September 5-7, 2025
Where learning, laughter, and a little lake magic meet
Each year, tens of thousands of women step outside to learn new outdoor skills through Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) — a program offered in thirty-eight states and six Canadian provinces. It’s a safe, supportive, and occasionally muddy environment where women of all ages learn to fish, shoot, paddle, camp, and generally conquer the great outdoors (and sometimes their fears of it). Two thirds of the curriculum is about hunting, fishing and trapping. The last 1/3 is outdoor skills.
This year, I traveled to Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire for my second BOW weekend, and I was just as excited as the first time. The workshops were held at the Geneva Point Center, a unique nonprofit conference center and summer camp nestled at the foothills of the White Mountains.
The campus itself is beautiful — think towering pines, shimmering water views, and clusters of cozy two-room cabins. Many participants stayed in those cabins, but I, of course, decided to camp instead. Something about sleeping under the stars just feels more authentic. Plus I didnt have to move my van to the parking lot!
All the meals were prepared for us in the dining hall, and we could choose to eat indoors or outside overlooking the lake. It was such a treat not having to cook or worry about supplies — just show up, eat well, and go have fun. I brought my e-bike, which made it easy to zip around campus, and in my spare time I even ventured onto a few of the hiking trails (turns out they’re even more fun with a little pedal assist).
They always wrap up the weekend with a big raffle full of great outdoor gear and prizes. Both times I’ve gone, I’ve managed to win something — proving that luck sometimes does favor the outdoorsy.
Session 1: Introduction to Fly-Tying
My first session of the weekend was Introduction to Fly-Tying, where I successfully tied two beautiful flies that I’m far too proud of to ever actually use. I’m afraid I’d lose them to some sneaky fish or weeds at the bottom of the lake— so they’re now proudly on display in my van like tiny, fuzzy trophies.
Session 2: Basic Fishing 101 (with Worms, of course)
I can’t say I’m a fishing expert, but I’ve definitely spent some quality time with a rod and reel before — and I’ve always preferred worms as bait (they just have that classic appeal). The class was full of good tips, a few tangles, and plenty of laughter. Everyone caught at least one fish, so we all left feeling slightly more accomplished.
Session 3: Outdoor Cooking
Unfortunately, the weather decided to test our resilience during this session. What was supposed to be a big firepit cookout turned into a damp relocation under a roofed shelter with a single fireplace. But we made it work! My culinary masterpiece of the day was chocolate cake baked inside orange peels — one of those camping recipes you see in books but never think anyone actually attempts. It was interesting, messy, and tricky to cook through without turning into charcoal. Still, I call it a success (mostly because it was edible).
Session 4: Introduction to Plant Identification
I’ll admit, this one wasn’t quite what I expected. When I signed up, I thought it would be about foraging — identifying edible plants and wild herbs. Instead, it was all about how to use field guides to identify trees and shrubs on your own. Not as tasty, but still informative. I always learn something new… retaining it, however, is another story.
A Moment That Stuck With Me
One of the most inspiring parts of the weekend was meeting a woman from India who was attending BOW for the first time. She kept saying how amazed she was that American women were so brave — camping, fishing, kayaking, and doing all these outdoor things.
I pointed out that she was just as brave — signing up alone, coming to camp for the first time, putting a worm on a hook, catching her first fish, and even kayaking for the first time. She laughed, but I could tell she knew it was true. She’s exactly the kind of woman this program was invented for — someone curious enough to try, strong enough to push through, and inspired enough to keep going. She told me she plans to spend more time outdoors in the future, and I have no doubt she will.
Between the workshops, campfires, and conversations, the weekend was everything I love about BOW — women learning, laughing, and cheering each other on outdoors. It’s the kind of experience that leaves you feeling capable, connected, and just a little bit dirtier than when you arrived. I hope in the future to become an instructor there.