Becoming An Outdoors Woman Weekend 2026
July 17 – 19
CSU Mountain Campus
Class Schedule
Friday Afternoon Sessions – July 17
- Water Bath Canning 101 – Amy Propernick
Come learn what water bath canning is, what supplies you will need and the precautions that need to be taken in order to safely store foods for long periods. You will prepare the ingredients for canning, sanitize the jars and lids, fill jars to the appropriate headspace and process. You will take home your own jar to enjoy later!
- Mindfulness in Nature While Birding – Donna Forrest
Participants will understand and experience our connection to nature. Participants will learn wildlife’s connection to nature and why it’s important for us to protect and conserve (LNT). Participants will learn the basics of birding, and the tools available to help with bird ID.
- Women’s Camping and Backpacking Basics – Erin Angel
You want to camp, but just don’t know where to start. Or you want to backpack, but the logistics are too much. This class will teach you how to set up a tent, poop (and period) in the woods, plan a location and a menu, and keep yourself safe and sane while doing so.
- Beginner Fly Fishing – Mary Manka and Darah Brush
Fly Fishing 101 is an introduction to fly fishing. In this class you will learn to become a self- sufficient angler – learning what type of rod is best suited for CO fishing, how to properly “rig” that rod, what type of “fly” to tie on, how to cast that rod and where in the water to go catch a fish. This class gives the basics and some time on the water.
- Plant Chemistry, Ecology, and Traditional Dye Practices – Sara Grillo
This is a hands-on natural dye workshop that connects Colorado plants, ecology, and color chemistry. We’ll look at how local plants use pigments and tannins to survive stress, then translate that chemistry into dyeing fabric with beet, onion, turmeric, black bean, and cabbage dyes. Everyone leaves with a dyed piece.
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Saturday Morning Sessions – July 18
- Beginner Archery – Michelle Seubert and Jerrie McKee
- Fly-Fishing 201 – Mary Manka
Fly Fishing 201 is a continuation of skills in the 101 class. We will work more on casting and spend more time on the water.
- Spoon Carving – Erin Angel
Turn a fresh cut branch into a functional, and possibly beautiful, wooden spoon you can take with you into the backcountry or the breakroom. Whittling green wood into something useful is so incredibly satisfying and relaxing.
- Wilderness Safety Essentials – Danielle Piscatelli
A review of Wilderness First Aid and why its important for any outdoor person to have some background in how to help themselves or others.
- Wild Game Processing – Cheryl
Will learn basic field dressing on squirrels and how to prepare for cooking. Will learn basic knife skills and equipment.
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Saturday Afternoon Sessions – July 18
- “Wild Within”: A BOW Paint Experience with Artist, MoNique LeRoux
- Hiking 101 – Danielle Piscatelli
Hiking 101 is designed for individuals who would
hike anywhere from 1-4 miles on relatively flat ground. But who are also interested in learning a little bit about being a good steward while on the trail. Learning points during the hike include: basic trail etiquette; an intro to Leave No Trace; potential flora & fauna identification for the area; and what the 10 essentials are & why they matter.
- Tracking and Awareness – Erin Angel
Learn to read tracks and sign left by animals sharing your trails and neighborhoods. Increase your awareness in nature and leave with a new appreciation for the natural world.
- From the Field to the Table – Vicki and Jerrie
What next, after harvesting your hard-earned animal? You’ll learn the basic steps of caring for your animal, preparing it for consumption, nutritional value and tips for clean and healthy game meat. Together the class will prepare yummy recipes, using basic ingredients, to share with the group
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Sunday Morning Sessions – July 19
- Ropes Course, Rock Wall, & Zipline – CSU Mountain Campus staff
- Intro to Botany & Plant Ecology – Sara Grillo
- Women’s Self Defense – Jerrie and Becca
Increase environmental and situational awareness – review common threats seen and unseen. Learn and practice kicks, strikes, and escapes. Please wear comfortable workout clothing, tennis shoes/no open-toed shoes, and bring a water bottle.