Women from all over B.C. spent the weekend at the Easter Seals Camp Winfield in Lake Country to gain independence in the backcountry.
The BC Wildlife Federation hosts the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) course to empower women to hunt, fish, and more.
Women’s Programs Coordinator Melanie Sereda joined the course for the second time since taking on a position with the federation.
“It was phenomenal. So much energy, education, fun. It was just a really great group of women.”
A little more than 50 women attended. Each took four courses between June 2 and 4, including archery, shooting, fishing, nature art, backcountry driving, fur handling, and fire crafting.
“We had women there that have been outdoor women for most of their lives, but the education that we have available adds to what people already know.”
Many of the instructors are female, but the men from the Oceola Fish and Game Club also volunteer their time to teach some courses.
Sereda noted that they are working hard to incorporate more Indigenous teachers and lessons into the course to stay true to B.C.’s roots.
“I have met a few beautiful, amazing Indigenous women who I will be connecting with for future BOW programs to ensure that we have that component.”
The course has run twice per year in the past at locations around the province. Sereda said they will be continuing with three-weekend courses every year.
READ MORE: Building confidence, gaining independence in the Okanagan while Becoming an Outdoors Woman
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