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BOW: Becoming An Outdoors-Woman
BOW Workshops:These workshops are designed for women nineteen years and older they provide opportunities for women to learn skills used in hunting, angling, and other outdoor related activities. These workshops are for you if:
BOW Courses:Courses are offered in three areas of interest, Angling, Shooting & Hunting, and other Outdoor Recreation Skills. Each BOW workshop offers over twenty courses where each participant will select four courses. The following list is an example of the courses that maybe offered, each location varies depending on the special features of the site.
BOW Weekend:Each workshop spans a weekend starting at noon on Friday, and concluding noon on Sunday. The weekend is divided into four blocks of instruction each three to four hours in duration. Special evening activities are interesting, informative and fun. Emphasis is on the enjoyment that goes with the social side of outdoor activities. Workshops are generally held at outdoor camps or resorts. The atmosphere is outdoorsy but comfortable. Participants will stay in lodges, dormitories or cabins that maybe rustic, but have modern basic amenities. Meals are provided and cooked by the camp staff. The focus of the weekend is learning in an appropriate, comfortable atmosphere. Workshops promote outdoor skills, hunting, angling and outdoor recreation as a family activity. Encouraging women to become more active and familiar with our provinces’ natural resources. The instructors and helpers are patient and supportive. Participants share in the success of each class member. The lessons are hands-on, noncompetitive, where each individual learns at their own pace. KUDOS from BOW participants:"A well planned weekend. Such diversity of subject to choose from. A real enticement to return for more." "I think it is great to get involved like this. I would recommend it to all women who want to learn more about the outdoors." "I had a wonderful time at the workshop, met many interesting people and gained some new hobbies. (I am now addicted to fishing.)" "I'm so happy I had the opportunity to learn to ride a horse. It was fun, easier than I thought and relaxing!!!!" "Thank you for making B.O.W. a reasonable price and a lot of fun." "Excellent! Safe place to learn to connect with other women and learn new skills." "An incredible weekend from beginning to end." "Wonderful instructors - excellent choice, fabulous time." BOW History:In 1990 a conference was held at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources called "Breaking Down the Barriers to Participation of Women in Hunting and Angling." They identified twenty-one barriers at the conference, fourteen with direct relationship to a lack of educational opportunities for women to learn hunting and angling skills in a noncompetitive, non-threatening atmosphere. Several individuals from the conference decided to plan an opportunity for women to learn the skills associated with hunting and angling. The first workshop was very successful and the demand for similar opportunities was realized. "The Becoming An Outdoors-Woman" program spread throughout North America and is now in forty-three states and nine provinces. By 1997 thirty thousand women had participated in BOW and it continues to grow. In 1998 twelve thousand more women enjoyed the hands on approach to learn hunting and angling. For more information about BOW internationally, including the 1999 schedule for workshops around the US and Canada see their web site at www.uwsp.edu/bow. The framework for the BOW program in BC started in 1996. The first BOW workshop was conducted in Winfield in 1997 hosting over eighty participants. The success of this workshop lead to three BOW events in 1998, in Winfield, Lake Cowichan and Prince George. In 1999, two events were held at Aldergrove and Cranbrook. Almost four hundred and fifty women have participated in BOW workshops in BC to date. BC Wildlife Federation:The BC Wildlife Federation is committed to offering education programs that foster outdoor recreation with emphasis on the conservation of wildlife and habitat. Presently, the Federation has 35,000 members and is the largest and oldest conservation organization in the province, represented by 147 separate and distinct clubs. The primary function of the BCWF is to generate the political, public and individual commitment to ensure the wise use of our fish, wildlife and outdoor recreational resources. As a BOW participant you receive a BCWF membership and we encourage you to contact your locally affiliated club and become involved in the management, protection and restoration projects that preserve your right to fish and hunt. Beyond BOW Workshops:Advanced level courses will be offered with enough interest. Beyond Bow is more "subject specific" and will enhance your skill level in flyfishing, hunting, archery, canoeing, sport shooting etc. for previous BOW participants who want more. Please email us at sfraser@bcwf.com and tell us what skills you would like to advance in. BOW Tips:Wilderness Survival Techniques are taught every BOW workshop. BOW Bookshelf:
Sponsors & Supporters:Thank you to all those who have helped make the BOW program a success. Special thanks to Federal Cartridge CO for supplying all the ammunition used for all the BC workshops. Also, our appreciation to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for sponsoring who would not otherwise have been able to afford to go. We also need to thank Crossman, Kaufman Boots and all our other BOW sponsors, our hats are off to you. We could not have succeeded without the help of the Fish and Game Clubs and Rod and Gun Clubs around the province. Along with the Ministry of Environment Public Conservation Assistance Fund and the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Along with hundreds of donors whose items we raffled at the events to raise money to keep the program affordable. Special appreciation goes out to the instructors and volunteers who teach quality courses and guarantee each event is a success. Thanks also to all those who volunteer their time to put together these events we couldn't have done it without you, you're the best! BOW Contacts:BC Wildlife Federation is pleased and proud to offer you the BOW program. Your suggestions and comment help make future workshops interesting and enjoyable. Please contact us for further information or registration applications. If you wish to be placed on our mail list please send us your name and address. BC Wildlife Federation Unit 101 - 3060 Norland Avenue Burnaby, BC, V5B 3A6 Phone: (604) 291-9990 Fax: (604) 291-9933 Toll Free(In BC): 888-881-2293 Website: www.bcwf.bc.ca Email: wildlife@bcwf.com | ||||||||
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