Zombies are Back! — MDC offers unique outdoor survival program

St. Charles, Mo. — It seems you just can't keep a good zombie down. After last year's enormous success, Survival Skills 101: Zombies! returns to the Missouri Department of Conservation's (MDC) August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles.

What if there was a zombie apocalypse? Would you be ready? Do you have the skills to survive? Or what if you just found yourself having to spend an unplanned night in the outdoors someday? Either way, MDC naturalist staff can prepare you.

You're invited to get your team together and sign up for Survival Skills 101: Zombies!, being held at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles on Friday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. This evening program is free and open to anyone age 13 and older.

Participants will gather in teams of two or three and traverse the outdoors of the conservation area at night, discovering important survival skills along the way. Learn how to navigate using a compass, the techniques of tracking game, how to start a fire, shelter construction, and more. Zombie Squad, a 501c3 organization dedicated to disaster preparedness, will be on hand to help teach important skills like water purification and first aid kit construction.

Participants will have the opportunity to put their new skills to the test as they pilot their way through zombie-infested terrain. This unique survival challenge is a chance to discover nature in a whole new way.

Those attending the program should dress for the outdoors and weather, wear good walking shoes and bring a water bottle and flashlight. The program's activity level is rated at moderate, and will involve walking on uneven ground at night.

Reservations for Survival Skills 101: Zombies! are required and can be made by calling 636-441-4554.

The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is located at 2360 Highway D, approximately two miles west of Highway 94.