Have you ever thought of becoming an outdoors woman in Maine?  Or maybe you are one now and want to learn and improve skills. The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and Friends of Maine BOW have a program for you. BOW, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, will hold its Introductory Skills Weekend at Camp Caribou on September 14-16.

Thanks to BOW, I’m comfortable and confident in my new kayak, am less likely to get lost in the woods with my map and compass skills, can cook three meals and snacks over an open fire and learned a few new foods to wild harvest. This year I’m going to improve my fly casting skills and learn to plan and pack for outdoor trips. I’ll be teaching classes in campfire cooking and outdoors writing with Maine Guide Steve Vose.

Dutch ovens can be used to cook full meals, desserts, biscuits and more.

BOW began in 1991 in Wisconsin and has expanded to many states as a result of a survey that showed women prefer to learn outdoors skills with other women. For many of us, outdoor skills weren’t something we were taught as children so we have a limited amount of knowledge going into the weekend. A schedule of classes is available on the website.

Archery classes are among the first to fill up.

The weekend isn’t just about learning. You’ll meet some of the nicest people at BOW, and you’ll have something in common with everyone you meet. If you arrive alone on Friday you will leave with new friends on Sunday afternoon. It’s fun! Camp Caribou has the best fire pit I’ve seen. You walk down the road, cross a small bridge, walk up the stairs and follow a path a fire surrounded by rustic stadium seating. There’s great food prepared by the staff at Camp Caribou. Don’t let dietary concerns stop you. There are options if you have specific needs.  Friends. We’ll have a talent show this year that should be great.

BOW’s instructors volunteer their time and share their knowledge freely. They’ll answer your questions, tell you things you don’t yet know you need to know, and encourage you as you try new things.

The ropes course includes ziplining into the pond.

In addition to Introductory Skills Weekend, BOW offers Beyond BOW classes. These classes are designed to teach advanced skills such as trapping and hunting. You can find more information about Becoming and Outdoors-Woman, Introductory Skills Weekend and Beyond BOW at MaineBow.

All photos are courtesy of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.