Fall Weekend Workshop
WOW offers the right skills at the right pace. Let us know which skills you’d like to learn, and we will schedule you for three, 4-hr hands-on classes over the weekend. We provide expert instructors, all the equipment you’ll need, and the WOW “can-do” attitude. We’ll also provide plenty of take-home resources and a wealth of networking opportunities. Join other Washington Outdoor Women in an empowering experience!
Registration will open on July 1st, 2026.
Workshop Details
2026 DATES: September 25–27
LOCATION: Camp Kiloqua
15207 E Lake Goodwin Rd
Stanwood, WA 98292
REGISTRANTS: 18yrs and older
REGISTRATION FEE: $395
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sep 15th
Workshop Details
2026 DATES: September 25–27
LOCATION: Camp Kiloqua
15207 E Lake Goodwin Rd
Stanwood, WA 98292
REGISTRANTS: 18yrs and older
REGISTRATION FEE: $390
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sep 15th
Step 1. Browse our course descriptions below.
Step 2. Be sure to read through all the Attendance and Logistics Information for the workshop below.
Step 3. Click on the “Register Now” button to sign up – classes fill early so don’t delay. Only classes that still have availability will be listed on the registration site. If you do not see the class you want when you get to the registration form, you can send us an email to be added to the waitlist.
Step 4. Make registration payment. The workshop fee includes expert instruction, lodging, all meals & snacks, use of necessary equipment, and program materials. Your registration will not be complete without payment.
*** Fishing licenses are NOT included in this fee.
Please note: the WOW weekend workshop is an active event and requires a good amount of physical strength and mobility. Please consider whether the physical requirements of this workshop would prevent you from enjoying this experience.
Accommodations
Attendance and Logistics
Located in Stanwood on 185 acres of forest, wetlands and waterfront, Camp Killoqua provides a unique outdoor experience in a beautiful natural setting. The camp Lodge is rustic, while offering large comfortable dormitory-style cabins and mini-lodges. Each building sleeps 9-20 people with access to indoor lavatories and private showers. Participants will have single beds, mattresses, and storage for personal belongings. You are required to provide your own sleeping bag, pillow, and towels. All cabins have plug-ins for cell phones. Please notify us in advance if you need to plug in a CPAP machine or other.
.
Registration
Registration deadline is September 15th or when the workshop fills. Course registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once successfully registered, you will receive a confirmation by email. Included will be your assigned courses, a packing list, and driving directions to the workshop. Participants must be 18 years or older. When you check-in on Friday evening, you will be required to sign a waiver - release of responsibility that includes giving WOW authorization to take your photo that may be used in future program promotions.
Workshop Fee
The $395 workshop fee includes expert instruction, lodging, all meals, and use of necessary equipment and program materials. **Note: Fishing licenses are not included in this fee (needed for fly fishing classes).
Arrival and Departure
Camp Killoqua is located just North of Everett off of I-5. Upon arrival you will be directed to designated parking by WOW team members. Your car must remain parked for the duration of the workshop, unless otherwise approved.
Please plan to arrive for check-in between 6:30 and 7:30 pm on Friday, September 25th. Evening activities begin at 8:00 pm on Friday. WOW’s Weekend Workshop will wrap-up by 1:30 pm on Sunday, September 27th.
Camp Logistics
Please be advised that women with mobility or health issues may be best served by a different program. The WOW workshop is an active weekend and requires a good amount of physical strength and flexibility. At times, you could be a distance away from medical attention. Additionally, you will park your car away from camp activities and it will remain parked for the entire workshop. Self-organized carpooling is available via this link: https://www.groupcarpool.com
Scholarships
Thanks to the generous support of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, scholarships will be awarded to a limited number of first-time participants who qualify. The deadline for scholarship applications is September 1st, but we recommend applying early. Preference is given to single mothers, low-income individuals and full-time students. Participants must be 18 years or older. Email us for a scholarship application.
Cancellation
Cancellation deadline is September 15th. All requests for refunds must be sent in an email. Cancellation requests received prior to September 15, 2026 will be charged a $30 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued after September 15th, but you may send a substitute to take your assigned classes. You must notify us of the change. Please contact the registrar at Lorij@washingtonoutdoorwomen.org.
Please consider whether the physical requirements of this workshop would prevent you from enjoying this experience.
2026 Fall Workshop Class Lineup includes:
After the Harvest/Crab Pots
Discover the joy of birdwatching in this relaxed, hands-on session designed especially for women who want to deepen their connection with nature. Led by an experienced birder, learn to identify common local bird species by sight and sound, tips for attracting birds to your backyard and understanding bird behavior and habitats. Participants will use: Merlin Bird ID app, by Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Birding
Learn the basics of form, parts of the bow, how to shoot and score arrows. Have fun while learning correct timing, posture and concentration with lots of hands-on shooting time!
Archery
Canoeing Introduction
A beginner-friendly class introducing paddling technique, safety, and basic trip planning for recreational canoeing on calm lakes and slow-moving rivers in Washington. Emphasis on skill development, group communication, and safe, enjoyable time on the water and will include: canoe basics: boat parts, safe entry/exit, proper seating and weight distribution, paddle strokes for efficient paddling mechanics, steering and speed.
