September 2, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program
September 11-13, Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, announced today the first Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) program for Labrador. This outdoor skills training program will be held at the Christian Youth Camp, Gosling Lake, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, September 11-13.

This program is open to women 18 years of age and older who would like to pursue outdoor activities, but feel they lack the necessary skills or knowledge. BOW is designed to remove barriers and build strong earth connections in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The program has been very successful with an average of 100 participants attending each of the three workshops held on the island portion of the province. The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods is the primary sponsor, and has received tremendous support from local businesses, organizations and volunteers. It is this community support that allows BOW to be such a success.

During the BOW weekend, participants have an opportunity to learn about kayaking, canoeing, outdoor survival, rock climbing, plant identification, and earth connections to name a few. Registration cost is $135 for two nights accommodations, meals, all instructions and the use of demonstration equipment. There are also some scholarships available for single mothers or students who may require financial assistance. These scholarships are donated by local organizations and businesses.

The Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) program was developed at the College of Natural Resources, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. It is designed to break down barriers and build strong earth connections in a relaxed and supportive environment. The courses offered are hunting/shooting, fishing and non-harvest activities. This balanced programming coupled with excellent instructors and enthusiastic participants creates a rich learning environment.

More than 10,000 women across North America will sample the outdoors through this unique program in the '98 workshop season. Forty-four states and nine provincial natural resource agencies are creating more than 80 BOW workshops per year.

Here in our province, workshops have been held on the Avalon, west coast of the island, and now, Labrador. A key to the success of the BOW program is sponsorship and the building of partnerships. The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, as primary sponsor, was successful in building this coalition of local sponsors and volunteers in this province. These sponsors represent a wide array of groups including: the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Break Away Adventures, College of the North Atlantic, Salmon Association of Eastern Newfoundland, Newfoundland Canoe Association, Eastern Edge Outfitters, Weight Watchers and Parks Canada. Most important are the outdoor leaders and volunteers who contribute their time, expertise and skills. These are the people who make the program work and will create a Newfoundland version of the spirit of the BOW program.

Environmental education is an important part of the mandate of the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. This program is a prime example of the quality of programs promoted by this department, and supported by the community. For further information, please contact Lucy O'Driscoll at (709) 729-6974, or fax (709) 229-7078.

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729 6183.

1998 09 02 2:35 p.m.