Greenway invites women to walk on the wild side

It’s time for women to test their wild side and learn new skills at the Anne Springs Close Greenway.

The Greenway will host the first Wild Women Unite event, a weekend of archery, geocaching, camp cooking, pistol shooting, horseback riding and more, March 11-12. The workshops, taught by credentialed instructors, aim to help women take some time for themselves and get back to the outdoors, said Dena Bruton-Claus, a site director for Wile Women Unite.

“Women really do need to take care of themselves,” she said.

“We are willing to pay for our kids' soccer, private music lessons and Scouts, and we encourage our husbands to go on hunting trips or golf regularly; This is a way for us to encourage each other and rejuvenate.”

Wild Women Unite events are held throughout the country and are open to women of all proficiency levels ages 16 and older, Bruton-Claus said. This is the first time the camp is coming to Fort Mill.

The first night will be a time to relax with the other women and enjoy a performance by 19-year-old singer/songwriter Maddie Shuler as well as chair massages, appetizers, wine, beer, hard cider tastings and a campfire. The next day, participants can choose a total of four activities from a list of 14, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Lunch and dinner are also included along with Dutch oven desserts and a campfire.

“Get away from the daily grind and leave it all behind for a weekend to enjoy some time just to relax, have fun, meet new friends and build memories to last a lifetime,” Bruton-Claus said.

She said the camp provides a safe, encouraging environment for women to enjoy outdoor fun.

“We can learn a lot from challenging ourselves to go outside and take part in activities like that,” she said. “It’s a really fun, relaxed way to try new things or things you haven’t done in a while.”

The range of activities ensure all interests are covered for those that enjoy hardcore outdoor hiking and camping and those that would prefer wild yoga and other relaxing activities, Bruton-Claus said. The camp instructors provide professional assistance.

“There is a little bit of something for everyone,” she said.

The skills picked up at Wild Women Unite can also help women gain confidence in their daily lives, Bruton-Claus said.

“It will translate into our professional lives,” she said.

The Wild Expressions workshop will introduce women to Native American lore and teach them how to make and shoot blowgun darts and the art of tomahawk throwing, Bruton-Claus said.

Dirt Divas, a non-profit women’s mountain biking club, will lead a mountain biking tour on the Greenway for both new and advanced riders, she said.

“They are enthusiastic, fun, encouraging and crazy,” Bruton-Claus said. “I just love them.”

Wild Women Unite offers a unique chance for women to get back to their natural roots, she said.

“There is nothing like being out on a lake in a kayak when it’s calm,” she said. “Once in a while we have to recharge, lift each other up and say I am going to do this for me.”

This story was originally published February 26, 2016 at 1:06 PM with the headline "Greenway invites women to walk on the wild side."