Confused about all the options to treat water in the backcountry? Not sure what to choose? Learn the facts! Selecting a water treatment system can be an overwhelming decision. There are many factors to consider, including method, effort, size, weight, treatment time and cost. In this workshop we will cover all the major types of water treatment options for the backpacker, day hiker and camper and what types of organisms each system is effective at eliminating. We will discuss the pros and cons of each method. We will give you advice on what to consider, what we think is the most important, and which products might be best for you. We'll also discuss why treating water in the backcountry is necessary, the common waterborne pathogens you'll encounter, how they make you ill and the symptoms of waterborne illnesses.

Have you been thinking about going for a hike in a local park but have some questions about what to bring and where to go? Come out to Outdoor Adventure Connection's "Hiking 101" to learn the do's and don'ts of hiking. We will discuss clothing, footwear, gear, safety, maps and area parks so you and your family can have a safe and enjoyable outing. Learn the ten essentials that every hiker should have. Get the confidence needed to plan a hike. We will also talk about our ten best beginner-friendly trails for a hike in Eastern Kentucky. Learn from the experts!

Drop in. Join us this morning to stretch your legs in a Hot Chocolate 5K run (or) walk through the park. The out and back course starts and finishes at the horse-camp-parking lot and offers 3.1 miles of flat roadway to accommodate runners and walkers of all abilities. Dogs on leashes and strollers pushed by parents are welcome of course. Enjoy hot chocolate at the finish-line area and all participants will receive a small memento for braving the Hot Chocolate 5K. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers. Restrooms are available at the start/finish-line area.

Drop in. Kentucky's longest cardboard cave! This is an EXTREME cardboard maze that is adventurous for both adults and kids. You will encounter extensive crawling passages and some constrictive spaces during this trip. The passages simulate conditions often encountered by cavers in the area's wild caves. Bring a light (NOT carbide!) but leave your shoes and helmet behind. Dress lightly since crawling through the Kenny McCoy Corrugated Cave can be strenuous and stuffy. Kneepads are a good option if you have them. We allow 10 people maximum in the cave at one time; therefore a short wait may occur. Children 10 years old and under need parental supervision in order to participate.

Drop in. Have some time to spare? Try your hand at the centuries old craft of weaving. You will have the opportunity to weave on a multi-harness floor loom, all materials will be provided and you will have a mug rug to take home with you. A mug rug is a smaller version of an Appalachian Rag Rug and is typically used as a coaster. This trip is open to all, no special equipment is needed. A $5 donation for your mug rug is being accepted by the Friends of Carter Caves Group.

Drop in. Would you like to know if you are the fastest rope climber at Winter Adventure Weekend? Well now is your chance to find out! WAW is hosting its sixth annual rope climbing competition this year. So come, compete and see just how good you really are. All of the required equipment will be provided for you, or you can bring your own complete climbing system, however the use of a seat harness is required and all personal equipment must pass a safety inspection at the site. Anything deemed unsafe will not be allowed to be used. The winners (and prizes) will be announced during the Saturday evening program.

Drop in. Do you like tight places? Come find out just how tight of a space you can mentally and physically squeeze through. Due to the nature of their amusement, cavers have always wondered how tight of a place they can fit through. That was when the squeeze box was invented and later constructed. Here is the way it works. There will be 2 different categories: adult competition (15 years & up) and the kid's competition (6-14 years). We will have preliminary rounds on Saturday from 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm in the Fields Facility of the Lodge. Adult competitors must take part in the squeezebox preliminaries to attempt to qualify for the finals held on Saturday night. In the adult competition, the top four male contenders along with the top four female contenders in each weight class will advance to the finals. The winners in each adult category will receive a t-shirt, sign the squeeze box, and best of all have bragging rights until next years competition. Adult finalist will be posted on the squeezebox in the fields facility by 6:00pm. In the kid's competition, kids ages 6-14 years must also take part in the preliminaries on Friday or Saturday to be in the competition. We have set different categories for children and will keep track of the records throughout the day. The child that squeezes through the box at the lowest height in each weight category will be determined the winner. The winners of the kid's squeeze box competition will be posted by 6:00pm on the squeezebox in the fields facility. Kid's competition winners in each weight category will win a prize. The winners will be recognized and prizes awarded during the awards ceremony around 8pm in the Fields Facility.