More than 70 women participated in this weekend's program
BIG BAY -- Since 1998, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been encouraging women to embrace the outdoors with their volunteer run, "Becoming an Outdoor Woman" program.
There's not a better place to learn about living in the wilderness than in the wilderness itself. That's why the program in Big Bay has become such a big hit with women across the Midwest.
"It's definitely worth the trip," said Barbara Schenk, a participant who came all the way from Chicago. "Look at the surroundings here: the view, the people. Everything is just what you would want; it's educational, you learn and you're having a great time!"
"Everyone loves to come up here," said B.O.W. organizer, Sharon Pitz. "I mean, I tell people, even the ones that are coming from far away, that there are programs downstate that are closer, and they say, 'Oh no, we want to come to the U.P.' It's just because we are in God's country."
God's country indeed. Nestled in the woods just off Lake Superior, Bay Cliff Health Camp is the perfect spot for women to learn how to survive in the wilderness--no boys allowed!
"I think the world is changing, and I think that every woman should know how to protect herself," said participant Barbara Veldman of Twin Lake, Michigan.
This year more than 70 women tried their hands at kayaking, bird watching, and wilderness rescue, just to name a few. One of the most popular becoming an outdoor woman classes was handgun shooting.
It was amazing to watch the confidence levels of so many women shoot through the roof as they shot a handgun. Knowing you could hold your own in the woods at the end of the three-day program, as woman, is empowering.
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