We are thrilled to offer this year’s POWR (Palmetto Outdoors Women’s Retreat) at the Clemson Outdoor Lab on the beautiful shores of Lake Hartwell in Pendleton near Clemson. This event is designed for women to experience nature and outdoor recreation with like-minded ladies in a non-competitive environment. Archery, nature walks, kayaking, fishing, outdoor cooking, and photography are just a few of the 20 or more classes from which to choose. Participants will have the opportunity to select up to 8 classes and be introduced to many outdoor activities.
POWR 2024 Classes
Archery- As a beginner archer, this course will teach you about different bows and the gear you’ll need. You will learn the steps to take when shooting an arrow, and most importantly, how to shoot your bow and arrow safely.
Backpacking 101- Discover the essential skills for a successful backpacking adventure in this session. From the art of packing efficiently to proper backpack fitting techniques, you'll gain invaluable insights and hands-on practice. Learn what to pack, how to pack it, and ensure a comfortable fit for your journey into the great outdoors.
Backyard Wildlife Habitat- Would you like to enjoy more nature in your own backyard? Learn techniques and plans for providing food, water, cover, and places to raise young for wildlife right on your property. You will get information on how to supply a natural habitat for a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Beginning Fishing- Learn the fundamentals of freshwater fishing including what type of equipment to use, knots, and rigging your rod. Once you are all rigged and ready, you will learn how to bait your hook and cast so you can hit the water! *A valid SC freshwater fishing license is required.
Birding- Take in the beauty and sounds of the forest while your instructor helps you build your basic birding skills! Start a bird list so you can check off birds that you see while on this adventure using field observations, field guides, and identifying marks and calls. Your instructor will provide excellent guidance on exactly what to look for to help you identify these colorful birds. Please bring your favorite pair of binoculars if you can. There will be some to loan if needed.
Boating and Trailering- This hands-on boating class will teach you how to back a trailer and launch it in the water. Learn a few tips on boat operation, docking and the safety equipment necessary to stay safe as you enjoy a day on the water.
Care and Prep of Fish- Once you catch a fish, what do you do with it? Learn to clean, prepare, and cook your catch of the day! This class can help you learn how to clean and cook various fish species from South Carolina’s many lakes and streams. And you get to sample what you cook!
Eco Hike- Join us in a leisurely walk as we explore the area around Lake Hartwell. We will look for indicator plants to help identify the ecosystem and geologic region.
Fly Fishing- This class will introduce you to fly fishing basics; understanding a fly rod and how it works, which fly rod to use or which fish species, fly selection, and introduce you to the world of fly casting. The hands-on casting instruction will have you ready to go fly fishing on your local river or stream.
Geocaching- Geocaching is an outdoor activity in which participants use GPS and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches", at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. Learn the basics of geocaching, its history, and how to use it to enhance your outdoor experiences. Learn about “caches” and how to use clues to seek them out. Geocaching is always an adventure!
Hunting 101- Are you curious about or wanted to try hunting but have no idea how to get started? Well, let the experts show you some basic concepts such as types of hunting, what is a tree stand, who do I hunt with, where do I hunt, what should I take with me, and how do I dress for the occasion. All these questions will be answered and so many more.
Kayaking- If you are new to kayaking or have some experience kayaking, this is the class for you! We will be covering safety, how to enter and exit a kayak as well as paddling techniques. A small amount of instruction will take place on shore but most instruction will take place on the water. After the instruction on the water, we will practice our new skills. (Please feel free to bring your own life jacket.)
Lake Canoeing- Canoeing is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the outdoors. Learn basic strokes and how to have a safe outing, on a river or lake. You will get to enjoy a nice paddle around the park as you practice what you learn.
Nature/Coastal Crafts- You don’t have to be crafty to bring coastal nature indoors with this fun class. Join us to create several beautiful projects from nature’s craft store. We will help you, step-by-step, make beautiful crafts suitable for gift giving - but you may want to keep them all for yourself!
