Oklahoma's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop

October 2-4, 2009

Calling all Women! We hope you will join us for the 2009 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop on Oct. 2-4, 2009 at Camp Waluhili, just 45 minutes east of Tulsa, Oklahoma! We're located right on the shores of Ft. Gibson Lake in a beautiful forest setting.  Bring your own tent and campout under the stars, or enjoy meeting new people as you share a cabin with other women. BOW brochures will be available through the mail starting in July 2009.  If you would like a brochure, give us a call at 918-592-2267 or email vproctor@tulsacampfire.org. In the mean time - join us for our upcoming BOW Encampment March 20-22, 2009.  See below for details!

 BOW workshops are for you if:

• You have never tried these activities and hope for an opportunity to learn
• You are a beginner who wants to improve your skills
• You have some outdoor experience and would like to expand your abilities
• You want to network with other outdoor enthusiasts
• You are 18 years old or older

We have plenty of great classes - you'll have a hard time choosing what to take! All the equipment and materials you'll need are provided; you only need to bring personal clothing and bedding. Classes have maximum enrollments; you'll want to register early to get your first picks. Registration is on a first come, first served basis and requires payment in full at the time of registration.

What participants say about the workshop:

• All my teachers were great and passionate about their subject. 
• I really like that you always had fresh coffee! 
• I think you really appeal to the growing number of adventurer's as there are so few places to learn these skills. 
• I had a great time and will be back next year and every year that I can. 
• I have really enjoyed this week-end.  It has been fun-filled and very relaxing. 
• I had a great time!  Everything was extremely well-organized. 
• Felt extremely pampered and loved it. 
• This is awesome!  I cherish these weekends. 

The important things they left the workshop with were:

• Feeling confident with skills I need to know on how to camp. 
• Rejuvenation, peace, new outdoor skills 
• Safety
• Lots - too numerous to mention
• Outdoor skills to pass on to the youth
• Meeting w/like minded women - the fellowship 
• The positive fun and energy of other wonderful women 
• A reminder to appreciate the "journey" and not be focused on the goal only 
• Confidence in myself 
• Wonderful memories, new experiences and wonderful friendships 
• Knowledge - I've destressed and learned so much. 
• Confidence knowing I can do some things I never thought I would. 
• The ability to tell my husband I can to do it! 
• Overall, just enjoying the weekend in our outdoors setting and a relaxed pace. 

Sessions and Programs

The BOW workshop begins Friday afternoon and runs through noon on Sunday. There are four sessions, one on Friday afternoon, two on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. Sessions are 3 1/2 hours long and each includes 10 or more class choices that cover quite a bit of information with lots of hands-on activity.  In addition, we have evening programs, door prizes, silent auctions, a BOW garage sale, campfires, and endless fun and adventure!

Sample Workshop Schedule

Friday
9:00 am - 11:30 am - Check-in
9:30 am - 11:30 am - Optional Intro to Firearms Course
12:15 pm - Welcome
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Session 1
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Supper
6:00 pm - 6:45 pm - Fun mixer activities 
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Evening program
9:00 pm - Evening program around the fire - special presentation 

Saturday
7:15 am - Breakfast
8:00 am - 11:30 am - Session 2
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm - Session 3
5:00 pm - Supper
7:00 pm - Mini-Sessions
8:30 pm - Evening program - special presentation, optional night hikes, etc.

Sunday
7:00 am - Optional Worship Time
7:15 am - Breakfast
8:00 am - 11:30 am - Session 4
11:45 am - Closing and light lunch

BOW classes are geared towards beginners while more advanced classes are offered other times of the year in Beyond BOW weekends.  The following classes were offered in 2008.  Some will be repeated in 2009 and others will be rotated in and out every few years.  We're always looking for new sessions and new ideas.

