Sample State’s Cultural Best at Experience WV Workshops

Want a true Southern WV experience? We’ve got a unique opportunity this week to dabble in all SWV’s finest.

As the Boy Scouts flock in for the 2013 Jamboree, the universities of the area are coming together to offer up some insights into the Appalachian way of life, highlighting our mountain culture in courses and activities throughout the region.

Here’s just a sampling of some of the cultural workshops you can try:

Arts

Try a traditional crafting course, like polymer clay sculpting. You can not only learn the basics of this versatile medium, you can also take a creation home with you. Make beads, boxes, jewelry or art, and you can take home a little piece of Appalachia with your new skill.

History

The heritage of our state runs as deep as the coal mines, our dominant industry for years. Delve into the coal seams and the lives of mining towns, as well as our railroad history and lumber logging, with a top storyteller and professor during one of the “Talking about Appalachia” sessions.

Or, take a unique look at the Civil War that birthed our state: peek into the past of medicine, before modern technology could cure us. Hear about the history of surgery in the Civil War era, and take a look at modern medical practices for rural communities.

Nature

Hit the trails and hike through the New River Gorge. Learn more about the history of the area, and spot some of the wildlife flying above you. Trek the easy railroad trail and hear stories of kidnapping, coal, unsolved mystery and more.

Sciences

Ever wanted to be an astronaut? The Aerospace Education Laboratory at WV State University will offer special NASA-themed sessions for kids and adults alike. Try your hand at shuttle life with robotics, a flight simulator, microgravity drop tower and more.

Performances

Enjoy the state’s best storytellers, performers and musicians all week long! Theatre WV, Beckley’s professional acting group, will perform “The Hatfields and McCoys” and “Honey in the Rock,” two intriguing state stories, on stage. You can also catch them perform the classic “The Wizard of Oz.” Gospel, southern rock and bluegrassss are among the many mountain musical styles you can explore, both in workshop sessions and live concerts.

Add some adventure to that lineup with a 2013 Jamboree Visitor’s Pass.  You will be able to sample a variety of outdoor adventures, from aerial obstacles to zip lining to BMX biking, at the Boy Scouts’ new high adventure center.

That’s just a small sample of the workshops available this week. For the full list, or to register, visit experiencewv.org.