Registration opens for DNR’s summer ‘Becoming an Outdoors-Woman’ program in the Upper Peninsula

A wall climber from a ‘Becoming an Outdoors-Woman’ weekend is shown. Photo courtesy of the Michigan DNR.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced today registration is open for this summer’s “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” program, which is set for June 2 -4, in Marquette County.

This will mark the 26th annual summer BOW gathering for women, 18 and older, who are seeking an opportunity to improve their outdoor skills in a relaxed, noncompetitive atmosphere.

“Becoming an Outdoors Woman is a program where each individual is encouraged to learn at her own pace,” said Michelle Douglas, BOW program coordinator in Newberry. “The emphasis of the program is on the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities and sharing in the success of one another.”

The summer BOW program is sponsored by the DNR and offers instruction in more than twenty-five different types of activities, including kayaking, wilderness survival, fly fishing, mountain biking, shooting sports, boating & safety, birding, outdoor photography and backpacking.

We’re very excited to offer some new classes to our program such as intro to canoe tripping, citizens science with iNaturalist, intro to waterfowl hunting, equestrian trail riding, Lake Superior beach yoga and more!

“Volunteer BOW instructors provide basic and advanced teaching that is tailored to each participant's individual ability, helping participants learn the basics in a short amount of time,” Douglas said.

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, hiking and biking trails and easy access to northern hardwood forests and Lake Superior.

“The summer program typically fills quickly, so early registration is encouraged.  Douglas said.

The $300 registration fee includes all food and lodging, as well as most equipment and supplies. The deadline for registration is May 19. A limited number of partial BOW Scholarships are available to help low-income participants with the cost of registration. The scholarship application deadline is May 3.

Class information and registration materials are available online at Michigan.gov/BOW. Registrations must be mailed, with payment, to the Newberry Customer Service Center stated on the form.

For more information on the BOW program, contact Michelle Douglas at the DNR Customer Service Center in Newberry 517-582-3854, or by e-mail at DNRBOW@michigan.gov.