Washington Outdoor WomenTeaching Women Outdoor Skills Since 1998
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"Unbelievable fun and incredible [instructors] in the outdoor sports. A four star adventure for every woman!"
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"Outstanding, Professional, Fun and Awesome! This was great! Redefined my love for the outdoors. A real confidence builder."
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"It really builds my confidence to hear another woman say 'I do this, and you can do it, too.'"
What's
involved in a WOW workshop?
Washington
Outdoor Women helps women develop a connection with the
outdoors.
Not so long ago, women were as familiar with the wilderness as their
men. They, too, were hunters, gatherers, anglers, farmers, and ranchers.
Only recently women have moved indoors and strayed from their roots -
their connection to the natural world. WOW puts you back in touch.
Past workshop participants have called WOW “a real confidence builder” and “a wonderful mental vacation.” Another said, “It redefined my love of the outdoors.” But most have felt like this woman who was really proud that: “I did it - all by myself!”
It's amazing how instinctive it feels to learn outdoor skills. Some women simply want to satisfy their curiosity about the outdoors; others will want to pursue new skills to proficiency. In just four hours, you’ll understand the difference.
It is possible to leave it all behind and get lost finding yourself. You’ll be absolutely amazed at what you can do!
WOW’s WEEKEND WORKSHOP
The WOW program strives to teach, encourage and motivate women to connect with the outdoors through hands-on experiences. Its popular weekend workshop at Camp River Ranch in Carnation, Washington, will offer 18 outdoor skills, some with level II classes (in Backpacking, Map and Compass, and Survival). This location facilitates more on-site courses than past years. The Tolt River is adjacent to camp for the fly fishers and freshwater anglers have Lake Langlois, right on site. Archers will shoot targets on a redesigned range amidst old growth firs. All participants will be housed down below in the Meadow area and can opt for sleeping in outdoor cabins near the river or in tents in the Meadow. Since the camp is spread out, walking is required but we think the beautiful outdoor setting is worth it! Please be advised, parts of the camp are on hilly terrain and, for some, it may be a challenge to hike up and down the hills. Dining facilities are approximately ¼ mile uphill from the course locations. Consider if this terrain is right for you. Use of your car is not allowed in camp. This is an “on-foot” event! The program will build in time for walking between classes and the Dining Hall.
The $225 fee continues this year and includes expert instruction, any equipment you may need, food, lodging, resources, educational materials, and WOW’s signature long sleeve t-shirt. See Registration for more details. Come and get lost finding yourself!!
2007 Workshop Descriptions (Offered at the annual Weekend Workshop)
You’ve finally got the big one in your kitchen, now what do you do? Learn to fillet salmon and other fish, shuck oysters, steam clams, and clean crab in this in-depth class. Discover some simple recipes that will win over the most skeptical eaters! This hands-on class is taught by Lori and Steve Patnode, experienced anglers, hunters and Northwest gatherers. Back to Top
Participants learn basic form, parts of a bow, how they work and how to shoot and score arrows. Learning correct posture, timing and concentration will draw you into this amazing skill. Learn how to make adjustments and corrections to your aiming technique. Your instructor Carolyn Elder, a state and national title holder, brings a wealth of experience to this course. Personal equipment is welcomed in this class, but 15 lb. recourse bows are provided. Back to Top
This course is 'packed' with fundamental instruction for using lightweight equipment, proper campsite preparation, "Leave No Trace" practices, trip planning, weather coping, clothing options, and preparing backcountry meals. Backpacking gear will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own to use. This course is taught by experienced instructors from REI. Back to Top
This course explores the philosophy behind hunting - particularly elk, deer and wild turkey - and the ethics of the hunt. It covers the basics: safety, preparation, planning, responsible decision-making, equipment, optics, and special clothing. Lead instructor Bruce McGlenn is assisted by Sharon Rose. Both are certified NRA Shotgun instructors for WOW. Firearm techniques as well as bow hunting will be addressed. There will be an opportunity to shoot bows and handle (only) firearms. Animal calls, packing lists and items and State hunting regulations are also covered. Laura Grayum assists with bow hunting tips This is a hands-on class. Back to Top
Birding (Not offered in 2007 - stay tuned for 2008)
Amateur birders in this class take an early morning walk to identify local forest birds using the tools of the trade - binoculars and field guides. Afterward, they build their own birdhouse or feeder and take home plans to create a Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary. The class is taught by Mary Frances Mathis of the East Lake Washington Audubon Society (ELWAS)' Birdhouse construction is supervised by Andrew McGlenn, a local engineer and outdoor enthusiast. The American Birding Association is a generous contributor to the course this year! Back to Top
This four hour course will provide a complete tool box of strokes for proper maneuvering a canoe on flat water. Learn canoe mechanics and an understanding of the roles of both paddlers in tandem canoeing. All paddlers should learn both the bow position and the stern position. This course will empower you to put your canoe just where you want it, while enjoying Lake Langlois (on site). Learn to canoe in a non-competitive, relaxed atmosphere. - backed up with lots of paddling. Your instructors, Connie Hiersche and Mary Vincent, both ACA certified, make your 'on the water' experience a lot of fun! Back to Top
Challenge Course (Low Ropes)
This is Adventure Play on the Challenge Course!
