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Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

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BOW Workshop 2019

Becoming an Outdoors Woman - Iowa

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is an international program aimed primarily at women, but is an opportunity for anyone 18 years or older to learn outdoor skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, but useful for many outdoor pursuits. 


The workshop is for you if...

  • you have never tried these activities, but have hoped for an opportunity to learn.
  • you are a beginner who hopes to improve your skills.
  • you know how to do some of these activities, but would like to try your hand at some new ones.
  • you are looking for the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.

 

2024 Becoming an Outdoor-Woman Spring Catalog

 

The goal of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) scholarship program is to broaden participation in the weekend workshop to women 18 years old and older who would be unable to attend without financial assistance. Iowa BOW encourages anyone to apply for a scholarship. However, preference will be given to first-time attendees and those promoting diversity in outdoors education across the state through their community affiliations, culture, region, and/or profession. 

  • 2025 Spring BOW scholarship applications due March 3, 2025. 
  • 2025 Spring BOW scholarship winners will be notified March 21, 2025.

 

 

Upcoming BOW Events

These events have been made possible by the Iowa Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program. This workshop is open to both residents and non-residents and any adult 18 years age or older.

2025 Iowa Spring BOW
Looking to learn new skills or dust off the rust? Join us at St Thomas More Center  and enjoy all that spring has to offer! This weekend event is geared to give you skills to spend more time outdoors this year! Learn how to backpack, camp, go on a mentored turkey hunt, freshen up on your shooting skills or even learn to forage! Our BOW instructors are there to help you along the way. Join us for this wonderful Friday-Sunday weekend event!

Registration will open in Mid-January 2025. 

Learn more about the event from the 2024 Spring BOW Catalog.

 

When: May 2-4, 2025
Where: St Thomas More Center, Panora, IA
Registration Information: Registration will open in January 2025.

 

Mini BOW - Paddle & Pudgies

Join us October 19, 2024 at Lake Manawa Sailing Association as we enjoy the fall foliage, fill our bellies and then spend time on the water! We will start out with building fires and doing a little campfire cooking for lunch. We will be using pudgies (pie irons). We will go over basic care and try out a few recipes. Following lunch we will paddle around Lake Manawa. Kayaks and life jackets will be available, but feel free to bring your own. Please dress for the weather, bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray.

When: October 19, 2024 - 11:00am - 4:00pm
Where: Lake Manawa Sailing Association
812 Comanche St
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Registration Information: October 19, 2024

Mini BOW - Hiking & Hobo Packs

Get out and enjoy the fall colors of extreme southwest Iowa. We will start by making and eating some lunch (foil/hobo packs). Iowa DNR Park Manager will join us and explain the history of Waubonsie State Park, as well as the unique topography of the Loess Hills. We will talk about what to take in a hiking pack and set out to spend some time on the trails at Waubonsie. Things to bring: Water bottle, sturdy and comfortable hiking boots/shoes, sunscreen/bug spray, hiking stick/poles, a small day pack

When: November 2, 2024 - 10:30am - 4:00pm
Where: Waubonsie State Park
2585 Waubonsie Park Rd
Hamburg, IA 51640
Registration Information: November 2, 2024

She Goes Outdoors Podcast

She goes outdoors logo

She Goes Outdoors has a great group of ladies talking about spending time outdoors and would love to share these conversations with you. Check out their podcast that is both educational and entertaining! 

Take me to the podcast!

Future BOW Dates

May 2 - May 4, 2025
St Thomas More Center, Panora, IA

Questions?

Rachel Alliss at 515-729-6037 or  Rachel.Alliss@dnr.iowa.gov

Better yet - Join us on Facebook (Becoming an Outdoors Woman - Iowa) and connect with folks from all over who have attended a workshop!


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