Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program offerings are made possible by a cooperative effort between the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and The Outdoor Heritage Foundation of Alaska.
What can a participant expect from a "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" Workshop?
Format
The workshops span a weekend, beginning at noon on Friday and ending around 2PM Sunday afternoon. The weekend will be divided into four blocks of instruction (sessions), about three hours each.
Skills Learning
During each three-hour session, there will be 6-12 courses offered. The participant chooses one course in each session. In each session, there will be choices that focus on each of three areas: shooting and hunting, fishing, and non-harvest activities, which may (depending on the season) include canoeing, kayaking, snowmachining, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, camping, outdoor cooking, orienteering, survival, etc. The teaching is focused on the needs of adult learners, with the classes being taught in a very "hands-on" manner.
Atmosphere
"Becoming an Outdoors-Woman in Alaska" winter workshops are traditionally held at Victory Bible Camp in Chickaloon near Palmer or Solid Rock Bible Camp in Soldotna. Both of these facilities are outdoorsy, yet comfortable; most participants will stay in cozy cabins, but indoor plumbing and showers are readily accessible. Summer BOW workshops are traditionally held at Lost Lake Scout Camp at mile 306 Richardson Highway between Fairbanks and Delta Junction. The facilities at our summer workshop are a bit more rustic than our winter workshops. Participants may choose to stay in rustic cabins or they may bring their own tent. Indoor plumbing and showers are available, but most of the rest stations are still of the outhouse variety. At all workshops meals are provided and cooked by the camp staff. The focus for the weekend is learning in a comfortable atmosphere.
Attitude
The instructors and staff are patient and supportive. The participants share in the success of each group member. This is a non-competitive situation where each individual can learn at her own pace.
Fun
The evening activities are filled with fun and camaraderie. There may be story telling, campfire activities, pioneer skills "round robins", fish and game tasting opportunities, outdoor equipment fairs, or outdoor clothing fashion shows. The emphasis is on the enjoyment that goes with the social side of outdoor activities.
Want to attend a BOW in another state or province? The International BOW Home Page