Friday Afternoon	Sat Morning	Sat Afternoon	Sunday Morning
Intro to GPS	Rifles                               Suzanne Black and Susie Roush	Rappelling                             Susan Bencke	GPS, Geocaching and Letterboxing
Fly Fishing                       Sallyann Brown	Kayaking                       Linda Manaugh	Tube Fishing                         Sallyann Brown and Clinton Ricker	Basic Card Making                  Sallyann Brown
Handguns                      Suzanne Black and Susie Roush	Gourd Decorating: Whimsical People                          Deni Wally and Mary Kay Crain	Kayaking                       Linda Manaugh	Interpretive Nature Hike                                        Clinton Ricker
Survival Techniques                        Clinton Ricker	Canoeing                        Vicki Beierschmitt and Kay Campbell	Canoeing                               Vicki Beierschmitt and Kay Campbell	Gourd Decorating: Jewelry, Parts & Pieces                         Deni Wally and Mary Kay Crain
Sailing                           Susan Bencke and Judy Bencke	White-Tail Deer and Wild Hog Hunting                     Alan Stie	Archery                       Charles DeLong and Rob Ray	Wild Turkey Hunting      Alan Stie
Basic Fishing                    Kyle James	Map and Compass                   Susan Thrasher	Lashing                                  Suzi Lenhart	Shotguns                                         Suzanne Black and Susie Roush
Wildlife Facts and Myths                            Steve Burge	Dutch Oven Cooking               Velinda Baker	Trapping	Dutch Oven Cooking               Velinda Baker
Tracking                             Nick Connor	Rappelling                       Susan Bencke	Backpacking	Bow Hunting                              Charles DeLong and Rob Ray
Wilderness First Aid        JR Haughn	Beyond Basic Fishing       Denese Freeman	Pine Weaving: With Embellishments                       Robin Teeter	Archery                       Charlotte Rose
Pine Needle Weaving: Baskets                           Robin Teeter	Wildlife Facts and Myths                            Steve Burge	Camp Fire Cooking           Kathy Perry	Primitive Outdoor Skills               Lloyd Teeter
Optional Class Friday Morning:  Intro to Firearms	Camp Fire Cooking           Kathy Perry	Bow Fishing                    Oklahoma Fish Stickers	Beyond Basic Fishing       Denese Freeman

Class Descriptions

Archery  - Learn proper equipment selection, correct shooting techniques and form along with basic archery terminology.  This is a great opportunity to try your hand at archery and improve your shooting skills.  Finish out the class by participating in more then just "target" shooting!

 

Backpacking Basics - Backpacking is the ultimate way to escape the crowds and enjoy the backcountry.  Try on several kinds of backpacks; learn about gear and equipment and how you get started.  Pack a backpack and head down the trail for a little taste of what backpacking is really like.  Discuss site selection, low impact camping, try several types of backpacking stove and morel. If you love to hike, this is your next step.

Basic Card Making - This isn't just any cards, but cards you'll create and you'll only want to use for special occasions.  You'll learn to use stencils, stamps, punches, inks, paper and much more.  Make three cards - from birds to fish for an outdoor flavor, or a little 'frillier' using fun 'Crazy Girl' materials, your cards will be awesome.

Basic Fishing - This class offers hands-on instruction for choosing equipment as well as landing your first fish. Learn the types of equipment available, knot tying, choosing bait and loading a reel. You'll have lots of time to fish using spinning rods and bait casting equipment. Equipment provided, but you may bring your own.

Beyond Basic Fishing - If you've mastered fishing basics and are ready to learn more about lures and spinners and other means of catching fish, sign up here!  All equipment is provided.  Class includes lots of fishing and plenty of expert instruction.

Bow Fishing - If you've often thought of archery and/or bow hunting but you really enjoy fishing - this might be next on your list to try - Bow Fishing.  In this class you'll grab a bow and arrows and head to the water as you learn all about the sport of bow fishing. 

Bow Hunting - Designed for beginners, this session will cover information related to hunting deer with bows. Learn to move through the woods tracking deer, set up and use of tree stands and blinds, cover archery equipment and shooting plus info to make your hunts successful! Some archery experience and/or knowledge is necessary.

Campfire Cooking - This tasty class focus's on cooking seven different recipes using seven different types of outdoor cooking equipment and methods (dutch ovens will not be used in this class).  Learn to build and use different types of cooking fires and the many ways to use charcoal and wood coals.  The best part is the eating!

Canoeing - Start from scratch by learning the parts of a canoe and paddle, what equipment is needed, safety, and paddling techniques.  When you're ready, get in and go - you'll spend lots of time on the lake paddling and mastering fun canoe games!

