'Becoming An Outdoors Woman' Workshop Scheduled For October 4-6

SHELBY COUNTY, AL — In what has become an increasingly popular event each year, women from throughout the state and across the country will again converge on Columbiana for Alabama's Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-sponsored event takes place at the 4-H Center near Columbiana October 4-6.

The workshop is a three-day event designed for women ages 18 and older who would like to learn new outdoor skills. Registration for the next BOW workshop opens on August 7 for first-time attendees and August 12 for both first-timers and those who have previously attended.

Alabama BOW offers more than 40 classes taught by experienced instructors in a fun outdoor learning environment. Participants can choose four classes from a list of courses such as rifle, pistol, archery, fishing, camping, hiking, canoeing, ATV riding, mountain biking and many more. Regardless of age, outdoor knowledge or physical capability, there is a class suitable for everyone.

BOW coordinator Hope Grier said the classes are perfect for attendees who are new to the outdoors. "There are many ladies who have not been exposed to these outdoor activities and are apprehensive about trying them," she said. "BOW is ideal for those women because everything is taught at a beginner level."

Traci Adams from Charlotte, NC, has attended Alabama’s BOW twice and highly recommends the workshop. "The staff is supportive, patient and wonderful," she said. "I have made new friends and have experienced things I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten to try. Go once and you will be hooked."

"The variety of classes offered at BOW means you can attend multiple workshops and take different classes each time," Grier said. "Many of the women come back again and bring a friend."

Grier said enrollment is limited so signing up early is important. The registration fee for BOW is $275, which covers meals, dormitory-style lodging, program materials and instruction. For more information about this fall’s workshop including a complete list of classes and class descriptions or to register, visit www.outdooralabama.com/bow.