County Parks offer wilderness skills on the cheap | Public Spaces

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - Are you planning a trip to go camping, boating or hiking?  Do your survival skills extend beyond cellphone and GPS?   If not, the Hamilton County Park District-University of the Great Outdoors has you covered.  The Wilderness Skills programs demonstrate ways to survive in the great outdoors, from first aid to fires, at miniscule prices.

The following Wilderness Skills programs are coming up this winter season at Winton Woods:

Saturday, February 4
2 pm: WILDERNESS SKILLS: FIRE
Fire is crucial to survival and there are several techniques that can be used in the wild to start one. Cost is $5.00 per person. Registration is required by February 2 at GreatParks.org.

Saturday, February 4
4 pm: WILDERNESS SKILLS: FOOD, SNARES & SIGNALING                             
This program covers just about everything you need to get by in the outdoors! Learn how to gather food, what is safe to eat and how you can signal for help to be rescued. Cost is $5.00 per person. Registration is required by February 2 at GreatParks.org.

Saturday, February 25
3 pm: WILDERNESS SKILLS: WATER & SHELTER
There are key things you need to survive beyond food and fire, and that is water and shelter. Learn how to purify your water so that you don’t get sick and learn about different types of shelters you can create from what nature has to give you. Cost is $5.00 per person. Registration is required by February 22 at GreatParks.org.

Saturday, March 10
1 pm: WILDERNESS SKILLS: ORIENTEERING I
Orienteering is one of the most useful outdoor skills. Whether a beginner or experienced with map and compass skills, this program will get everyone moving in the right direction! Cost is $6.00 per person. Registration is required by March 8 at GreatParks.org.

Saturday, March 10
2:30 pm: WILDERNESS SKILLS: ORIENTEERING II
This is ideal for those orienteers who want to challenge themselves on an outdoor course where they will follow a bearing, learn to travel around large obstacles and get back on the right track again! Cost is $6.00 per person. Registration is required by March 8 at GreatParks.org.

Saturday, March 25
2 pm: WILDERNESS SKILLS: SURVIVAL IN A BOTTLE
Everything that you need to survive can all fit in a 32 ounce bottle! Fire, water, shelter, food and signaling will all be discussed and demonstrated. Cost is $5.00 per person. Registration is required by March 22 at GreatParks.org.

Saturday, March 25
3:30 pm: WILDERNESS SKILLS: WILDERNESS FIRST AID
Accidents can happen anywhere, even on the trail. Prepare yourself for the unexpected with this program covering everything from blisters to broken bones. Cost is $5.00 per person. Registration is required by March 22 at GreatParks.org.

Pre-registration is required for all programs. Winton Woods is located at 10245 Winton Road, 45231. A valid Hamilton County Park District Motor Vehicle Permit ($10.00 annual; $3.00 daily) is required to enter the parks.

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