Hoosier Outdoor Experience

[Brigitta Adkins]

is a free program held September 25-27 at Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis designed to introduce families who are uncomfortable or inexperienced in the outdoors to the joys and adventures available across the State of Indiana. This is not a trade show, sport show or commercial event. It is a experiential opportunity for each participant to try a wide-array of outdoor activities and skills like hiking, hunting, fishing, wilderness navigation, wildlife management, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, all hosted by experts and local partner groups. Participants will leave with the knowledge of what opportunities exist in Indiana and will know who the experts are to help them develop their new interests.

Over 100 conservation and recreation groups from across the State of Indiana have pledged volunteers, financial resources and program assistance to ensure the Experience is a tremendous success." While the attendance goal is 10,000 there is full potential for 20,000 or even 40,000! That's a lot of families who need to know about the value of the camp experience and the resources available from ACA to help them!

To meet ACA IN volunteer needs, we need 60+ volunteers. You are welcome to volunteer friends, family, spouses, etc. to share a shift with you!

ACA IN activity area: (lead/teach activities- 1 person should have fair knowledge of varieties of camps, parent resources to ). Examples of specific activities are:
Crafts: friendship bracelets, candles, tie dye
Sports/Games: Calvinball, Frisbee games, Oh Deer!
Outdoor Cooking: S'mores, pudgy pies, GORP
Outdoor Living Skills: Edible campfires, weather/Water Match, knot tying

ACA IN booth @ career area: (need fair knowledge about career opportunities within the camping industry and knowledge or quick learner of resources available from ACA to support camp as a career)

ACA IN booth @ vendor area: (fair knowledge or quick learner of ACA in general, membership options and benefits, campparents.org resources

Please contact [e-mail] or 574-457-4379 to volunteer!

[Emily Chew]

Wish I would have known about this. Would love to hear how it turned out and to know whether another event is planned for the future. It would be great to do one in Spring 2010 to get families ready to enjoy the great outdoors for the summer season. I think it's so important to provide kids with opportunities to explore the natural environment. My fiance's little sister is 13 and often tells me when she and I hang out that she wants to go to the woods where she "feels more peaceful and relaxed."

[Brigitta Adkins]

Funny you ask about another event.... they just scheduled the debrief.

Yes, we’re going to meet and de-brief about this year’s Hoosier Outdoor Experience. We have reserved the Conference room at the Natural Resources Education Center out at Ft. Benjamin Harrison (we’ve met there before) for Friday, November 13th, from 4 to 6pm. If you can’t be there, feel free to send a representative or two.

We’re going to discuss what folks liked about the event (and would want to keep), what they didn’t like (and would want to change), and what ideas and thoughts they have for the future.

Greg Beilfuss
IDNR State and Community Outdoor Recreation Planner
402 W. Washington St., W271
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2782
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]