mr. Marshall said. "Along the way there will be a nature scavenger hunt that will teach participants about the different plant and animal life at Poinsett."

A presentation by a park ranger is also planned. The cost is $15 per person with transportation and lunch included, Mr. Marshall said.

A kayaking trip on April 19 is also planned. Participants will meet at the outdoor recreation center at 8:15 a.m. and travel to Sparkleberry swamp. The cost is $55 per person.

On May 15, an Introduction to Boating class will teach women how to launch a boat from a dock and how to remove it off the trailer. They will also learn how to operate the boat as well as road and safety rules. The cost is $20 per person and it includes transportation and lunch. Group departs from the outdoor recreation center at 8:15 a.m.

An Introduction to Fishing class is June 12 at 8:15 a.m. at the outdoor recreation center. Students will learn how to fish, cast and tie knots. The cost is $30 per person, which includes the state fishing license, transportation and a fish fry.

"As we progress into the year we will have more activities scheduled," Mr. Marshall said. "We plan on having at least one activity per month now through November.

"This is a great program; there is no other like it across the Air Force as far as I know," he said. "We are here for you. If you have an idea for an activity you haven't seen let us know and we will be more than happy to research it and make it happen for your group."