The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has two workshops planned for women who want to spend a weekend learning a variety of outdoor skills. The FWC has a Sept. 9-11 “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” workshop scheduled for Ocala and a Nov. 18-20 workshop for West Palm Beach.

The FWC invites women, 18 and older, to attend the workshops to learn or improve their outdoors skills and enjoy a few recreational activities. In four, three-and-a-half-hour sessions, workshops teach skills associated with hunting/shooting, fishing and non-consumptive (canoeing, camping, etc.) activities at all levels of physical activity.

The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program offers a fun and supportive atmosphere to experiment and enjoy the camaraderie of others who want to learn about Florida’s great outdoors. Although it is designed with women in mind, the camp is open to anyone who wants to learn in a comfortable, non-threatening, non-competitive, hands-on atmosphere. The camp’s instructors strive to make participants feel at ease.

“Patience is the secret to the success of our Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program,” said Lynne Hawk, director of the program. “Our instructors are here to guide people through the activities. There is no intimidation.”

The workshops will take place at the Ocala Conservation Center in the Ocala National Forest and at Pine Jog’s Everglades Youth Conservation Camp in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area (northwest Palm Beach County). They are rustic summer camp facilities with basic, modern amenities. Lodging is dormitory style, with meals served in the cafeterias. Sessions will begin Friday afternoon and end Sunday with lunch.

The cost is $150. However partial scholarships are available for low-income participants. Workshops are limited to 100 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

SESSION TOPICS

Introduction to Pan-fishing

Introduction to Handgun Shooting and Hunting

Introduction to Bass Fishing

Basic Archery and Bow-Hunting Skills

Introduction to Fly-fishing

Basic Wilderness Survival Skills

Boating Basics

Outdoor Photography Basics

Canoeing/Kayaking Basics

Bird-Watching Basics

Florida Whitetails

Basic Camping/Backpacking Skills

Small-Game Hunting Basics

The Primitive Chef

Basic Personal Safety Skills

Basic Wilderness First Aid

Talkin’ Turkey

Introduction to Reading the Woods

Introduction to Shooting Sports

Hunter Safety Course

Black Powder Firearm Basics

Introduction to Shotgun Shooting and Hunting

Information about the workshop and registration is at MyFWC.com/BOW or by calling (561) 625-5126.