BOW spring classes

Linda is retiring! BOW position accepting applications

Becoming an Outdoors Woman is now in its 31st year in Minnesota! BOW in Minnesota began in 1994 with the first workshop held at Gunflint Lodge in January 1995. Jean Bergerson was Minnesota’s first BOW coordinator from 1995 to 2004 when she retired, and I was hired. My first workshop was also held at Gunflint lodge in January of 2005. BOW has grown a lot since then! What makes BOW unique and truly special are all the wonderful participants, volunteers, mentors and instructors who have supported BOW over the years! Being the BOW coordinator has been the highlight of my DNR career, which first began in 1992 as a MinnAqua aquatic education specialist. Thank you all for making BOW a truly special program! My next adventure is a trip to Greece, then spending time at the lake.

If you’re interested in becoming the next BOW coordinator, apply now through April 28. The position announcement is posted on the State of Minnesota career website. Search for “Becoming an Outdoors Woman.” I am looking forward to BOW evolving and growing with the help of the new coordinator, along with our wonderful volunteers!

Until the new BOW coordinator is in place, BOW questions can be directed to Jenny Ayechit at jenny.ayechit@state.mn.us.

BOW Fall & Winter Workshop!

Fall Workshop, Oct. 3-5, 2025, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Lanesboro

Jan. 23-25, 2026, Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, Sandstone 

Save the above tentative dates for our fall and winter workshops! Workshops are a great way for women to learn skills and meet other women who are also interested in the outdoors. Registration will open two months prior to the workshop. Fee includes two nights lodging, all meals, instruction, equipment and fun!

Women’s programming

Outdoor Skills Workshop for Women: Map & Compass Navigation, April 12, 2:30-5:30 p.m., French Regional Park, Plymouth, MN, fee $18, register at Outdoor Skills Workshops for Women: Map and Compass Navigation Registration

Join an Outdoor Recreation School instructor to learn the fundamentals of reading and understanding topographic maps, using a compass, and combining those skills to navigate outdoors. This hands-on class is great for beginners and those looking to refresh their navigation skills. Women, femme and non-binary folks are welcome at this program. Equipment provided. Reservations required by 24 hours prior. Ages 14-plus. 

Full Moon Hike and Campfire for Women, April 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m., French Regional Park, Plymouth, MN, fee $10, register at Full Moon Hike & Campfire for Women Registration

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors for a moonlit hike on the trails of French Regional Park. After the hike, gather around the fire to chat and make s’mores under the full moon. Women, femme and nonbinary folks are welcome at this program. Equipment provided. Reservations required by 24 hours prior. Ages 14-plus. 

Outdoor Skills Workshop for Women: Tarps & Knots, April 27, 1-3 p.m., French Regional Park, Plymouth, MN, fee $12, register at Outdoor Skills Workshops for Women: Tarps & Knots Registration

Join an Outdoor Recreation School instructor to learn the fundamentals of setting up tarps for camping and backpacking. This hands-on class is great for beginners and those looking to refresh or expand their skills. Women, femme and non-binary folks are welcome at this program. Equipment provided. Reservations required by 24 hours prior. Ages 14-plus.

Women’s Archery Club, May 1, 8, 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove, MN, fee $36, register at Women’s Archery Club Registration

Join a community that promotes empowerment through the focus, discipline and precision that archery offers. Outdoor Recreation School instructors will take you through the fundamental skills of archery and elements of safety. Practice shooting at stationary targets, get tips to shoot proficiently from varying distances, participate in challenges and play fun games all while you improve your newly learned skills. After learning the basics of shooting a compound bow, discover a primitive hunting technique by trying an atlatl for an extra challenge. This club provides a supportive environment to hone your skills, build confidence and connect with others. Women, femme and non-binary folks are welcome at this program. Equipment provided. Reservations required by 24 hours prior. Ages 14-plus. $36 per person for three sessions.

Nordic Pole Walking Introduction Class, May 6, 4 p.m., Dowling Elementary School, Minneapolis, MN, fee $15, to register email okeykay@gmail.com.

This is an introductory class to this exciting fitness activity. Anyone can do it! It takes a simple walk and turns it into a full body workout, and it doesn’t feel like you are working any harder. Increase your heart rate, burn more calories, strengthen your upper body and create resistance to build better bone density. Poles are provided.

Women’s Kayak Essentials, May 10, 1-4 p.m., Bryant Lake Regional Park, Eden Prairie, MN, fee $50, register at Women’s Kayak Essentials Registration

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors to learn the basics of kayaking safety, proper paddling form and paddle strokes while surrounded by the beauty of the park. Women, femme, and non-binary folks are welcome at this program. Equipment provided. Reservations required by two days prior. Ageas 14-plus.

Mother’s Day Fishing, May 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Bryant Lake Regional Park, Eden Prairie, MN, fee $6, register at Mother’s Day Fishing Registration

Join Outdoor Recreation School instructors and learn about types of fish, preparing equipment, baiting a hook, and handling of fish once they are caught. Equipment and catch-and-release fishing license provided for the program. This program is entirely outdoors. Reservations required by two days prior. Ages 6-plus.

Archery for Women, May 18, 10 a.m.-noon, Carver Park Reserve, Victoria, MN, fee $12, register at Archery for Women Registration

Join the Outdoor Recreation School instructors to learn the basics of archery and elements of safety. Practice fundamental skills, participate in fun challenges and enjoy the thrill of hitting the target. Women, femme and non-binary folks are welcome at this program. Equipment provided. Reservations required by two days prior. Ages 14-plus.

Archery for Women, May 24, 10 a.m.-noon, Cleary Lake Regional Park, Prior Lakes, MN, fee $12, register at Archery For Women Registration

Join the Outdoor Recreation School instructors to learn the basics of archery and elements of safety. Practice fundamental skills, participate in fun challenges and enjoy the thrill of hitting the target. Women, femme, and non-binary folks are welcome at this program. Equipment provided. Reservations required by two days prior. Ages 14-plus.

Introduction to Canoeing for Women. May 31, 10 a.m.-noon, Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington, MN, fee $12, register at Introduction to Canoeing for Women Registration 

Get ready for a summer of paddling with an introduction to canoeing! Instructors from the Outdoor Recreation School will cover safety, equipment and paddle strokes. Then we’ll get out on the water to practice our skills. This is a great class for beginners or those looking to brush up on skills. Women, femme and non-binary folks are welcome at this program. Equipment provided. Reservations required by two days prior. Ages 14-plus.