News release

Women Enjoying the Outdoors

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Nancy Parsons grew up with six siblings and enjoyed many outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing and hiking. Then she joined the workforce and had a family. Her priorities and responsibilities changed and she wasn't able to spend as much time enjoying the outdoors as she would have liked.

Until she signed up for the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program (BOW) last October. Ms. Parsons had a lot of fun learning new ways of enjoying the outdoors. She put those skills to use during her vacation this summer, particularly knowing how to properly pack and carry a backpack to avoid tired muscles when hiking. So she is going back this year to learn even more.

"I had a great time; the whole weekend was full," Ms. Parsons said. "There is no time to sit around, no down time. It's a great opportunity to learn some new outdoor skills and spend time with women of different backgrounds and interests."

BOW is a weekend workshop aimed at teaching women outdoor skills. This year's program is being held at the Scotia Glen Camp in Pictou County from Oct. 8 to Oct. 10.

The BOW program originally started in Wisconsin in 1991. Nova Scotia began offering the program to women in 1997 and has had nine workshops since then, including two in winter.

Susan Hruszowy is the co-ordinator of Nova Scotia's BOW program. She says the primary focus is to help people overcome barriers, whether financial or social, that may prevent them from learning outdoor skills or participating in outdoor activities.

"We are offering women the opportunity to try new outdoor skills in a comfortable learning environment," said Ms. Hruszowy. "You don't need any training or experience, or you may have some limited knowledge, but enthusiasm is a key component to enjoying the weekend."

The BOW program offers a mix of classes in hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities, all served with a touch of Maritime flavour. Some of the classes offered this fall include recognizing animal signs; learning to operate, maintain and service outboard motors and boats; firearm safety, handling and storage; preparing and cooking wild animals and plants; and trout fishing.

For more information on the program see the website at www.gov.ns.ca/natr/outdoor/default.htm . To register contact Susan Hruszowy at 902-424-5832 or by e-mail at sjhruszo@gov.ns.ca . The deadline for registration is Monday, Oct. 4.