Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The Outdoor Learning Center (OLC) at Lake Metigoshe State Park is hosting a day camp on Dec. 31, 2019, for youth ages 10-12, focusing on winter survival. Camp will start indoors with various discussions and hands-on activities on various survival scenarios such as starting fires, making shelters, tying knots, finding food/water, and orienteering skills. Registration opens on Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. via http://www.ticketleapcom and closes on Dec. 17 at 11:59 p.m.
The camp will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. The registration fee is $40 per participant and includes lunch as well as an afternoon snack. Several goals for this camp include getting youth outdoors, teaching participants valuable life skills, educate participants about various natural resources, promoting outdoor safety and for participants to enjoy the park! The morning will be spent indoors learning different survival skills before heading outdoors for the afternoon to test their skills in a survival scenario. Participants should bring a sled because the day will conclude with a few trips down the park’s sledding hill.
Amy Schimetz, Lake Metigoshe State Park’s OLC Coordinator, has taught winter survival programs for over a decade. She enjoys doing hands-on activities that demonstrate how everyday things such as lip balm, batteries, and gum wrappers could be used in a survival situation.
“This day camp will not only provide participants something fun to do during winter break and on New Year’s Eve but an opportunity to learn some valuable life skills. One hates to think about tragedy, but skills learned in this camp could potentially save a life! I once again look forward to tackling some serious topics in a fun, hands-on setting with these participants,” Schimetz says.
This camp was offered for the first time in 2018. Participants traveled as far as Bismarck to attend. Despite the -25 F degree actual temperatures, participants came dressed for the forecast and ready for the day. It was the first winter seeing snow for two of the participants within the camp.
Those interested in obtaining additional information should contact Amy Schimetz via [email protected] or (701) 263-4514. Participation is limited to 12 participants due to the hands-on nature of the activities, so consider registering early for this unique opportunity.
Families from out of the area that has a child or children wanting to participate in this day camp are encouraged to reserve one of the Lake Metigoshe State Park cabins or yurt. To check availability or make reservations, please call 1-800-807-4723 or visit http://www.parkrec.nd.gov.
All of the North Dakota State Parks require entrance fees in the amount of $7/day/vehicle or $35 for an annual pass.
Lake Metigoshe State Park is located 14 miles NE of Bottineau, North Dakota, along the Lake Loop Road, just off of Hwy. 43. The mission of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department is to offer a diversity of recreation opportunities and sustainably manage resources.
