Cast Iron Cooking with Cook Wild Kentucky

This class will feature outdoor cooking with cast iron as we prepare and sample several recipes using a campfire and charcoal briquets. Chili, cornbread, a campfire dessert, and more will be on the tasting menu! This class will include information for the beginner cook as well as tips useful to those more "seasoned!" Topics will include outdoor food safety, fire safety, food preparation outdoors, menu planning, and packing tips.

FEE

10

LEVEL

1

Nature Writing Workshop : Sensing the Wild

In this immersive writing workshop, we’ll explore the natural world through the lens of the five senses, drawing inspiration from poets like Mary Oliver, Ada Limón, and Wendell Berry. Participants will engage in a “sit spot” practice—finding a quiet outdoor space to observe and reflect on the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around them. We’ll use this direct connection to nature to deepen our writing, honing the ability to capture the essence of a place and the subtleties of its presence. Through guided prompts and readings from Oliver, Limón, and Berry, we'll uncover new ways to express our relationship to the land, creatures, and moments of stillness. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning, this workshop invites you to listen closely and write from a place of deep connection to the natural world.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Why Waste the Time? Panoramas.

A dive into how panoramas can bring your idea of a location into reality. Jake Lewis has been taking panorama photos for many years and has some of his work displayed on canvas in the lobby of the Lewis Caveland Lodge. Jake will give you a short presentation on some of the workflow, what and why's of panorama photography. He will have some tripods, lenses and mounts available to check out after the presentation.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Winter Adventure Trivia Challenge

Gather your team and test your outdoor adventure knowledge at the Winter Adventure Trivia Challenge during Carter Caves' Winter Adventure Weekend! This exciting, family-friendly trivia competition invites teams of up to six participants to showcase their expertise across five thrilling categories, all inspired by outdoor and winter adventures. From wilderness survival to hiking trails and cold-weather wildlife, there's a question for everyone! Compete against other teams for the ultimate prize: a Carter Caves merchandise bundle, filled with unique items to commemorate your love for the great outdoors. Whether you're a trivia buff, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a fun group activity, this event promises an evening of camaraderie and adventure-themed excitement. There will be five outdoor adventure-themed topics that teams with up to 6 participants can choose from. The winning team will win a Carter Caves merchandise bundle! Get ready to challenge your wits, bond with your teammates, and celebrate the wonders of nature in this one-of-a-kind trivia experience. Don't miss out!

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Introduction to Geocaching

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure that combines technology, outdoors, and the excitement of a treasure hunt? Join us for an introductory class designed to teach you the basics of geocaching – the modern-day treasure hunt that’s taking the world by storm! In this workshop we will cover all the basics you need to get started. Once you try it, you will likely be hooked so we will get you started with some SWAG, and then we will turn you loose on the fun and crazy world of geocaching. All you need is a smartphone and a love of adventure. G.P.S, Log, and SWAG, let’s go!

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

A Dummies Guide to Water Treatment for the Backpacker

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.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Hot Chocolate 5K Fun Run or Walk

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. A 1 mile Fun Run option is available for the kids or (for the kids of heart) is an option for anyone not wanting to tackle the full 5K . 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. Restrooms are available at the start/finish-line area.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Orienteering 101: Treasure Hunting in the Woods

If you’re looking for a new adventure that is part scavenger hunt, part thinking game, and all fun, then orienteering is for you! Like geocaching, orienteering involves finding hidden checkpoints in the woods. What makes orienteering different is that you don't get to use gps. The only gadgets involved are a map and compass! Participants will receive a detailed orienteering map of the park and use of a compass and timing chip to record their success in finding as many hidden checkpoints as they can within the time allowed. The trip will begin with the basic instruction necessary for success, presented by instructors from Orienteering Cincinnati and Orienteering Louisville. This trip is suitable for ages 8 and up.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Yoga in the Cave

Continue your Winter adventure and trek underground for a refreshing yoga practice in the stunning Cascade Cave! Step through the natural entrance into the cave, a large, open room with a high ceiling featuring beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and more! Rejuvenate your mind and body as you are guided through standing and seated yoga postures, along with breathing exercises that are sure to relax and restore you. All levels are welcome in this practice, and previous yoga experience is not required. Wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in (jeans not recommended) and be prepared for temperatures around 55 degrees. Layers recommended. Bring a yoga mat and a large beach towel or blanket to put underneath the yoga mat. You will want the towel or blanket to be larger than your mat so you have room for your belongings. The cave floor consists of rock and dirt and may be damp or muddy in some areas. Karen Pierzala will be guiding your unique cave yoga experience.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Outdoor With The Dogs

Dogs are family. You love doing all the outdoorsy things, and you want to include your dogs. Don’t risk becoming the owner looking for a lost dog, or nursing an injured dog back to health after encountering the unexpected. We will cover what to pack, how to travel, what to watch out for, and the skills your dogs need to master before hitting the trail.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Walking the Way of St. James: A Camino de Santiago Adventure

Join Andy Niekamp as he relives his 35-day journey of culture, friendship, and faith on the Camino de Santiago during the fall of 2023. His route, the classic and most popular route, the 480-mile French Way, stretches from St. Jean, France over the Pyrenees Mountains to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, the final resting place of the Apostle Saint James. The Camino is Spain, past and present. His route took us through medieval cities and areas of natural beauty such as Pamplona, famous for its bull run; La Rioja wine region; Burgos with its magnificent cathedral; elegant Leon and Ponferrada with its Templars Castle. From Ponferrada, the Camino continues through Galicia over the mountains and picturesque village of O Cebreiro. As a pilgrim, he endured the extremes of heat, cold, wind, and rain over steep mountains, on wooded paths, rolling farmland, and paved roads. He stayed in picturesque towns and villages, pensions, hostels, hotels and an alburgue. Learn why the Camino de Santiago, a thousand-year-old footpath, is often called a journey for the body, mind, and soul. Come to hear why so many people from around the world embark on the Camino de Santiago.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Tracking

Come learn how to read the messages that all are left behind by all animals, including humans. You will learn how to recognize the seven basic attributes of all tracks. This class will open your eyes many of the things you have been missing in a wilderness setting. Things such as what animal a track represents, how fast it was moving and its size. This will include looking at the vast amount of sign beyond what is captured in tracks on the ground such as aerial sign and intangible sign. This workshop is very useful for anyone that enjoys seeing more wildlife, and being more aware of what surrounds even when you cant see it. Come learn how to read the ground like a book.

FEE

8

LEVEL

1

Squeeze Box Competition Preliminary

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 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.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Winter Survival

Winter survival will involve the fundamentals of survival methodology and mindset. This workshop will include practical application and skill building for specifics including shelter, fire basics, water, food, and signaling. You will be outside during this workshop so dress appropriately for the weather elements.

FEE

8

LEVEL

1

Squeeze Box Competition Preliminary

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 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.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Hawks n Arrows

The title reads like new dish from an ancient culture; but here at WAW, it means learning the basics of shooting a bow and arrow along with learning the techniques for throwing a Tomahawk. This will include safe usage and beginner shooting techniques. Then participants will have the chance to shoot and try and hit a bulls eye on the target along with balloons and other assorted items. We will go over hawk safety, and the basics for throwing tomahawks before getting an opportunity to try and stick a hawk in our targets.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Smoky Lake Adventure Plunge

The Friends of Carter Caves (FOCC) Smoky Lake Adventure Plunge is returning for 2025. We invite you to plunge into Smoky Lake! This event is a fundraiser, and participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $50 to donate to FOCC to participate. A prize will be awareded for the most funds raised for the plunge. For more information, check out the Smoky Lake Plunge webpage, at https://www.winteradventureweekend.com/smokylakeadventureplunge

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Rise and Shine Yoga

Wake up, grab your yoga mat and perhaps some coffee, and head to the Fields Facility at the Lodge for an all-levels yoga practice designed to bring restoration and relaxation after a fun-filled and adventurous weekend. This will be a restorative practice complete with sitting, standing, and stretching postures designed for all levels. Wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in (jeans are not recommended). Bring your yoga mat and a small blanket to the Fields Facility (meeting room downstairs) at the Lodge. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before practice to set up. Kristy Matheson, RYT, will be leading us in this yoga practice.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Makin String

Have you ever wondered how many things you could do with string? Well, actually a lot! It is super versatile and useful in a survival situation. However, what happens when you are outdoors without string? Mother Nature has what you need! Come learn how to make string and cordage from wild plants in the forest during this fun hands on activity.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1