Palmetto Outdoor Women's Retreat connects women with the outdoors

What makes an amazing outdoor event for women? Being able to select your own classes and getting to be "as adventurous or as low-key as you want!" said POWR participant Kate Weaver. She continued, "The instructors are phenomenal, patient and judgement-free." Her favorite aspect of the retreat? Weaver shared, "I spent quality time with my daughter!"

Last year, Kate and her 21-year-old daughter participated in two events in the POWR series, including the annual Palmetto Outdoors Women's Retreat or POWR, for which registration has just opened. The quotes above were some of Kate's favorite things about the retreat. This mother-daughter duo was able to experience new skills, interests and friendships - and be together. For Kate, this quality time they were able to spend together was a highlight of the retreat. Kate encourages women to step out of their comfort zone and attend POWR, promising a wonderful experience.

POWR is an all-inclusive, weekend-long event that brings like-minded women together to enjoy and learn about all things "outdoors." This year's event will be held at Clemson University Outdoor Lab from April 25-27. Women who attend this event will be able to choose up to eight classes including archery, fly fishing, backyard habitat, shooting sports, outdoor photography and much more. In addition to the classes, registration covers meals, lodging, evening activities and an event shirt.

Classes for POWR are led by expert instructors in a very relaxed and safe environment. As one participant described, "POWR keeps me connected to like-minded women in an atmosphere that brings me back to my beloved Girl Scout days. (It is) a way to taste the outdoors without having to possess the skills or tools needed for all the activities I experience."

BeBe Dalton Harrison, director of education at South Carolina Wildlife Federation, organizes POWR and wants to invite women who have never participated in outdoor activities to join in this year's event.

"POWR provides an introduction, or in some cases a reintroduction, to fun activities in the outdoors," Harrison said. She continued, "Many women participated in outdoor activities as a child and would like to get reacquainted with the fun times they had back then. POWR is a way for women to learn in a laid-back environment and to connect with other women who enjoy the same activities." Harrison also described this event as a fun retreat where women can get away, make friends and build confidence.

POWR is designed to give women a "taste" of outdoor activities, and South Carolina Wildlife Federation is dedicated to providing additional opportunities to build on the skills they learn at the event. "We want women to not only learn outdoor skills, but to take what they learn and continue it with friends and family, and in some cases develop a passion for it," Harrison explained. "We want women to move from awareness of these amazing opportunities to action. Once you learn it, let's go … fishing, boating, birding, etc."

The retreat has been presented by South Carolina Wildlife Federation for more than 20 years at different locations across the state. Each event is made possible with the support of several outfitters and organizations including Comporium, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Clemson University, Angling Women, SASS (Surviving Assault Standing Strong), Chattooga River Fly Shop, Three Sisters Essentials and Quantum Fishing. These partnerships enable us to provide a wide variety of activities conducted by a diverse group of expert instructors.

For a full list of the 19 classes that will be offered and to learn more about POWR, we invite women to visit www.scwf.org for more information. We suggest that you register early for this fun and educational weekend of outdoor learning.