Parks Department to teach survival skills

Many might find it difficult to imagine being caught in a situation where using winter survival skills would be absolutely essential.\nBut Bloomington’s Parks and Recreation Department is holding a program from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Winslow Woods Park to teach people those exact skills. Called “You versus Wild,” the program will go through hands-on winter survival techniques.\nAngie Smith, natural resources coordinator for the department, said the program will focus on the necessary components of survival, such as making a fire and building a shelter.\n“Survival is a state of mind,” Smith said.\nSmith added that a survival situation could arise if one is stranded on the road during a snowstorm.\nSmith said 17 have signed up for the program so far, and although the deadline was Jan. 14, she still might take some late applicants. The program is mainly geared toward children, but Smith said four adults have registered for the program.\n“You versus Wild” costs $5 for residents within city limits and $6 for those outside the limits.