Registration is open for spring Becoming and Outdoors Woman workshop, May 1-3, originating from Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center, south of Indianola.
While the focus of BOW is primarily for women, the workshop is an opportunity for anyone 18 years or older to learn outdoor skills.
“This workshop is all about introducing new participants to the outdoors and building social support networks so skills learned can be applied to other outdoor opportunities throughout the year,” said Rachel Alliss, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “It’s an excellent opportunity to try activities under the guidance of our top-notch instructors.”
Workshop courses include foraged flavors, outdoor photography, intro to archery, kayaking basics, orienteering, pistol basics, Dutch oven cooking, kayak fishing, explore bowhunting, backpacking and hiking, intro to fishing, canning, BOW mentored turkey hunt, camping and more. Attendees taking intro to fishing, kayak fishing or the mentored turkey hunt are required to have purchased a valid Iowa license prior to arrival.
Friday night activity, Wild Game and Wine with Summerset Winery at the Annett Nature Center, is sponsored by Milo Locker, Summerset Winery and the National Wild Turkey Federation. The Saturday night activity is Gourmet S’mores and Stargazing.
Prior to April 1, the cost of the workshop is $280, which includes program materials, equipment, lodging and meals. There is a $250 no lodging option. After April 1, registration is $300 and will not include lodging. Enrollment is limited to 100 participants.
“Make sure to choose one class for each session, each class will show the number of seats still available and once a class has filled, it will be closed. Attendees will know what sessions they are in at the completion of the registration process,” Alliss said.
Early registration is encouraged as workshop spaces and lodging fill quickly. Go to https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camps-Workshops/Becoming-an-Outdoors-Woman to download the catalog, registration link, select classes and for more information on applying for a scholarship.
The event is sponsored by the Iowa DNR.