Summit County Citizens Voice

Getting to know some horses at B.O.W.

Outdoor skills workshop for women coming up in late May

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — As the hills of Colorado turn green, it’s time to think about getting outside to enjoy the state’s renowned mountains, waterfalls and trails. Women who want to learn more about horseback riding, kayaking, outdoor photography or even edible and medicinal plants once again have a chance to sign up for the nationally known Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, or B.O.W., as it’s nationally known.

This year’s workshop is set of May 20-22 at the four-star Lost Valley Guest Ranch, with stunning accommodations and a chef who will cook to individual preferences for each guest at each meal.

“If you have been afraid to try any of the activities offered, you should just do it,” said one recent participant. “Whatever apprehensions you have will be gone in the first few hours. The instructors are incredible and the women are all so friendly. We are all on equal ground; you won’t feel intimidated.”

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Last year’s two workshops in May and September were especially unique as guest speaker, renowned nature photographer John Fielder, gave participants a sneak peak at his newly released book Ranches of Colorado. Fielder also graciously volunteered to instruct a morning and afternoon photography session for B.O.W.’s participants. The guest speaker for the upcoming May workshop will soon be announced.

The workshop has space for 75 women ages 18 and beyond. Individual classes run with only 6 to 12 women for great one-on-one instruction. No experience is necessary and all equipment with each class taught at the introductory level. Instructors are natural resource professionals, outdoor guides, and experts in their fields. Accommodations are cozy cabins. The scenery is breathtaking. The goal is to help women enjoy recreating outdoors and healthier lifestyles — continuing great outdoor traditions and women are the ones to do just that, passing on their passions and outdoor skills to their families and friends.

B.O.W. is offered to women by Wildland Awareness and Educational Institute, a Colorado conservation education non-profit organization established in 2008, to engage individuals in the outdoors.

MORE INFO
What: Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (B.O.W.)

Who: For women 18 and older

When: Every May and September

Where: Lost Valley Ranch near Deckers & Peaceful Valley Ranch near Estes Park.

Cost: $455 – includes meals, lodging, instruction, equipment and classes.

Photographs:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/waei_org/sets/72157622812449940/

Photographs can also be found at www.wildlandinstitute.org
Details: Susanne Roller, Wildland Awareness and Educational Institute, 303-697-2800, susanne@wildlandinstitute.org, www.wildlandinstitute.org

Filed under: boating, hiking, hunting, recreation, Travel, West Tagged: | Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, hiking, Lost Valley guest ranch, outdoors, Summit County News, women's outdoor skills