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Finding self-esteem in the wilderness

BOW program such a hit, it's expanding

By: Shel Zolkewich

Posted: 05/12/2012 3:21 AM | Comments: 0

Becoming an Outdoor Woman weekend builds outdoor skills -- and friendships.

If you've ever wanted to learn how to successfully back up a trailer, fillet a fish, spot a white-throated sparrow or increase your odds of comfortably spending a night lost in the woods, then circle June 8 to 10 on your calendar this year.

To all the guys who just grabbed a Sharpee, sorry, this one is just for women. The Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) weekend is at the Circle Square Ranch near Austin.

In 1994, Manitoba became the first province to offer a BOW program.

"The program is designed for women who are seeking a challenge and the opportunity to learn new outdoor skills," said Carolyn Kosheluk, program manager for the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF). "It is for those who are interested in learning both consumptive activities, like hunting and fishing, and non-consumptive activities, like photography and GPS. It's also for those looking for a fun weekend away and the company of like-minded women."

The program has been a hit since the start, attracting between 40 and 75 participants each year. The real magic comes in the ratio of instructors to students. An army of volunteers -- all highly skilled outdoors people -- share their experience, knowledge and passion.

"We aim to have small classes -- no more than six to eight participants per instructor -- so that each woman will have ample time to work with her instructor and ask questions," Kosheluk said. "These workshops are all designed to be very hands-on, and the participants feel more encouraged to try new things when their instructor is actively involved with each of them."

Workshops include rifle shooting, archery, outdoor cooking, trapping, cooking outdoors and birding. This year, there's been a strong interest in photography and map and compass, Kosheluk added. Many women also take advantage of this weekend to complete their Hunter Education course.

So why has the BOW program become such a hit? Kosheluk said it all comes down to the positive learning environment.

"Many women sign up for the opportunity to learn an activity that otherwise may be intimidating or difficult for them to access. BOW provides a non-competitive, supportive environment and encourages everyone to immerse themselves in the lessons," she said.

"Questions are encouraged, and no previous experience is necessary for any of the workshops. Great company and the beauty of the natural setting are also appealing factors, especially for returning participants."

The MWF is also launching Beyond BOW this year. A series of workshops will be offered through the summer and fall so participants can continue to build on their outdoor skills. Kosheluk said the schedule is still being finalized but will likely include fly fishing, boat fishing techniques, bow hunting, game call, wild edibles, marine equipment and electronics.

The BOW is designed to boost outdoor skills, but participants most often get a lot more than they expected.

"Many comment on how the program boosts their self-esteem and their confidence in pursing new activities, as well as the camaraderie and new friendships formed during the weekend," Kosheluk said.

There are still a few spots left for this year's BOW event. Registration closes on May 18. Contact the MWF at (204) 633-5967 or info@mwf.mb.ca, and online at mwf.mb.ca. The fee is $225 for the full weekend and includes food and accommodations. Partial weekend packages are also available.

Shel Zolkewich writes about the outdoors, travel and food when she's not playing outside, traveling or eating. You can reach her with your comments at shel@shelzolkewich.com

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 12, 2012 C8

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