Nebraskaland

March 2020 • Nebraskaland 51 came away feeling that this was something I could conquer if I spent more time with it. Looking back now, what stands out to me is that these workshops weren't just meant to be fun, though they were. The primary goal seemed to be empowering women to create their own outdoor experiences when they got home, backed up with practical knowledge and hands-on experience. I'm not going to say that Becoming an Outdoors-Woman will transform you instantly into an "outdoors woman." I'm still deciding if I'm going to give biking another go, and would need more help to get into bowfishing. But Emily and I have already decided: We're renting kayaks and getting out on Holmes Lake this summer. I can't wait. N The 2020 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop is Oct. 2-4 at Fort Robinson State Park. For more information on this program, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/bow. A program that is near and dear to me is the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program. I have been blessed to be a part of this program since it started in Nebraska 29 years ago and am proud of what the program has accomplished for thousands of women across the state. The BOW program empowers women to pursue outdoor adventures by giving them the skills needed to do so. An annual workshop is held the first weekend in October, and BOW provides many other events throughout the year. Nebraska was the second state to offer the BOW workshop. The program was developed in 1991 by Dr. Christine Thomas at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College. Thomas' research showed that women would rather learn outdoor skills in a non-competitive environment taught by other women. The program is designed to break down barriers, allowing women of different backgrounds and ages to enjoy outdoor activities in a non-intimidating, friendly environment. The annual three-day workshop is a weekend of hands-on experiences, new skills and new friends. Activities such as archery, fishing, shooting (shotgun, rifle and muzzleloading), big game hunting, turkey hunting, photography, Dutch oven cooking and camping are only part of the line-up of classes. The workshop is held at Ponca State Park and Fort Robinson State Park on a rotating basis, which allows women to experience Nebraska's state parks in two unique settings. To provide women with the next steps for their outdoor pursuits, BOW has expanded with Beyond BOW. The Beyond program offers a series of "how-to" learning sessions that focus on outdoor skills and conservation knowledge. These classes are offered throughout the year, and women can participate in the entire series of how-to classes. Those with more experience can hit the field to go on mentored hunts, fishing trips, camping or kayaking adventures, to name a few. History of BOW By Julie Geiser PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER PHOTO BY BOB GRIER Carl Wolfe teaches camping and outdoor skills at the 1992 BOW course held at the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey.

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