Become an Outdoorsy Woman

Afraid of heights, water or sleeping outdoors?  Then Become an Outdoors Woman, a program in Prescott that teaches women outdoor skills in the company of other chicks.

For three days every April and August at Friendly Pines Camp, women try to conquer their fears with other girls cheering them on. They paddle, shoot and rappel.  But most importantly they bond.

Founded in 1991 by Christine Thomas, a lifelong outdoors enthusiast, Thomas wanted to create a program that would teach women outdoor skills in a non-threatening environment.  Today, more than 20,000 women participate each year in BOW programs across the United States, Canada and New Zealand.

The Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) hosts a Deluxe Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW) workshop August 13-15.  No previous outdoor experience is necessary. Participants range from first-time campers to seasoned hunters and backpackers. The goal is to help women appreciate the outdoors, no matter if they’re sporting salon-fresh curls or camouflage.

Hiking, fishing and canoeing at BOW Camp.

You’ll learn skills such as gun safety, shooting, angling (including fly fishing), camping, Dutch-oven cooking, map and compass reading, and marksmanship with rifle and bow are taught.  If you’re a budding photographer, choose a class in wildlife photography, or learn about the indigenous wildlife of Northern Arizona with bird watching and “hawk talks.”  You can also brush up on your canoeing, kayaking, and learn how to rappel off the side of a cliff. Instructors are experts in their subjects, and know the ins and outs of outdoor Arizona.

Because it’s the Deluxe BOW, the accommodations are more upscale, and thank goodness for that.  You will still need to bring your personal items, bedding, and/or sleeping bags, but the rest is included.  Registration covers meals, lodging in a rustic cabin, and most miscellaneous expenses related to the workshops. 

Think how excited your husband or boyfriend will be when you can show him a few things about shooting a gun, or maybe not.

BOW
August 13 - August 15

Camp Friendly Pines
933 East Friendly Pines Road
Prescott, AZ 86303-8202
(928) 445-2128

Price:  $270, includes meals, lodging and classes
480-644-0077

Fill out this registration form

Photos from personal collection.