WOW’s signature weekend workshop was held at Camp Waskowitz in North Bend, WA. with 140+ on site. This workshop, 80% of the women participating were new to the WOW program. Sincere in their goal of functioning confidently in the outdoors, a ‘can do’ attitude best describes this year’s women! Their enthusiasm ignited anticipation and excitement and warm camaraderie grew from the first bonfire on Friday night! Eager to learn and willing to ply WOW’s traditional skill building, the participants delighted the WOW instructors with their positive attitudes and determination to learn. Included in the sixteen classes offered at this workshop, were three new additions: Bee Keeping, Duck Hunting 101, and Fire Building. This year, the participants’ curiosity about a skill transferred to spontaneous practice which instilled confidence and led to empowerment. We really did observe potential matching opportunity!
A Breakout Session led by Western Wildlife Outreach and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Enforcement Division highlighted interaction tips for living with bear and cougar. A popular visitor was Karelian Bear dog, Savute, with his handler WDFW Officer Chris Moszeter.
An added theme at this year’s workshop was the highlighting of Conservation groups, their important work, and the available opportunities for involvement. Featured deliveries were Audubon of Washington, Ducks Unlimited, National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, our Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Parks, Washington Wildlife Federation, Washington Trails Association, and the Washington Waterfowl Association.
A sincere thank you to our amazing 2015 Pinnacle Sponsors, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and REI, Inc., and to the many generous donors of the WOW program. An RMEF Scholarship grant allowed 21 women to attend WOW who might otherwise have been unable to do so. REI provided headlamps, stuff bags and water bottles for attendees to incorporate into their weekend experience and adventures beyond….
