Welcome to POWR Up, an overnight retreat for women to experience nature and outdoor recreation with like-minded ladies in a non-competitive environment. POWR Up developed out of the popularity of our Palmetto Outdoors Women’s Retreat (POWR), which allows participants to select up to eight classes that introduce them to the outdoors.
POWR UP offers three class sessions, which are three hours each to allow for in-depth instruction on each topic. Class topics include backpacking, bass fishing, kayak fishing, outdoor photography, hunting basics, and more. Each participant should leave the classes feeling confident and ready to try their new skills on their own.
For this two-day, one-night event, the registration fee covers the workshop, a T-shirt, and lunch on Saturday. Lodging and meals (with the exception of Saturday lunch) for this event are on your own. Please note that there are hotels in the nearby area as well as campsites, which are located at Santee State Park.
POWR Up 2023 Classes
Backpacking: Trail Ready
Ready for a deep dive and a long walk? We will learn about the gear and the prep for backpacking-from tents to boots to bears to bugs. We'll have access to some good trails so we will also get to test drive some backpacks for a real boots-on-the-ground experience. There will be a chance to try different packs and pack weights. So, bring your boots (or good trail shoes), trail clothes, sturdy legs, and rain gear in case the weather decides to test us.
Bass Fishing
Learn how to land that largemouth! Participants in the bass fishing class will learn several ways to rig for bass, what time of year to fish with specific rigs, and about the different types of rods and equipment every bass angler should have. Participants will fish a large pond at Clarendon Club.
Birding
Fall birding can be such a cool time to see migrating species. Participants in this class will get an in depth look at birds of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge plus learn about tools to help them be better birders.
Boating and Trailering
Join the ever patient and approachable officers from the SC Department of Natural Resources and learn how to safely operate a boat, trailer it, and launch it. Plus enjoy a relaxing ride on the lake!
Catfish Fishing
Climb aboard a pontoon and learn how to rig for and catch Lake Marion Catfish. Participants will learn about the type of gear, bait, and rigging needed to land these sometimes "monstrous" fish!
Scouting and Hunting SC Wildlife
Discussing what to look for and where to locate wildlife, the various tools needed to hunt, and different methods used to achieve a successful harvest.
Kayak Paddle
Enjoy a paddle on beautiful Lake Marion in Santee, SC. Participants will go over some paddling review and then be off for a long paddle gazing at wildlife and enjoying the flora and fauna around the lake.
Kayak Fishing
Do you love kayaking? Do you love to fish? This class will help you learn to combine your passions. You will begin with some shore-based guidance on both paddling and successful fishing rigs and tips for fishing from the kayak. Hit the water and catch some fun!
Pine Needle Basketry
Get a taste of this incredible craft, pine needle basketry. In this class, you will learn about the materials needed and techniques for crafting a small basket or coaster. Once you learn the basics, the possibilities are endless!
Outdoor Photography: Do You See What I See?
Pictures of beautiful sunsets, mountains, beaches...yawwwwn! 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 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, 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 handling.
Wilderness Trek: Hike with a Master Naturalist
Gather with Master Naturalists and explore some trails. In addition to learning about the flora and fauna around you, participants will get familiar with different apps that help you identify specimens, binoculars, and more.
The Retreat is presented by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation and sponsored by Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. We are pleased to have the support of several outfitters and organizations including the SC Department of Natural Resources, Artemis South Carolina, Angling Women, Clemson Sandhills Research Station, On the Water with the Schall’s, and Nature Adventure Outfitters. 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.
LOCATION: POWR Up will be held in and around Santee, SC. Check-in will be at Santee State Park, and events will be held in the park or at nearby locations. Please note that you will need to drive to several classes.
Santee State Park: 251 State Park Road, Santee, SC 29142
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: POWER Up will open for check-in at 11:30 am on Friday. The first class begins at 2 pm on Friday, and the last class concludes Saturday evening at 5 pm.
COST: $175 per person, and includes lunch on Saturday. All other meals and lodging are on-your-own. POWR Up t-shirts are included with registration.
REGISTRATION PROCESS: Click the Register Here button below to register for the retreat! 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 should use their email address. Once you register, you will receive a receipt that contains the code that you will need to reserve lodging and 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.
EVENT REGISTRATION REFUNDS: 90% of registration, t-shirt & meal plan fees will be refunded when requested in writing or by email on or before September 13th. 50% of registration fees will be refunded if requested between September 14th and October 5th. Please note that SCWF staff cannot cancel your lodging reservations.
MEALS: Saturday lunch is included in your registration. All other meals are on-your-own, and NOT included in the registration prices.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS: You will receive information about hotel accommodations in your confirmation email. Lodging reservations do not reserve you a spot in the Retreat, or vice versa. There are other hotels and campsite accommodations available in Santee. Check out Santee Cooper Country for more information.
Banner Photo: Santee State Park by Sara Green.