Focus groups at the workshop identified 21 barriers to participation. Many of the reasons relate to the fact that women may not have had an opportunity to learn outdoor skills that are necessary to the enjoyment of outdoor activities. That first workshop filled to capacity. It would have filled two or three times. Since 1991, the workshop has expanded to 44 states and eight Canadian provinces, with many states offering multiple opportunities.
Women are interested in learning outdoor skills.
When the opportunity is offered, they line up for the chance to be involved. Participation, however, is not limited to women. The workshops span a weekend, beginning at noon on Friday. The weekend will be divided into four blocks of instruction, about three hours each. During each instructional period, there will be 6-10 courses offered.