W.O.W. School upcoming, trunk-or-treat later in October

By Sheila Harris [email protected]

Roaring River State Park will be the site of fun family activities and events in October.

This weekend, the park will host the annual Wonders of Wildlife W.O.W. School, a great opportunity for families to learn a variety of outdoor skills together, and it’s not too late to register.

“We still have classes open,” said Misty Mitchell, director of Conservation Education for the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation.

The price is $75, per person, plus $65 for Kids’ Camp, and includes three days of classes (Oct. 9-11), a T-shirt, and a group fish-fry dinner.

A list of classes and a schedule can be found at https://tinyurl.com/m4jwz2nw.

Classes include the likes of kayaking, beginning flyfishing, geocaching, an owl prowl, a stream walk, beginning archery, Dutch oven cooking, Native American drum-making, and many more.

“Kids ages nine and older can attend classes with their parents,” Mitchell said.

Younger children, ages 5-8, may attend a Kids Camp on Saturday and Sunday, which will include age-appropriate outdoor activities.

“We like to give parents of younger children the opportunity to learn skills on their own, while their children are in Kids Camp,” Mitchell said. “Then, when kids age out of Kids Camp, their parents can help instruct them in the adult classes.”

More information about the school can be found at https://wondersofwildlife.org/education/wow-school/.

Mitchell asks families to register by email at [email protected].

Later in October, plans are shaping up for the second annual, two-day Halloween “Boo Bash” at Roaring River State Park.

On Oct. 24, children and adults can make Halloween crafts at the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center from 1-3 p.m.

Also, on Oct. 24, campers are invited to decorate their campsites for Halloween for a chance to win a prize. Judging for the Campground Halloween Decorating Contest will begin at 4 p.m. on Oct. 24, beginning in Campground 1, then progressing to Campground 2, then Campground 3. The best decorated campsite in each campground will receive a prize.

On Oct. 25, Roaring River Adventures, in conjunction with the Cassville Community Collective, will host a Trunk-or-Treat event, from 3-5 p.m., at the Emory Melton Inn.

“Right now, we have about 25 businesses and individuals registered to set up booths for the event,” said Caden Swearingen, a spokesperson for the Cassville Community Collective. “We’ll have activities; games; photo opps; candy, of course; and, hopefully, some face painting.”

Christina Collins, marketing director with Roaring River Adventures, says there’s plenty of room for more participants – up to about 50, she said.

“There’s no cost to participate; just bring your own candy,” she said

If it rains, the event will be held indoors, Collins said.

To register for booth or trunk space, people may call 417-847-2330, or email [email protected].

Collins asks would-be participants to register by Oct. 16, so they can plan for space needs.

To add to the fun on Oct. 24, Roaring River Adventures will host a Pumpkin Decorating Contest for their staff members.

“Harvick Farms donated 25 pumpkins, and we’re asking our staff to decorate them,” Collins said.

The pumpkins will be on display during the Trunk-or-Treat event, so kids can vote for their favorites. We’ll give the winning decorator a trophy.”