Dutch Oven Cooking - Learn the tasty art of dutch oven cooking.   Cover how to select, care for, and store these versatile cast iron pots.  Once divided into small groups, begin cooking new and luscious recipes. The best part of class is taste testing all the finished foods!  Great for car camping and the backyard! 

Fly Fishing - Cover all aspects of fly-fishing including safety, four basic casts, knot tying, purchasing, cleaning and storing of equipment, plus cover six types of flies and how they are fished. It's a definite art form!  (If you want to practice your fly-fishing skills in the water, sign-up for tube fishing on Saturday afternoon).

Gourd Decorating: Jewelry, Parts and Pieces - Even if you don't think you're creative, this class will bring it out!  Create unique jewelry, pins, drum pendants and/or whatever else the master gourd decorator has in mind for you.  You might paint, wood burn or use any number of techniques to take home the most unusual and beautiful gourd work.

Gourd Decorating: Whimsical People - This isn't your typical gourd class. Besides learning how to select the perfect gourd, and what tools are used for cutting and cleaning, you'll create a whimsical gourd person of your choosing.  Kachinas, dolls, armless funny faces, its limitless!  Discover a great way to bring out your artistic talents. 

GPS, Geocaching and Letterboxing - Learn what geocaching is, how to find caching locations and the rules and regulations of geocaching.  Participants will then navigate to different cache locations around camp.  Then, move on to the sport of letterboxing which puts a fun and creative twist to geocaching.   Prerequisite is Intro to GPS class or previous skills using a GPS. 

 

Handguns - Handguns have been used for hunting and recreational shooting for years, and now it's your turn to see what the fun is all about!  Different types of handguns will be discussed, as well as the rules of gun safety, ammunition, gun cleaning, safe storage and the finer points of shooting handguns. Bring your own handgun, unloaded, or one will be provided. Prerequisite is Intro to Firearms, Hunter Education, or significant firearm experience.

 

Interpretive Nature Hike - Explore the trails of Camp Waluhili.  This class is a combination of hiking, hands-on activities introducing nature and wildlife, sensory awareness of your surroundings, identifying trees and edible plants, and time to experience the peace of the woods.  A perfect way to end the weekend!

Intro to Firearms - This will introduce you to basic gun safety, gun handling, identifying guns and the use of various firearms and types of ammunition.  It will help you gain confidence and knowledge about firearms.  No live-shooting will be done in this indoor setting.  This course, Hunter Education or significant firearm experience is a prerequisite for the Handgun, Rifle or Shotgun class.

 

Introduction to GPS (Global Positioning System) - Learn what a global positioning system is and how it works.  Use what you learn in class to navigate around camp and return along the same path, how to mark good fishing holes or scenic spots you may want to visit again.  Never get lost in the outdoors again!

Kayaking - You won't be hanging upside down in these kayaks! Learn about safety, equipment and paddling techniques. Then, using stable flat water kayaks, get out in the water for plenty of paddling and enjoying the sights of the lake.

Lashing - Lashing is the lost art of connecting/tying pieces of wood together to create rustic furniture, picture frames and more.  Practice several forms of lashing and once proficient, transform that pile of wood into sturdy tables and other useful outdoor furniture. 

Map and Compass - Join the fun experienced by outdoor enthusiasts through the use of maps and compass in finding your own way and being your own guide, whether along roadways or in the wilderness.  You will become familiar with topographic maps and learn how to use an orienteering compass.  Put them together and you'll never get lost again!

Pine Weaving: Baskets - Take your ordinary pine needles and turn them into something beautiful.  Learn how to create pine woven baskets from start to finish.

Pine Weaving: With Embellishments - In this class you'll learn to weave with pine needles while using embellishments like pieces of gourds, natural objects and more.  Create some really unique items!

Primitive Outdoor Skills - You will definitely get to practice the primitive skill of fire building.  Learn what it takes to start a matchless fire and then do it.  Strikers and char cloth are just a few of the things you'll experience using.  Then, switch gears and grab the knives and tomahawks to see if you can hit the target.  Learn the techniques to throw these tools and see how accurate you get.

