Register Now

 The BCWF Women Outdoors Program welcomes you to our 

Spring 2024 Women Outdoors Weekend 

When: Friday May 24 - Sunday May 26, 2024

Where: Cowichan Lake Education Centre, Vancouver Island

Participate in our all-inclusive outdoor skills weekend for women. All courses are conducted by qualified, patient and supportive instructors in a safe, fun and educational environment.

Cost: $399.99 (+GST) for BCWF Members; $455.99 (+GST) for non-members (this includes a one-year membership to the BC Wildlife Federation).  This fee includes instruction in all sessions, program materials, use of equipment, meals, and lodgings. 

Register now! Space is limited and course selection is based on a first-come, first-served basis.  You will be able to choose your top 8 courses and will be scheduled for 4 of those.  Note that not all courses are offered during each session    

Courses offered at this event will be:

• Learn to shoot 
  • Guided by the knowledgable members of Valley Fish & Game Club, you will learn range safety, shooting tips, and have time to practice your aim with firearms provided.
• Hiking / Wilderness Safety 
  • Go for a guided hike and enjoy the beauty of this area of Vancouver Island.  Learn about wilderness safety and the essentials for getting out and how to best prepare yourself for all types of situations.
•  Archery
  • Ensuring safety for each participant, both beginner and experienced archers can benefit from this skill based course. Using both flat targets and 3D animal targets, you can enjoy learning a new skill or honing the skills you already have.
• Introduction to Off-Road Driving
  • In this information-based course, you will learn about the essential tools and items needed for safe off-road adventures from the experts at the 4WD Association of BC. While there won't be any driving during this course this course, you can be sure you'll feel prepared when it is time to hit the road.
• Kayaking
  • Learn kayak basics and safety.  Enjoy the serenity of the lake from a different point of view with Wilderness Kayaking Co. 
• Fishing basics
  • In this course you will learn the A to Z’s of fishing. From purchasing your fishing license (how & where), finding and reading the regulations and guidelines, to purchasing and setting up your rod and reel and tying on a hook. You will also learn basic fishing etiquette , how to identify different fish species and what lures to use/when. You will also go out and learn how to set up a rod with a spinning reel and practice your casting as well.
• Fire starting / Axe safety
  
  • Instructors help you learn proper axe handling techniques, all about tinder and how to make an outdoor fire while practicing different fire starting techniques. 
• Bat Box Construction
  • construct your very own bat box to take home and install on your property.  Provide a safe environment for the bats while protecting your yard from pests like mosquitos, moths and other insects.
• Fly-fishing / Fly-tying basics 
  • What is fly-fishing and how is it different?  what kind of equipment is needed?  How can I make my own flies?  Find answers to all these questions and more in this introductory session.
• Truck and Trailer 
  • this is it - the path to independence!  No more relying on someone else to maneuver your trailer or boat.  Your instructors will have you driving and parking that trailer in no time.
• Small game preparation
  • There will be rabbits ready for butchering during this highly informative session.  Learn the basics of small game preparation, butchering and skinning.
• Animal Drawing
  • explore your animal drawing style during this supportive, passion-driven workshop.  Instructor Penny Boden will walk you through her unique process for drawing critters with real character and soul.
• Chainsaw Safety and Basic Maintenance
  • learn chainsaw basics including maintenance, safety and tips for beginners and get a chance to put your new knowledge to the test.  
• Metis Culture and beading with Marg Shepard
  • learn how to create a broach with a beaded 5-petal flower and edging while learning more about Metis culture and history
• Foraging and tincture making
  • the exact details of this session are still in development but you will have the chance to go foraging and become familiar with wild plants and how to safely identify, harvest and use them.

   *Please note: All courses are subject to availability and number of interested participants*

If you have any questions about registration, please contact Lisa Stephens, Women's Program Coordinator, at 1-888-881-2293 Ext 237 or programs@bcwf.bc.ca.

Cancellation Policy: 

A cancellation fee of $75.00 will be deducted from all cancellations. No refunds will be issued for any cancellation 30 days or less, prior to the Women Outdoors Weekend, except in the case of a proven emergency. Registrants who do not attend and have not cancelled 30 days in advance will forfeit the full registration fee.

  **IMPORTANT**  

• This is an alcohol & cannabis free event.
• The Cowichan Lake Centre is a peanut-free and nut aware site.
• You must be 19 years of age or older to attend this program.
• Accommodations are in a group setting. Private room requests are not available.