Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop scheduled for this fall

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, announced that the Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop will be held October 11 - 13, at Killdevil Lodge, Lomond, Gros Morne National Park. The workshop offers outdoor skills training for women 18 years and older.

"Becoming an Outdoors Woman is a wonderful program meant for women who have no outdoor skills or those who want to improve their skills," said Minister Bettney. "Some of the classes taught at the workshop such as Wilderness First Aid and Outdoor Survival are especially useful and informative. Although some of these skills are geared specifically for the outdoors, many of them are relevant for whenever an emergency situation arises."

This workshop receives a lot of interest with 100 or more participants, instructors and volunteers attending past events. During the weekend, participants can learn skills including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, map and compass skills, and the proper use of rifles and shotguns. The cost of registration is $150 which includes two nights accommodation, meals, workshops and the use of demonstration equipment. Financial assistance is available for students and single mothers.

The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation is the primary sponsor of Becoming an Outdoors Woman however other sponsors have helped in offering this program. "Local businesses, organizations and volunteers have provided invaluable support which has made this program such a success," said Minister Bettney. "These sponsors have donated equipment such as canoes and kayaks, provided transportation and given freely of their time as instructors and volunteers."

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-0857.

For further information, please contact the Becoming an Outdoor Woman coordinator, Lucy O�Driscoll, by telephone at (709) 729-2683 or by fax (709) 729-0870.

Backgrounder
Classes Offered At This Workshop
Killdevil Lodge, Gros Morne National Park

Friday, October 11
9:30 - 11:30 Registration
12:00 Noon Lunch
1:30 - 4:30 Session One

Fly Fishing
In this class participants will get an introduction to the equipment and clothing required to enjoy this marvellous form of fishing including learning good casting techniques, how to join lines and when to use different types of flies.

Wilderness First Aid
Participants will learn how to handle the most common medical emergencies that may arise while they are in the wilderness. This course could save lives.

Canoeing
Basic canoe safety, the different types and uses of canoes, and paddling strokes will be covered in this introductory course. Participants will be taken on an outing to practice their new skills.

Map & Compass
Choosing the right map, choosing and following a route, taking bearings, understanding declination, and orienting a map are all covered in this beginners class. This class is useful to those who enjoy outdoor activities that may take them off the trail or into unfamiliar areas.

Outdoor Cooking
This course will delight tastebuds. Participants will learn to prepare tasty dishes and desserts while having fun in the outdoors. Participants will prepare and taste the dishes they create.

Time Out With Plants
Participants will venture out for a field excursion with experts to identify local flora and learn which plants and plant parts are edible, and which are not!

Fishing Basics
In this class participants will learn to use a spinning reel, tie basic knots, cast and retrieve. They will prepare simple live bait with worms, and see various artificial lures demonstrated.

Rifle Basics
This class will include a safety and handling session, and plenty of shooting using air rifles and .22 calibre rifles. Participants will learn the importance of sight picture, breathing and trigger pull in successful rifle shooting.

Spirituality and Nature
This class explores what creation means to spirituality by telling fascinating true stories of the natural world. It will be a time to think, reflect and share the experience of connecting to the earth.

Hiking/Backpacking
Participants will take a short hike, and experience loading and wearing a backpack. They will learn how to select a good campsite, put up and take down a tent, build and use and open fire, decide where to put a latrine and how to bear proof a campsite.

Outdoor Survival
This class teaches how to cope in a survival situation using whatever materials are on hand. Participants will learn how to put together a basic survival kit, how to make an emergency shelter, how to signal for help and prevent hypothermia.

Shotgun/Trapshooting
This class will include a safety and handling session, overview of shotgun types, ammunition and their use. Participants will learn how to judge distances, basic shooting techniques and shoot at clay targets.

Kayaking
This class will focus on the types of kayaks and basic paddling strokes, followed by an outing to practice new found kayaking skills.

Geology of the Rock
This class discusses the fascinating true story of our island through the rocks on which we stand.

All classes are at an introductory level for people who have little or no experience. All equipment is provided. Register early for best selection of courses. Registrations only accepted with accompanying payment. Evening sessions will be inspirational, educational and fun. Come prepared to enjoy yourself

2002 09 23                                         9:45 a.m.