PENFIELD– Officials at Parker Dam State Park have released their Interpretive program schedule for July 9-16.
Thursday, July 9
Throwback Thursdays – Sling and Sling-staff: 6:30 PM – Environmental Education Classroom
A series of Thursday evening programs – each week a different topic following the theme of “primitive skills’ will be covered. For this edition of Throwback Thursday, we will learn about slings and the sling-staff – primitive weapons that are used in an interesting way. Come try your hand at throwing at the target.
Friday, July 10
Nature Nut – Snails and Slugs: 8:30 PM – Campground Amphitheater
Fridays are nutty this year. Watch John Acorn, the Nature Nut, in a series of video programs that are as entertaining as they are educational. This week’s episode – snails and slugs.
Saturday, July 11
Bird Friendly Coffee: 9:00 AM – Campground Host Site (#107)
Come enjoy a cup of ‘shade-grown’ coffee. Learn about the benefits of seeking out shade-grown and environmentally-friendly coffee and how it supports our local wildlife too.
Solar Powered Beach Activity: 3:00 PM – Beach
Solar energy can be used in many ways. Come learn about a few ways to harvest this energy source. Electricity, hot water, and more can use solar energy to be produced.
Matchless Fire: 8:00 PM – Campground Amphitheater
Learn how to start a fire without matches (or lighters). Fire by friction and flint and steel, along with a few other techniques (ever heard of a fire piston?), will be demonstrated.
Bow Drill Fire Making, Featuring: Patrick Adams, Bureau of State Parks
8:30 PM – Campground Amphitheater
This film takes you step-by-step through the construction and use of the classic bow drill. Detailed instructions on all aspects of primitive fire making, including material selection, components, friction techniques, and troubleshooting are discussed.
Sunday, July 12
High Country Arts and Crafts Fair: 10:00 AM– 5:00 PM – S.B. Elliott State Park
Annual event sponsored by the Clearfield Elks featuring: arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations, entertainment, food, shuttles to and from the parking area, and much more. Visit the park’s table at the festival to get an interesting look at a local species of wildlife.
Tea and Talk: 7:00 PM – Beach House
Bring your own cup or mug (for hot beverages) and try some sweet fern/mountain mint tea grown right here in the park. Talk subjects are always open for discussion…come with some idea of what you’d like to know more about, learn, or share.
Wednesday, July 15
Night Sky Tour: 9:00 PM – Dam Breast, near CCC Museum
Man has been inspired by the night sky since the beginning. Join us to take in the lore and beauty of summer’s planets and constellations during this month’s ‘dark-of-the-moon’.
Thursday, July 16
Throwback Thursdays – the Deadfall: 6:30 PM – Environmental Education Classroom
Each week a different topic on the theme of ‘primitive skills’ will be covered. This week – creating an effective deadfall trap.
*You can keep up on what’s happening at the park by liking “Parker Dam State Park” on Facebook; and, you can find more information about state park programs and special events by logging on to the Bureau of State Parks website at www.VisitPAParks.com, and clicking on “Calendar of Events”.
“The primary purpose of Pennsylvania State Parks is to provide opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental education.”
Access for People with Disabilities
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. (Parker Dam State Park Complex: (814) 765-0630; parkerdamsp@pa.gov)
With at least three days notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.
