In case you haven\'t heard the worldwide newsflash, the Boy Scouts have a new permanent home in the New River Gorge.

Our adventure capitol has been recognized by the outdoor troops, and our rolling Gorge will play host to their giant, international Jamboree every 4 years. Along with that honor, we\'ve taken our hosting duties very seriously, and decided to share some of our state with our visitors.

Experience WV, a program cooperative of the colleges and universities of Southern WV, will host cultural workshops for the scouts, their visiting family members and our own community.

Share in the experience and jump aboard the roster for some of these workshops, most of which are free to participate in.

ARTS

Many of the workshops will pass down artistic Appalachian traditions. The "make & take" craft courses will provide you with all the materials and know-how to create your own WV wonder. Learn the refined techniques of etched glass or sculpt a masterpiece with polymer clay. Another traditional art form won\'t leave you with something physical to take home, but with a skill you can use in everyday conversations: storytelling.

MUSIC & THEATER

In addition to concerts by local musicians like the eclectic Option 22 or the old-school folksy rockers The Poor Taters, you can attend performances by professional troupe Theater WV. Catch classics like the " Wizard of Oz," or some Appalachian-staged sets, like the reenactment of the famous " Hatfield & McCoys" feud, or the musical story of our state\'s beginnings during the Civil War with " Honey in the Rock."

SCIENCE & NATURE

Step into the shoes (and space suit) of an astronaut in the NASA flight workshop. Learn space shuttle piloting basics at the Aerospace Education Laboratory, or expand your universe with a tour of the entire lab, including a wind tunnel, microgravity drop tower and meteorology station. Send the kids on their own science adventure with Mad Scientist Camp. Get the scoop on the Gorge\'s wildlife, as well as the history from the early settlers to the coal boom, on a birding and history hike.

These and more workshops are available nearby in Oak Hill, Summersville, Beckley, Beaver and other Southern WV cities. You can reserve a space online or call (304) 685-0589.

Double up your WV experience by following up your session with an outdoor adventure. (There are a lot to choose from here. It\'s our personal favorite part of the state. What about you?)

Which WV Workshop are you most interested in?