Registration under way for this winter’s ‘Becoming an Outdoors Woman’ program in the Upper Peninsula

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced today registration is open for this winter’s “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” (BOW) program, which is set for Feb. 26-28 in Marquette County.

This winter will mark the 16th annual winter BOW gathering for women, 18 and older, who are seeking an opportunity to improve their outdoor skills in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere.

“Registration for this popular program is already filling up fast,” said Sharon Pitz, BOW program coordinator in Marquette.

Typically, about 80 women attend the weekend’s activities.

The BOW program is sponsored by the DNR and offers instruction in more than a dozen different types of indoor and outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, archery, winter shelter building, ice fishing, fly tying, wilderness first aid, wood burning and more.

Instructors provide basic and advanced teaching that is tailored to each participant's individual ability. The program also includes special evening programs during the weekend.

BOW participants stay and take their classes at the Bay Cliff Health Camp, a universally accessible facility overlooking Lake Superior, which is situated about 30 miles north of Marquette near Big Bay.

Participants will be housed in a dorm-style facility with amenities including a sauna and hiking trails with access to northern hardwood forests and Lake Superior.

The $185 registration fee includes all food and lodging, as well as most equipment and supplies, except as noted in the registration materials. Scholarships are also available on a limited basis.

Class information and registration materials are available online at www.michigan.gov/bow. Registration fee payments may be made online through the website’s E-store.

For more information on the winter BOW program, contact Sharon Pitz at the DNR office in Marquette at 906-228-6561 or by e-mail at pitzs@michigan.gov.