Every year at the end of May the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) hosts their annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman weekend retreat at Circle Square Ranch.
This year, with 80 registered participants and over 20 instructors, they had about a hundred women come together to learn, to laugh and to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. It was a hot weekend May 30-June 1st but these gals took the heat in stride as they learned multiple skills in a variety of interests.
Event and Membership Coordinator for the MWF, Dawn Scarfe, says they had 32 different workshops at this year’s BOW weekend retreat... learning everything from archery to fly fishing, from woodworking to filleting fish... And everything in between!
"The BOW weekend is truly an incredible experience," shares Scarfe. "It brings together like-minded women who are eager to learn, connect, and grow. What stands out most is the enthusiasm and openness of the participants. These women are not only excited to gain new skills, but they’re also incredibly welcoming and kind, creating a strong sense of community throughout the event."
One of the most powerful aspects of the weekend is the mentorship—women teaching and supporting other women across a wide range of skills.
These include both indoor and outdoor activities, from hunting and fishing to recreational and creative workshops. This year, the event featured an impressive 32 different workshops, all taught by volunteer instructors. With a full house of 80 participants, the energy and engagement is remarkable each year.
"Most of the workshops took place outdoors, embracing the spirit of outdoor recreation and skill-building," says Scarfe. "Activities ranged from fishing and kayaking to more advanced skills like shot gunning and archery. These hands-on experiences give women a chance to explore new interests and consider pursuing them further, whether as hobbies or more serious pursuits."
"The programming is thoughtfully structured around three core areas: one-third hunting, one-third fishing, and one-third non-consumptive or post-harvest skills," she adds. "This includes unique offerings like leatherworking and traditional porcupine quilling. A standout addition this year was a chainsaw carving course, which drew a lot of excitement and participation!"
“So, the participants that took chainsaw carving in the morning, they took chainsaw safety maintenance and how to use a chainsaw," explains Scarfe. "And these women had never touched a chainsaw. By the afternoon they were making carvings. A lady made a whole bear carving. Somebody made a charcuterie board. Somebody made a sign. Like they did chainsaw carved flowers, like it was incredible to see that progression from the morning to the afternoon and we hadn't had a chainsaw course in a long time and I don't think we've ever had a chainsaw carving course, so it was a really, really cool progression to see and something very exciting!”
Please listen to more with Dawn Scarfe below!
Please visit the MWF website for more on the Becoming an Outdoors Women HERE!
Overall, the weekend is a celebration of learning, empowerment, and community. It’s a space where women can challenge themselves, support one another, and discover new passions. With such a strong turnout and positive feedback, it’s clear that this event continues to grow in impact and importance each year.