Rappelling - Learn what equipment you need to rappel and where to buy it.  Learn to belay for safety, practice technique, and suddenly you're on the edge ready to go over the cliff!  Learn to rappel on a "beginners" cliff and you'll be ready for that "big cliff" later on.

Rifles - This class covers safety, parts of a rifle, ammunition, gun handling and proper shooting techniques.  Spend plenty of hands-on time practicing your shooting skills. Prerequisite is Intro to Firearms, Hunter Education, or significant firearm experience.

 

Survival Techniques - Learn how to identify a survival situation and what to do until help arrives.  You'll get hands-on experience with debris shelter building, starting fires, how to find and collect water and much more.

Sailing - Learn the parts and pieces of a sailboat, how to rig and de-rig, discuss wind and how to steer.  This is a hands-on class so you will have the opportunity to sail with a partner.  As with any water activity, be prepared to get wet as capsizing is usually a part of the class (weather permitting). 

 

Shotgun - This course is great for those with little or no experience with shotguns.  Learn proper techniques in handling and shooting plus shoot at stationary and moving targets.  Prerequisite is Intro to Firearms, Hunter Education, or significant firearm experience.

Tracking - Discover the in-depth practice of tracking both humans and wildlife.  Learn the basic science involved, then head on out.  Develop an eye for detail as you put into practice all that you've learned.

 

Trapping - Most of us are familiar with nuisance animals and the destruction they may cause to property.  In this class you'll explore the world of trapping.  Learn about traps, the different sizes and what they're for.  Discuss furbearing animals, see samples of fur from beavers to big cats.  Everyone will take home a trap.

Tube Fishing - Sitting in a float tube, protected from the watery elements - what a great way to fish!  Come dressed to get into waders and into the water. Learn about equipment, suit up and wade out.  You'll have plenty of time to fish from your own tube.  Use standard  rods and reels, or fly-fishing equipment.  If you want to fly-fish in this class, take the fly fishing class on Friday as fly-fishing skills will not be taught in this class.

Wildlife Facts and Myths - Do you really know the facts about bears, mountain lions, black panthers and big foot?  Discuss snakes, bats, wolves, deer and other creatures of the outdoors.  You will see these animals in their natural habitats while you look at tracks and other signs and sounds they make.  Not only will you get the facts but you'll be able to see, hear, smell and touch wildlife.

 

Wilderness First Aid - If you plan to spend time outdoors away from the conveniences of home and immediate care, you need to be prepared to safeguard yourself and others in your group. This class will include assessment, muscle, joint and soft tissue injuries, heat and cold related emergencies, bandaging and splinting, and a variety of other topics that relate to outdoor injuries. Time is allotted for hands-on practice.  This is not a certification course.

 

White-tailed Deer and Wild Hog Hunting - This is a course for those who want to hunt tusks and horns. This class will teach what game calls and body positions mean, how to call with a special call (provided in the class) and how to do it with your natural voice. Learn where to find these game animals and the best days to hunt them to improve your time management in the field. Wind currents, cover scents and deer/hog lures will be discussed. Big horns, long tusks and a tasty meal are the results of a successful hunt.  Remember, you can still hunt with your camera if you wish.

Wild Turkey Hunting - Cover how to hunt and call the elusive With Turkey by a National Calling Champion.  You will learn scouting, set up, decoy placement, thinking on your feet and many other successful techniques.  You'll also learn how to use a diaphram call and how to save money while increasing your knowledge base.

Workshop Fees
Fees include all class materials, meals and lodging.  On or before September 15, fees are $180 if you bring your own tent to stay in, or $195 if you stay in our rustic cabins.  After September 15, fees are $190 if you bring your own tent, or $210 if you stay in a cabin.

Scholarships
Scholarships up to $100 are available for first time participants. The auction and garage sale raises money for future scholarships and provides an opportunity for you to purchase outdoor related equipment, clothing, trips, and services. Call or email for a scholarship form.

Oklahoma BOW Email List

If you think you are currently on our master email list for BOW information but have not gotten any mailings in a while - OR you have changed your email address and have not informed us, please contact me at vproctor@tulsacampfire.org and I'll update or add your email address. If you have never attended BOW before or have never signed a list at Hunting/Fishing related events and would like to be added to our email list, contact me at the above email address. We keep you informed on all sorts of opportunities and activities throughout the year.

