The objective of the Washington Outdoor Women (WOW) weekend workshop was to introduce a wider audience of women to new outdoor skills through the opportunity to choose three four-hour, hands-on classes throughout the weekend. Participants learned from expert instructors and had access to the equipment and supplies needed for their classes, along with food, lodging, take-home resources, and abundant opportunities to connect and network with other women.

Participation & Reach

This year’s workshop welcomed 90-participants, representing women from 18-different Washington counties, with participants ranging in age from 34 to 71. Sixty-four percent of attendees were new to a WOW workshop, demonstrating the program’s continued ability to reach women who are discovering WOW and outdoor skills for the first time.

WOW was also able to award eight partial scholarships, made possible through grant funding and the generosity of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). These scholarships helped reduce financial barriers and provided additional women with the opportunity to participate in the weekend.

A New Location & Outdoor Experience

Moving the workshop to Camp Killoqua in Stanwood created an exciting new dimension for the program. Located on 185 acres of forest, wetlands, and waterfront, Camp Killoqua provided a beautiful and immersive natural setting for learning and exploration. The new location allowed WOW to bring back Canoeing, continue offering Fly Fishing, and take advantage of the deeper woods and waterfront environment. The energy of being on the lake, surrounded by forest and wildlife, created an atmosphere that enhanced both the classes and the overall weekend experience.

Camp Killoqua's rustic Lodge, comfortable dormitory-style cabins, and mini-lodges provided accommodations for participants in a setting that encouraged community and connection, as well as terrific class spaces. Cabins accommodated approximately 9–20 people, with single beds, mattresses, storage, indoor lavatories, and private showers. Tent-platform camping was also available for participants who preferred a more traditional outdoor experience.

18 Hands-On Classes

Participants could choose from 18-different outdoor skills, providing opportunities for women with a wide range of interests and experience levels. Offerings included Birding, Introduction to Canoeing, Outdoor Photography, Food Preservation, Fly Fishing, Wildlife Awareness, and many others. Interestingly, some of the newer classes and classes that had not been offered for several years were among the most popular, demonstrating that participants are eager to explore new topics and expand their outdoor skill sets.

More Than Outdoor Skills

The weekend was about more than simply learning how to canoe, fish, photograph wildlife, identify birds, or preserve food. It was an opportunity for women to discover—or rediscover—how capable they already are. Through hands-on learning and the willingness to try something unfamiliar, participants were encouraged to build confidence, independence, and a greater sense of connection to the outdoors. Each class provided an opportunity to learn something practical while also challenging participants to step outside their comfort zones. Just as important was the sense of community that developed throughout the weekend. Participants were surrounded by curious, thoughtful, and like-minded women who were willing to share knowledge, lend a hand, encourage one another, and lift each other up. These connections are an important part of the WOW experience and often extend beyond the weekend itself.

Community & Corporate Support

The success of the workshop was strengthened by generous support from companies and organizations that believe in getting women outdoors and developing practical outdoor skills. WOW received valuable support from many partners including REI, Danner Boots, GSI Outdoors, Filson, Cascade Mountain Tech, and Oxbow Farms. Oxbow Farms generously donated $400 worth of plants for the Gardening for Wildlife class, giving participants the opportunity to learn how they can create habitat and support wildlife in their own communities. This network of supporters, instructors, volunteers, and participants continues to demonstrate what is possible when organizations come together to create meaningful outdoor opportunities for women.

A Weekend of Learning, Confidence & Connection

The WOW weekend workshop continues to be about much more than a schedule of classes. It is an opportunity to learn practical skills, experience the outdoors in new ways, meet women from across Washington, and build confidence through doing something new. With 90-participants, 18-classes, women representing 18-Washington counties, 64% first-time WOW attendees, eight scholarship recipients, and the generous support of instructors, volunteers, and corporate partners, this year's workshop demonstrated the continued value of creating welcoming spaces where women can learn, explore, and support one another. Ultimately, the weekend reminded participants that outdoor skills are not simply something to learn—they are tools for becoming more confident, resourceful, independent, and connected. WOW's goal is to give women the knowledge and encouragement to take those skills home and continue using them long after the weekend ends.

A Few Evaluation Comments

“ I liked the breakouts to get a little more learning in. I would take a longer conference if we could!”

“The helpful staff willing to help each and every one of us all of the time. AWESOME!”

“All of the passionate, smart WDFW instructors were all awesome too.”

“Survival- Awesome...Wow, does Liz know her stuff! Incredible presentation and very captivating. Kept us moving and engaged the whole time. Very much appreciated her approach to the class and I gained skills/knowledge I’ll use every day, not just in a survival situation.”

“Wildlife awareness awesome, I was beginning to feel uncomfortable doing outside activities alone, the instructors shared so many things that left me feeling way more confident to get out and try to explore more.”