Sign Up for a Women's Campout

Now that I’m older, my camping involves an air conditioned RV with satellite TV and really nice down comforters and pillows. But I was intrigued when I read about an upcoming opportunity to hit the woods for the weekend with other women who want to learn about conservation.

Women for the Woods is scheduled for Sept. 10 and 11 at the Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen. This two-day, all women campout includes three daytime teaching sessions and a variety of other group activities.

Choose from multiple teaching sessions to be held on Saturday, including archery, spin fishing, fly-casting, fly fishing, medicinal plants, basic land navigation, stream ecology, shotgunning and journaling. All courses are taught by a highly skilled staff eager to share their knowledge. Enjoy a campfire dinner and night hike on Saturday night. Then take part in a Sunday morning birding walk, yoga session and continental breakfast before departing.

The Smithgall Woods’ Fish Camp is home base for the event. Be prepared for a primitive, group camping experience in a tent on a grass lawn. Toilets and non-potable running water are available, but not showers. For those of you who prefer a bed and other amenities on Saturday night, Unicoi State Park and Lodge is a nearby option.

What a wonderful way to learn new skills and make friends. This is a unique event for women, taught by women. Cost is $65 plus a $5 camping fee. Parking is an additional $5.  

Browse the Women for the Woods website for additional information and a registration form.

Call Johanna Tuttle at the Smithgall Woods State Park if you have questions at 706-878-3087. Johanna can also be reached by email at Johanna.Tuttle@dnr.state.ga.us. And don’t forget to tell Johanna that Dee sent you!