Do you know what it takes to survive in the great outdoors? When the time comes, will you be prepared for anything? The Wilderness Skills programs by the University of the Great Outdoors (UGO) will teach everything you need to know about surviving in nature, from first aid to fire. For a small fee, you can put your outdoor skills to the test! Programs are geared for adults and children, ages 8 and up.  Children must have a registered adult. Registration is required for each program and the fee is per person. Programs are held in Winton Woods.

Skill - Dates Offered:

• Orienteering I & Night Navigation - To some of us, orienteering sounds intimidating but it is one of the most useful outdoor skills. We will demonstrate how to use a compass and then practice our skills on our course under the moonlight. Beginners are welcome and compasses are provided.
  • January 7 - 5:30 p.m.
• Orienteering I - Orienteering is one of the most useful outdoor skills you can know. Whether you are a beginner or it’s been awhile since you tested your map and compass skills, this program will get you moving in the right direction!
  • March 10 - 1:00 p.m.
• Orienteering II - Try our orienteering course where you will follow a bearing, learn to travel around large obstacles and get back on the right track again using a compass. Completion of Orienteering I recommended.
  • March 10 - 2:30 p.m.
• Orienteering III - Back azimuths, triangulation and declination will all be discussed and demonstrated during this outdoor program. Completion of Orienteering II recommended.
  • March 11 - 2:00 p.m.
• Campfire Cooking - Learn campfire cooking skills and safety while enjoying the winter season outdoors. We'll enjoy some warm drinks and sample a few tasty treats.
  • January 7 - 4:00 p.m.
• Fire - Fire may be crucial to survival. Join us to learn and practice several fire starting techniques and tips.
  • February 4 - 2:00 p.m.
• Food, Snares & Signaling - Learn techniques on how to gather food, prepare snares and create signals to increase your odds at being rescued and ultimately, to survive.
  • February 4 - 4:00 p.m.
• Water and Shelter - Learn and practice techniques used to gather and purify water, as well as methods to create a shelter to increase your odds at survival.
  • February 25 - 2:00 p.m.
• Survival in a Bottle - Everything that you need to survive can all fit in a 32-ounce bottle! Fire, water, shelter, food and signal will all be discussed and demonstrated.
  • March 25 - 2:00 p.m.
• 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.
  • March 25 - 3:30 p.m.

Motor Vehicle Pertmit
A valid Hamilton County Park District Motor Vehicle Permit ($10.00 annual; $3.00 daily) is required to enter the parks.  For additional information, please call (513) 521-PARK (7275).