Registration Information
Register by September 15 to take advantage of an early bird discount (shown on the registration form). Once we receive your registration form, we'll assign you to your first, second or third choice classes. You'll receive a confirmation packet with what to bring, your class schedule, directions to the camp and other information. Spaces are available for 110 participants! 

Click here to register for BOW 2008

BOW Calendar of Events

March 20-22, 2009  -  BOW Encampment at Okmulgee State Park

Lets get together to enjoy spring at Okmulgee State Park, just west of Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  Bring your own tent, share with someone else, bring your RV - whatever will get you outdoors to spend time with friends and enjoy some fun outdoor activities.  I will bring a bunch of kayaks because it's the perfect lake to enjoy day and night time kayaking.  If you have kayaks, please bring them!!  The park also has bike trails, so bring your bikes, your boots and any other outdoor toys you might like to use while there!!  Also...for you diehard gourd decorating fans, there is a gourd farm within a half hour of where we'll be camped.  We might do a side trip if you've never had the opportunity to dig through thousands of gourds looking for the perfect one!

Bring your own food - but lots of us like to share because we always bring too much. This is a great way to share recipes, use your dutch ovens, cook over the fire and find out how good outdoor cooking is!

To find us in the park, either go to the main park office and ask, or drive around until you see some BOW signs!  We won't be hard to miss.  Come all weekend, come for the day - but just come!!  Bring your friends and start putting those outdoor skills to use!

The only cost for the weekend is whatever the camp sites fees are per night.  Ususally we can put more then one tent on a site and that helps keep the cost close to nothing!  Contact Vicki at vproctor@tulsacampfire.org or call 918-636-7289 to let us know you're coming.

Okmulgee State Park

Okmulgee State Park, on beautiful Okmulgee Lake, is a wonderful place for your family outing. Fish, hike or bring your mountain bike, and enjoy the great Oklahoma outdoors.

Okmulgee State Park
16830 Dripping Springs Rd
Okmulgee, OK 74447

Phone: (918) 756-5971     

Email: okmulgee@oklahomaparks.com

Recreation opportunities include RV and tent camping, showers, dump stations, lighted boat ramps/docks, designated swimming areas, picnic areas, grills, pavillion, security, playgrounds, and a 3 mile hiking trail (1/2 mile is ADA accessible). 75 total RV sites, one pull through, one ADA electric/water and 50 tent sites. A public hunting area is on the north side of Okmulgee Lake. The park is located adjacent to Dripping Springs State Park and Dripping Springs Lake. Rates: $16 RV, $8 tent. View Park Map.

Directions: I-40 Exit 240 (Hwy 75). 6 miles W of Okmulgee on Hwy 56.

Features/Facilities: Credit Cards Accepted • Handicap Accessible • Lake/River View • Pets Allowed • Senior Discount • 1,075 Park Acres • 650-Acre Okmulgee Lake/1,050-Acre Dripping Springs Lake • 297 Campsites • Boating • Water Skiing • Fishing • Playground • Hiking Trails • Mountain Biking • Accessible Fishing Dock

Nearby: Creek Council House & Museum, Okmulgee • Orpheum Theatre, Okmulgee • Natura Vineyards & Winery, Okmulgee • Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge

September 2009   Wildlife Expo - Guthrie.  We need you to help man our booth on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Shifts are two to three hours long.  Contact Vicki at vproctor@tulsacampfire.org to volunteer or call 918-636-7289.

Encampments and Beyond BOW's

While the fall BOW workshop focuses on beginning or basic outdoor skills, other BOW events are scheduled throughout the year in Oklahoma.

BOW Encampments are basic campouts held at different state parks and locations around the state.  Their purpose is to provide an opportunity for women to network and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere.  Highlights are hiking, fishing, boating, hanging out by the campfire, cooking and sharing meals and just enjoying whatever the location has to offer.  Fees usually are for just the campsite.

Beyond BOW's are similar to the encampments, but have a special program purpose that goes beyond the basics learned at the BOW workshop.  Program topics can range from caving to hunting, fishing to backpacking.  The possibilities are endless!