From One Workshop to a National Movement
Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Wisconsin began in 1991 through the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, when Christine Thomas recognized a need for a different approach to outdoor education. Many women were interested in learning outdoor skills but had limited access to programs that felt welcoming, practical, and supportive. Her goal was to create an environment where women could learn by doing, ask questions freely, and build confidence at their own pace.
Working through UW Stevens Point, Thomas brought together natural resource professionals, educators, and experienced outdoor instructors to design a hands-on workshop model. The focus was on real-world learning experiences that made outdoor skills more approachable for beginners while still engaging for those with some experience.
Growth Beyond Wisconsin
The first workshop was held at Treehaven Field Station near Tomahawk and brought together more than 100 women. It quickly reached capacity, showing a strong need for this type of programming and laying the foundation for future growth.
From that beginning, BOW expanded into a coordinated national and international network of programs across the United States and Canada. Today, Becoming an Outdoors Woman programs are offered through partner organizations in more than 30 states and 5 Canadian provinces, all sharing the same mission of providing hands-on outdoor education for women in supportive learning environments. Wisconsin remains a central part of the program’s history and continued development.
Today, Wisconsin BOW continues to host seasonal multi-course workshops at Treehaven and Beyond BOW events throughout the year. These programs offer ongoing opportunities for women to learn outdoor skills, spend time in nature, and build confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment.
At its core, BOW continues to focus on access, learning, and connection, helping women of all backgrounds feel comfortable and capable in the outdoors.
BOW Programs across the U.S. and Canada
Becoming an Outdoors Woman programs are offered throughout the United States and Canada, creating opportunities for women to connect, learn, and experience the outdoors in new ways.
Explore our interactive map to find programs, workshops, and events near you.
Meet the Coordinator – Peggy Farrell
She has mentored new deer and turkey hunters, coached beginning shooters, and played a key role in expanding outdoor education opportunities for women across the state. Farrell is also an accomplished outdoor writer, with work published in Wisconsin Natural Resources, North American Hunter, North American Fisherman, and various newspapers and online outlets.
Her background includes natural resources, environmental education, journalism, public relations, publishing, and hunter education. She holds a master’s degree in Environmental Education from UW–Stevens Point and teaches the course People, Resources, and the Biosphere. She also coordinates the Central Wisconsin Prairie Chicken Viewing Project and serves as a state R3 coordinator and Hunter Mentor Trainer.
Peggy lives on a small farm near Amherst, Wisconsin, where she enjoys turkey hunting, fishing, gardening, baking, music, and caring for animals, including border collies, goats, chickens, and geese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning for your Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop experience? Below are answers to some of the most common questions about registration, lodging, scholarships, meals, class selection, accessibility, cancellation policies, and what to expect during the event.
Our goal is to create a welcoming, supportive, and enjoyable experience for participants of all skill levels — from complete beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts. If you do not find the information you need, please contact the event coordinator for additional assistance.
Who can attend Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshops?
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshops are designed primarily for women, but they are open to anyone age 18 and older who wants to learn outdoor skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Participants range from complete beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Do I need prior outdoor experience?
No experience is necessary for most classes. Many participants attend BOW workshops specifically to try a new activity for the first time.
Patient instructors provide step-by-step guidance in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies may vary by workshop and event location; however, most Wisconsin BOW events include a non-refundable processing fee for all cancellations, regardless of the reason for cancellation. Participants who cancel within two weeks (14 days) of the event start date will be assessed the full program fee and are not eligible for a refund.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another participant rather than canceling. To arrange a participant substitution or discuss your registration, please contact us as soon as possible before the event at bow@uwsp.edu.
How do class selections work?
Participants typically choose one class during each workshop session.
Because class sizes may be limited, attendees are often asked to rank their first, second, and third choices during registration.
Classes are assigned based on availability and registration timing.
Are meals and lodging included?
Many BOW workshops include lodging and meals as part of the registration fee.
Specific lodging arrangements and meal details vary by event location and will be listed on each event registration page.
Dietary accommodations may be available with advance notice.
Can I attend without staying overnight?
Some workshops allow commuters or off-site lodging options.
If available, details about commuter pricing or lodging discounts will be included in the event information.
Are scholarships available?
Limited scholarship opportunities may be available for first-time participants.
Scholarship preference is often given to:
- Students
- Low-income households
- Wisconsin residents
- Individuals with financial need
Scholarship requirements and deadlines vary by event. Please email us for more information at bow@uwsp.edu.
What should I bring?
Participants should plan for changing outdoor weather conditions.
Recommended items often include:
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Waterproof layers
- Hiking or athletic shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal toiletries
- Notebook or journal
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
A detailed packing list is typically provided after registration.
Is equipment provided?
Most workshops provide the equipment needed for classes and activities.
Participants may bring personal equipment if desired. Any personal firearms, bows, or specialty equipment may need to pass a safety inspection before use.
Do I need a fishing or hunting license?
Certain classes may require a valid state fishing or hunting license.
License requirements will be clearly noted in the class descriptions for each event.
Are workshops physically demanding?
Activity levels vary by class.
Most events label classes with physical activity ratings such as:
Leisurely
Moderate
Active
Participants are encouraged to select classes that match their comfort level and physical abilities.
Can dietary restrictions or accessibility needs be accomodated?
BOW workshops strive to create inclusive and accessible experiences.
Participants are encouraged to communicate:
- Dietary restrictions
- Mobility concerns
- Medical considerations
- Accessibility needs
in advance so organizers can make accommodations whenever possible.
What happens if a class or instructor changes?
Occasionally, weather, instructor availability, or other unforeseen circumstances may require schedule adjustments.
Workshop organizers will make every effort to provide high-quality alternative programming if changes become necessary.
Will photos be taken during the workshop?
Photographs and videos may be captured during workshop activities for future promotional and educational use.
Participants who prefer not to appear in promotional materials should notify event organizers during registration.
How will I receive confirmation after registering?
After registration and payment are processed, participants generally receive:
- Registration confirmation
- Event schedule
- Packing recommendations
- Lodging details
- Directions and arrival information
- Additional workshop updates
Confirmation timelines may vary by event.
Can I make payments in installments?
Participants can stay connected by:
- Visiting the official BOW website
- Following program social media pages
- Joining workshop mailing lists
- Checking future event announcements