Dutch Oven Cooking
Explore the history and modern uses of cast iron and Dutch oven cooking. You'll learn how to choose and care for your Dutch oven, coal prep, tending and timing, as well as how to use a variety of minimal ingredients to whip up tasty camp meals perfect for sharing. The course will feature demonstrations on cooking one-pot meals and include oven setups and cooking, an opportunity to assist in assembling and cooking sweet and savory meals, and delicious group tastings in a supportive learning environment.
Emergency Prep
React to whatever comes your way because you are prepared for action and have practiced for emergencies. This class will prep you to also help friends and your community. Being prepared for the unknown is confidence building, and provides a foundation for responding to an emergency both at home and away. This course will help you in planning routes based on hazards, for people and pets, and include: information on first-aid training, getting CPR certified, how to protect your house and environment, and preparing a “Go-Bag” and disaster supply kit.
Fly Fishing
Anxious to get on the water? Women often excel at this technique-driven sport! This class will teach the basics to give you confidence – from casting and knots, to specialized gear and bugs. You will cast on the lake and have lots of practice with a dedicated and supportive set of experienced anglers Faith Roland and Katie Surbeck.
**A current fishing license is required.
Gardening for Wildlife Habitat
Do you plant the right native plants, shrubs, and edibles for birds, butterflies, and humans? Learn what they all prefer and what does best in your backyard. Then ‘dig in’, get your hands dirty, and plant a pollinator garden at camp . Taught by National Wildlife Federation Education specialist Courtney Sullivan.
Outdoor Photography
A hands-on class teaching practical camera skills and composition for photographing fall landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities in Washington. Learning objectives will include: camera settings for changing light, composition and storytelling techniques for compelling outdoor images, capturing motion with shutter speed and stabilization, and basic on-site editing and image sharing best practices.
Fire Building & Knot Tying
This hands-on class covers safe, practical fire craft and essential knot skills for outdoor use. Topics include fire safety, fuel selection, tinder/kindling preparation, and safe extinguishing. Knot-tying segments teach useful outdoor knots plus hitches and lashings for shelter building. Format alternates short demos with guided practice, partner exercises, and scenario-based applications (camp cooking, shelter, gear repair). Participants leave with confidence in safe fire making, a repertoire of practical knots, and resources for continued practice.
Participants will learn about bivalves, where they live, why they are important for maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems, how to harvest responsibly, how to shuck oysters correctly and safely, and test out a variety of recipes. Class instruction will also include crab pot setups.
Backpacking, Tent & Camp Basics
A friendly, hands-on introduction to the fundamental skills women need to plan and enjoy safe, comfortable backpacking and car-camping trips in Washington’s public lands. Ideal for beginners and those with limited overnight backcountry experience who want practical skills, confidence, and trip-planning know-how.
Basic Navigation
A focused, hands‑on class teaching core navigation skills for safe travel on trails and in the backcountry. Designed to build confidence using maps, compass, and GPS basics for route-finding and trip planning in Washington’s varied terrain.
Preserving your Harvest
Plant Identification
This field-based class teaches practical plant ID skills for Northwest habitats led by Lea Dyga of Oxbow Farms. Topics include local native and common nonnative species, seasonal ID traits (leaves, flowers, fruits, bark), habitat clues, plant family characteristics, and safe/ethical foraging and stewardship. Participants learn basic edible/medicinal use cautions, stewardship ethics, and resources for continued study.
Pine Needle Basketry
This hands-on class introduces basic coiling techniques for making a small pine-needle basket using locally foraged needles, natural cordage, and simple stitching. We’ll cover sustainable needle harvesting and identification, tool and material prep, basic coil formation, single- and double-stitch methods, shaping, and finishing. Short demo segments are followed by guided practice and one-on-one help so each participant completes a small finished basket or a near-finished piece to finish at home. All materials provided
Survival Skills
Learn techniques for short-term wilderness survival including mental and physical preparedness, shelter building, fire starting, and water purification. Update your “10-Essentials” and your mindset. Your qualified instructor, Liz Crain has stories and incredible knowledge to share.
Wildlife Awareness
Do you know who is in our woods? Learn about the diverse wildlife of Washington—their behavior and how to respond in the backcountry. Track signs of animal presence on a spiked trail. Anyone seeking safe adventure in the outdoors should take this course! Taught by 3-experts from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Wild Edible Remedies
Participants will explore the basics of seasonal foraging and traditional herbal preparation that begins with a guided walk to identify and respectfully harvest wild and garden herbs that support immunity and digestion. After gathering our ingredients, we’ll craft a traditional herbal fire cider—a potent vinegar infusion made with roots, herbs, spices, and honey. Participants will combine, and customize their own blend while learning about the herbal actions and history behind this folk remedy. Each participant will leave with a jar of their own fire cider to finish infusing at home, along with instructions for straining, storing, and using it throughout the year.
Fall Weekend Workshop Support is being provided by:
