DNR Plans Inaugural Event

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will be host for the inaugural Hoosier Outdoor Experience on Sept. 25-27, 2009 at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis. The Experience will be three days of fun-filled, hands-on education and exposure to the great outdoors. Sept. 25, the opening day of the event, is exclusively for third-grade students. The remainder of the Experience is for the whole family and individuals.

Aim/Mission of the Experience

Our Hoosier Outdoor Experience stands out from other events such as sport shows, outdoor trade shows, and commercial events in many ways. The most important difference is our Outdoor Experience emphasizes hands-on and interactive learning events that teach outdoor skills and conservation practices to children, families and minorities that are currently less experienced in the outdoors. Additionally, our event focuses on Indiana’s outdoor heritage and culture. All participants have the opportunity to try their hand at an array of outdoor activities and skills. For example, there are stations on hunting and fishing skills, camping, compass/GPS skills, wildlife management, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking. Our Experience has three main goals:

1. Enhance the image and awareness of Indiana’s outdoor heritage
2. Introduce natural resources-related outdoor skills and natural resources conservation/management concepts to children, families and minorities
3. Provide opportunities that connect participants with like-minded groups/individuals to enhance long-term participation in outdoor skills and good outdoor/conservation stewardship