Put your leadership qualities to use in group initiatives on the River
Ranch’s challenge course. Identify how to support yourself and others
when preparing for extended adventures into the back country. Rescue a
bear from the top of a 10’ Giant’s finger, do the Macarena on deck
during a storm, and support your friends to cross the wobbly log. The
low challenge course program is designed to challenge groups and
individuals to work on issues of trust, team work, communication and
problem solving.
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Wild plants can be nutritious and delicious! In this fascinating course you'll prepare Stinging Nettle Soup, Dandelion Pesto, Dock Seed Crackers, Elderberry Jelly and Burdock Root. These, and other tasty surprises, will make up your wild foods meal to taste and enjoy. Karen Sherwood of Earthwalk Northwest always brings a wealth of experience and useful information to her classes with WOW. Back to Top
Come hungry to this class! Nothing tastes better or is more surprising than food prepared in a Dutch Oven. Instructors share secrets of cast iron cooking success, and the participants help cut, chop and cook cobblers, rolls, one-pot dinners, desserts and wild game in a camp setting. Your experienced instructors, Janet Boneham and Patty Johnston, who have been cooking this way for years, team up annually to teach this class. Take home some wonderful recipes to try on your own. Back to Top
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This fascinating course teaches the basics of cutting and wrapping your own game. Your instructor, Sharon Rose, shares important tips for handling meat correctly and efficiently. She is a food advisor for the Washington Extension Service and self-reliant in all aspects of food procurement, processing and preparation. Sharon is also certified as a Master Hunter so she has lots of first hand 'field knowledge' of what can go wrong if meat isn't handled right! Back to Top |
An indispensable course for beginning anglers! Cover the basics of rod & reel handling, knot tying, using bait and lures, and then fish for trout on Lake Langlois! Taught by Pat Kelly and instructors from the Department of Washington Fish and Wildlife. After some individual instruction and dry land casting practice, participants will fish on the lake to try their luck so a current fishing license is required. Back to Top
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Students of this elegant sport learn basic casting, knots, and get an understanding of equipment and gear along with fly fishing etiquette and “catch-and-release” philosophy. They also see how bugs and habitat combine for successful fishing. Lead instructor Faith Roland been fishing for many years, and will lead an experience team of instructors who are active in the Northwest Women Flyfishers. Gear is provided, but class members are invited to bring their own if they had it. You will fish on either the Tolt River or Lake Langlois so a current fishing license is required! Back to Top
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In just a few hours, participants in this class learn to grab line, scissors, thread bobbin, and whip finisher to turn fur and feathers into fishing flies. Equipment and materials are provided by the Federation of Flyfishers. Instructor Brita Fordice of The Avid Angler teaches this fun and informative course. Back to Top |
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Going with the Dogs (First aid for Dogs)
This popular course answers a request from women to learn more about practical solutions to emergencies that dogs might encounter in the outdoors, especially far afield, when quick and effective response can mean prevention of worse consequences. See what to include in your dog's first aid kit. Dr. Jayne Jensen, DVD, gives valuable tips for first aid and use of practical remedies. The black Labs she brings with her cooperate for bandaging sessions to make this a definite hands-on session!. This is also a great opportunity for questions on trail etiquette. Back to Top
Always one of the most popular courses and first to fill, this one takes students on an interpretive walk to identify common Northwest herbal remedies. River Ranch has a wonderful Nature Trail for this experience! Karen Sherwood, founder of Earthwalk Northwest, introduces participants to the fascinating world of herbal medicine. Participants make their own herbal lip balm and healing salve from plantain, calendula and comfrey. Back to Top
