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Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

2009 Workshop Dates

September 18-20, 2009

2009 Workshop Schedule and Class Descriptions
(The $185 workshop fee includes instruction in all
sessions, program materials, use of equipment,
lodging, meals and evening programs. )

2009 Workshop Registration Form

About the Program

"Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" is an outdoors skills workshop for women. The objective is to provide a non-threatening atmosphere where women can have fun learning skills that will enhance their enjoyment of Arkansas outdoors.

This workshop is for you if:

  • You have never tried these activities, but have hoped for an opportunity to learn.  

  • You are a beginner who wants to learn and improve your skills.    

  • You know how to do some of the activities, but would like to try some new ones.    

  • You are looking for the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.

If you would like to be on the mailing list, click here to send your name and mailing address to Phyllis Speer or send it by mail to:

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
Phyllis Speer, Program Coordinator
6592 Buffalo Road
Mountain Home, AR  72653
(870)424-5750

Becoming An Outdoors-Woman National Website

C. A. Vines Arkansas 4-H CenterAbout the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center

The C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center is located about 15 miles west of Little Rock near the community of Ferndale. This 228 acre center is a modern, comfortable conference facility in the heart of forested mountains, providing an ideal location for learning outdoors skills.

To view images from past workshops, click here.  Click on BOW in the gallery to view photos.

