> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Become a new kind of woman outdoors
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Become a new kind of woman outdoors
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Springfield resident Kathleen Rapoza is an avid Outdoors-Woman participant. Reminder Publications photo by Lori Szepelak
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By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
A feeling of "renewal" comes over Kathleen Rapoza of Springfield every time she attends an Outdoors-Woman program.
"Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" (BOW) events are sponsored by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and promote the use and enjoyment of fish and wildlife resources across the state. Mass. Wildlife notes that BOW programs teach the skills women need to enjoy outdoor pursuits.
Created primarily for women ages 18 and older, BOW programs provide an opportunity to try a variety of outdoor sporting activities that range from basic fishing, beginning shotgun, kayaking, map and compass reading, to archery, reading the woods, pond and stream adventures and nature photography. Additionally, workshops include martial arts, outdoor and game cooking and edible plants.
For Rapoza, a licensed practical nurse at Mercy Home Care in Holyoke, her first encounter with BOW was almost 10 years ago and she was hooked from the start. She discovered the organization from a flyer at a rod and gun club in southeastern Massachusetts, and noted the programming "sounded interesting."
"Growing up my family did a lot of camping and boating," she said during an interview with Reminder Publications. "I started saltwater fishing with my father at a very young age. This was the first time that I'd seen an event that was just for women, where you didn't need to be a professional."
Throughout the years, Rapoza has participated in a wide variety of workshops from archery, outdoor survival and gun safety to canoeing, fly fishing and tying flies and skeet shooting.
"I have to say that I enjoyed them all," she added. "The instructors are all wonderful people who teach you something new, but with the spirit of having fun."
Rapoza encourages other women interested in the outdoors to consider attending a program to get a feel for the camaraderie that she finds at each event. Rapoza especially encourages siblings to consider the experience since she and her sister, Pat Johnston, formerly of Plymouth, now of Nokomis, Fla., both enjoyed the programming.
"I brought my sister along to one of the BOW weekends," said Rapoza. "We had such a great time together. We learned a lot, laughed a lot and left there exhausted, but renewed."
With her daughters now grown, Rapoza hopes they too will have a similar interest as she does.
"They would have a great time, learn something new, and appreciate that being outdoors can really be fun," she added. "I think that younger people need to spend more time outdoors."
A variety of BOW programs are planned across the state this year, all promising an educational and rewarding experience for participants. A sampling of programming follows:
"How Sweet It Is" is a maple sugaring and woodlot management workshop planned March 29 in Orange.
A "Turkey Hunting Seminar" is slated April 5 in conjunction with a one-day turkey hunt in May. No previous hunting experience is required. First-time participants are required to take the seminar segment if they want to participate in the Turkey Hunt Day. The workshop will be conducted in Shirley.
A "Turkey Hunt" is planned May 5 at Devens RFTA. Hunt participants must have a shotgun, valid Massachusetts hunting or sporting license and proper gun license. The cost includes guide service, field assistance, and a light lunch and dinner. Space is limited with preference given to first-time participants.
A "Shooting Sports Day" will be conducted May 17 with a location to be determined. The event is planned in partnership with Women on Target & Second Amendment Sisters.
Rapoza singled out the "BOW Weekends" in Lenox as one of her favorite events to attend during the year. This year's BOW Weekend in Lenox is slated June 6-8. The weekend offers more than 25 workshop options plus fun and activities for all participants.
"Becoming An Outdoor Family" is planned for July with a date and location still to be determined.
A "Survivors' Retreat" is slated July 26-27 in Leominster, and is open to those who have previously participated in a Massachusetts Outdoors-Woman survival event.
In the fall, a "Marine Fishing and Whale Watch" is planned in September, with an "Upland Birds and Hunting Dogs" program in October. In November, a "Deer Hunting" seminar is slated, in conjunction with a "Deer Hunt" on Dec. 6 at Devens RFTA.
To join the BOW e-mail list or for more information on programming, visit www.mass.gov or call 508-389-6300.
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> Features > Pg 2 Feature Stories > Become a new kind of woman outdoors
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