Kayaking
Experience the deepest small lake in King County during this 4 hour
introduction to kayaking. Learn to paddle a recreational kayak with the
basic strokes in variable conditions. See a demonstration of kayak self
rescue techniques (and try it yourself if you want !) and learn more
about other modes of kayak sports including sea kayaking and river
paddling. These introductory skills will provide a strong basis for
taking the next step in a more difficult environment. Your instructors
are Connie Hiersche and Mary Vincent, Camp River Ranch Staff certified
in Kayaking Instruction by the American Canoe Association. You must know
how to swim.
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Can you read a US Geological topographic map or take a bearing with a compass to avoid getting lost? Do you know the difference between true and magnetic north? You learn all of this and more, and test your new skills in the field. Taught by Cheryl Drevecky, of King County Search and Rescue, and Laura Till from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Maps and compasses are provided. Back to Top
Expand on the skills learned in Basic Map and Compass I and be introduced to GPS - Global Positioning System. Plan and complete a route using map and compass, and triangulation to figure out your location! Experience the fun of a Geo-cache! Taught by Map and Compass I instructors Cheryl Drevecky and Laura Till. Bring your own GPS and manual if you have one (optional). Back to Top
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Great photographs evoke a “WOW!” response. Learn what all those buttons and dials do on your camera. You’ll use the immediacy of digital technology to review your images. All skill levels welcome. Your instructor Amy Gulick is a professional photographer widely published in many outdoor magazines. Bring your camera (digital or 35 mm film camera) instruction manual, fresh batteries, memory card and USB cord for transferring files to a computer (for digital). If using a 35 mm, film will be provided by WOW. Back to Top
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Until you do it, it's impossible to know the thrill of connecting
with a moving target! You'll step up to the line with certified
instructors after you've learned the basics of shotgun safety,
handling and technique. Kathy Loucks and Donna Farley, NRA certified
instructors, lead a team of experienced NRA shooting instructors.
Please note that this class is now offered as a one-day workshop and
is not part of the weekend workshop.
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This is an investment in good decision-making. It emphasizes keeping out of trouble by shelter-making, knots fire building, woods awareness, and the need for food and warmth. Go beyond the "Ten Essentials" and learn what to include in a good first aid kit. This class is taught by survival instructors who have years of practicing what they teach. Your experienced instructor, Debra Langley-Boyer, uses the outdoors as your classroom. The manufacturer of Doan Firestarters donates individual starter kits for each student. You will learn to start a fire without using matches! Your confidence will soar! Back to Top
This course, practical wilderness medicine, responds to many requests for information on applicable first aid in the outdoors. Your instructor, Connie Estep, is certified in Red Cross Wilderness First Aid plus she has years of experience in the back country. You will learn how to attend to common accidents, manage wounds, and diagnose emergency situations when on the trail. You will create a basic first aid kit to take with your on the trail. Back to Top
This class provides an opportunity to meet various mammals and birds of the Pacific Northwest through glimpses, tracks and sounds. It also deals with behavior basics for bear and cougar encounters. Shelly Ament, a biologist with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, has been teaching this excellent, informative course for WOW for several years. Shelly was nominated for Washington's Jefferson Award for her successful work with Elk near Sequim, WA. She has an impressive knowledge of wildlife and her enthusiasm will invite you to sharpen your observation skills in the outdoors!