Workshop Class Descriptions

BASIC FIREARMS & FIREARM SAFETY
This class will cover types of firearms, firearm safety, how to select/purchase & how to care for firearms. Firearm handling will be included in this class. This class will not include any range shooting, but is a PRE-REQUISITE FOR ANYONE WHO HAS NOT HAD HUNTER EDUCATION OR SIGNIFICANT SHOOTING EXPERIENCE & WISHES TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE SHOOTING CLASSES.
BASIC FISHING SKILLS
This class will offer hands-on instruction for choosing equipment as well as landing the fish. Learn the types of equipment available, knot tying, choosing bait & loading a reel. Lots of on-lake fishing time using spinning rods & bait casting equipment. Equipment is provided, but participants may bring their own.
HIGH ROPES COURSE
An opportunity to find the child in you, not matter your age. A jungle gym in the trees to challenge you at all levels emotionally, physically and mentally. You do not have to be an athlete to enjoy this class. The class offers an opportunity for personal awareness and confidence produced within a sharing and supportive environment. All safety equipment for this class provided.
OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn techniques, how-to and how-not-to on a variety of cameras. Bring your camera, 35MM and/or Digital. You will be learning techniques about both. Also will have time for photos in the field. Critique time for digitals at end of class. Film and development provided for 35 MM.
BASIC MOTOR BOAT SKILLS
You will learn the basics of boating safety, how to back a boat trailer & how to operate various types of motorboats. You will have an opportunity to actually operate boats on the water & learn trailering first hand.
GPS 101 (Global Positional System)
Learn how to use this modern device and satellites to find your way. Whether hiking, camping, hunting, fishing or biking, this is an excellent tool. All equipment will be provided and you will plot a course and find your way using this modern technology.
INTRODUCTION TO SCUBA DIVING
Bring your swimsuit, get your feet, hands and head wet learning if the pursuit of this exciting underwater sport is for you. You will have classroom time and also time poolside learning the proper way to use the equipment and about diving. This is not a certification class, but an introductory class to the sport of scuba diving.
STREAM ECOLOGY
Learn about the streams and the critters that live there. This hands-on class will take you to the stream, teach you the ecology of a stream and how to protect and take care of that stream. Wear comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
TURKEY HUNTING 101 
Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the wild turkey and its habits. You will learn to call turkeys on a variety of calls, learn about equipment, camouflage and set up techniques to improve your chances of harvesting, viewing or photographing one of these magnificent birds.
CANOE & KAYAK PADDLING
Learn basic paddling strokes, techniques & about equipment for both the canoe and kayak. Instruction in safety important to this sport will be included. You will have an opportunity to try out your new learned skills in both kayak & canoe on the lake at the Center.
BIRDWATCHING BASICS
Learn the basic steps in becoming an adept Birder. Plan to hike the area to learn bird spotting techniques and identifying various bird calls. Binocular and Field Guide are provided, but you may bring your own.
RIFLE MARKSWOMANSHIP
You will be coached on shooting techniques & learn to shoot from different positions. You will learn about different rifles, their components & ammunitions. While learning on .22 rifles, you will have an opportunity to shoot a variety of other rifles. This is a hands-on class. CLASS A IN SESSION I, HUNTER EDUCATION OR PRIOR SHOOTING EXPERIENCE ARE A PRE-REQUISITE TO ATTEND THIS CLASS.
BEGINNING FLYFISHING
Learn the basics of casting & fly presentation, types of flies, selection of equipment plus basic knowledge & understanding of fly-fishing. This hands-on class will offer fishing on the lake at the Center.  Equipment is provided, but participants may bring their own.
DUTCH OVEN COOKING
From seasoning to storing, learn how to prepare delicious recipes in this old fashioned cooking vessel. Be prepared to not only cook all types of dishes in the Dutch oven, also to enjoy the delectable dishes you prepared.  
NATURE CRAFTS
Learn about nature while crafting some exciting take home projects. This is a hands-on class utilizing Mother Nature’s gifts to make fun and exciting gifts and decorations. Learn projects to share with your children to have a better understanding of the natural world around us.
BEGINNING ARCHERY
Learn archery techniques for target shooting and bow hunting. Learn about all types of bows, arrows and the latest archery equipment. Participants will have an opportunity for lots of hands-on bow shooting at an array of targets.
PIONEER WOMAN SKILLS
Learn the skills of the women of yesteryear who helped blaze the trail west. Participants will learn to throw a tomahawk, build a fire with flint & steel. You will learn about trade goods and items used in that era and what it takes to be a pioneer woman.
MAP & COMPASS
Students learn to navigate the woods using a map & compass. Learn about topographical maps & how to read them. You will learn how to use a compass. While used for hunting & hiking, this skill is popular recreational activity in its own right.
ATV RIDERCOURSE
This hands-on class emphasizes safety relating to riding an ATV (4 Wheeler). Learn about proper gear, environmental concerns, pre-ride inspections as well as proper maneuvers of these popular vehicles. You will learn to enjoy riding and handling an ATV in a proper and safe manner. . ATVs will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own.
FLY TYING BASICS
Learn to tie your on flies to catch those lunkers. This hands-on class provides all the supplies and equipment needed for the class and you will take home the flies and techniques you learn in the class.
GAME CALLING 101
Learn how to call a number of wild critters. Whether your interest is to learn to call for hunting, photographing or just observing, learn from the experts the best and effective way to call in animals. You will have the opportunity to use a variety of calls and take some home with you. You get to make lots of noise in this class.
SHOTGUNNING BASICS
Learn shotgunning techniques with an emphasis on hunting & shooting sports. Learn proper stance & shooting techniques. There will be plenty of shooting practice at clay targets on the shotgun range. Shotgun & shells are provided. CLASS A IN SESSION I, HUNTER EDUCATION OR PRIOR SHOOTING EXPERIENCE IS A PRE-REQUISITE TO THIS CLASS.
OUTDOOR SURVIVAL
Learn how to take care of yourself and others while enjoying the outdoors. Learn techniques that could save your life or the lives of others. This hands-on class will help you to be a better outdoors-woman.
GEOCACHING
Want to go on an outdoor treasure hunt? This is the class for you. You will be given instruction on using a GPS (Global Positioning System) to locate treasures (caches) located on the 4H property. You will partner up, be given instruction on using the GPS unit and be off to hunt for treasures. A fun lifelong hobby is waiting for you in this class. Geocaching is an international hobby that is taking the world by storm.
BEGINNING BOWHUNTING
Learn about equipment & techniques needed to successfully in this sport. Tree stands, blood trailing, shot placement and lots ;of practice with equipment will be a part of this class. 3-D archery course included. Equipment will be provided, but participants may bring their own.
DUCK HUNTING BASICS
Hunting ducks is one of Arkansas’ oldest hunting traditions. In this class you will learn how to get started duck hunting, how to keep warm, how to call ducks and set up a blind. You will learn about equipment, some tricks of the trade and how to duck hunt economically.
BEGINNING BACKPACKING
This class will get you started learning about backpacking. Learn how to pack a backpack, filter water, use a backpacking stove and much more. This is a learn-by-doing class, so come ready to have some fun.
WILD PLANTS AND THEIR USES
Experience searching for the wild herbs & plants of the area. Identify the uses of these plants as food, medicine and essential oils. Learn about the plants useful for everyday life. Wear comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE
Watching wildlife can be a challenge. Learning proper skills for this hobby can make your outings even more pleasurable. In this class you will learn how to properly use binoculars and field guides, the best places and times to watch wildlife and techniques that will make your trips afield more pleasurable.