Nature Spa- Learn how to use and enjoy beauty secrets from Mother Nature's pantry. Come with a clean face because you will get to try some first-hand! Learn how to give yourself a facial and make a couple of body treatments with ingredients you may already have at home. Everyone will enjoy a facial while sharing nature's beauty tips with each other. Your face and hands will feel wonderful by the end of this class. Handouts will describe what we do in class so you can enjoy what you learned when you get home.
Outdoor Cooking- Learn to cook a simple and delicious meal at your campsite, in your Dutch oven, or on the grill. Cook some of your favorite foods in an unconventional way.
Outdoor Photography: Do You See What I See?- Pictures of beautiful sunsets, mountains, beaches…yawwwn. We’ve all taken photos that just don’t matter much once we get back home. So let’s learn to make photos that are meaningful every time you look at them. We will focus (pun intended!) mostly on composition and seeing the things we normally miss that make an OK photo a WOW photo. And because this is the Outdoor Photography class, we will be outside a lot (weather permitting). So wear good walking shoes and trail clothes, and rain gear in case we venture out and get caught in a sprinkle. And bring a camera/phone that you are comfortable with.
Outdoor Yoga- Reconnect with earth and spirit in this all-levels, alignment-based class. We will begin with a brief period of centering and contemplation followed by an active warm up. Class will end with a period of deep relaxation. *Please note that this will not last for the full class period.
Rifle & Handgun- Basic rifle and handgun class is for people who have little-to-no experience with handguns or rifles. Participants will learn about safety, handling, and techniques that are required to properly handle and shoot handguns and rifles. This class includes a live fire component. Participants may bring their own firearm, but ammunition will not be provided for personal firearms (you will need to bring your own ammunition).
SASS Self Defense for Women- Participants are trained physically and mentally to counter the most common threats to their safety from simple grabs to strangulation scenarios. This course is paramount to creating a community of women and girls who know they are worth the fight!
Shotgun Shooting Introduction- This course teaches the safe and efficient use of a shotgun. We begin with stance, eye dominance then move to the types of shotguns, and ammunition. You will also learn about target shooting competitions such as skeet and trap and will get the opportunity to practice taking aim at clay targets. All necessary equipment for this class is provided.
Staying Found: Land Navigation with a Compass- You have your compass in hand. Now what? We will cover the basics of bearings (directions) - how to find them, walk them, measure them, and get where you’re going on foot. We will also discuss how to read a topographic map, and how that and your compass and a good pair of boots can get you to the ‘X.’ Wear clothes and footwear for walking outside, even in light rain.
LOCATION: The 2024 retreat will be held at Clemson University Outdoor Lab. Group lodging is included in the registration fee.
AGE GUIDELINES: Open to females age 16 and older (no maximum age). Girls ages 16-18 must be accompanied by responsible adult – no supervision will be provided.
DATES/TIMES: The Retreat will open for check-in at noon on Friday. The event begins at 1:00 pm, the last class concludes at noon on Sunday.
COST: With this change in venue, we included all of the costs in one: the pricing for the retreat is $450 and includes the following:
Registration fee
Group Lodging
Five meals (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast)
All class materials
One t-shirt and water bottle
REGISTRATION PROCESS: Registration has closed for this event.
Please note that you will need to register each person separately for the event. You may register someone else, but it will need to be completed as a separate transaction and you must use their email address. Once you register, you will receive a receipt that contains the link to sign up for classes.
If you change your email address between registration and the retreat, please contact us to let us know.
The Retreat is presented by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. We are pleased to have the support of several outfitters and organizations including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops (Greenville Store), Clemson University Outdoor Lab, Clemson University Shooting Range, Angling Women, Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, SASS (Surviving Assault Standing Strong), Chattooga River Fly Shop, and Three Sisters Essentials. These partnerships enable us to provide a wide variety of activities conducted by a diverse group of expert instructors. A special thank you is due to the numerous individual volunteers who so willingly donate their time to share their knowledge and expertise.