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  • Skills Series 2026: Backcountry Skills & Beyond

Skills Series 2026: Backcountry Skills & Beyond

  • Thu, April 16, 2026
  • Wed, May 13, 2026
  • 5 sessions
  • Thu, April 16, 2026, 6:00 PM 8:30 PM (CDT)
  • Wed, April 22, 2026, 5:30 PM 7:45 PM (CDT)
  • Wed, April 29, 2026, 5:30 PM 7:45 PM (CDT)
  • Wed, May 06, 2026, 5:30 PM 7:45 PM (CDT)
  • Wed, May 13, 2026, 5:30 PM 7:45 PM (CDT)
  • TBA; in Winnipeg
  • 11

Registration

(depends on selected options)

Base fee:
  • For membership info, see our Memberships page
  • Register for individual date(s) of skills series. Limited availability - priority given to full Skills Series participants. Contact us for scheduling your spot.

Register

PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS AND ALL DETAILS BELOW PRIOR TO REGISTRATION

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: BY MIDNIGHT, ONE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT DATE.

Get Ready To Build Skills and Get Bushcrafty! 

Elevate your outdoor game! Join us for a multi-part series designed to explore outdoor skills and topics through hands-on learning, demos, and more. This skills series isn’t just a presentation—you’ll be checking out gear, tying knots, and building your very own backcountry kits to take home. Whether you are a newbie, front-country enthusiast or a budding backpacker, these sessions provide the tactile skills you need for your next adventure. 

What to Expect:

The Kickoff (Thursday, April 16th @6:00 PM): Meet your fellow skills series participants with an interactive kick off to this series, co-hosted by Wilderness Supply. We'll dive into discussions on gems of Manitoba to explore this coming season, lesser known camping opportunities, and discuss camping topics such as planning, building your confidence for solo camping, and camping gear Q+A. Participants will be eligible for prize draws at this kickoff event, so don't miss out!
*** Note this event is on this page, as we will have it open to the general public, as well as our Skill Series participants. Participants registered for our Skills Series will automatically be added to the kickoff event FREE!***

(Wednesday, April 22 @5:30 PM) The Outdoor Kitchen: Demystify the world of camp stoves. We’ll compare and demo butane, propane, and isobutane systems, and dive into kitchen organization. Learn how to plan easy, delicious front-country meals and stay for a gear Q&A to solve your specific "what should I buy?" dilemmas.

(Wednesday, April 29 @5:30 PM) Fire & Survival: Master the fundamentals of fire building. Every participant will receive their own flint to keep and will spend the evening assembling a custom mini fire-starter and survival kit.

(Wednesday, May 6 @5:30 PMThe Art of the Knot: A hands-on session focusing on the essential knots every outdoor traveler should know. You’ll practice the hitches, loops and bends that keep your gear and equipment secure (kayaks, tents, tarps, etc.) and take home a practice kit to keep your muscle memory sharp.

(Wednesday, May 13 @5:30 PMThe Paracord Workshop: Get crafty with one of the most versatile survival items for the woods - paracord. We’ll guide you through making useful paracord items for your pack, and you’ll leave with a DIY kit to finish a second project at home.

Whether you are an absolute beginner looking to build a foundation and explore some fun outdoor focused topics, or a seasoned hiker wanting to refine your knowledge, our Skills Series will dive into practical, exciting topics to expand your capabilities and comfort while exploring a variety of outdoor experiences. A confidence builder for all levels!

Meet Your Facilitators:

This workshop is led by Ashley Moore, the founder of Backcountry Women. Ashley brings over 15 years of experience in hiking and backpacking—a journey that has evolved into a passion for empowering others. She is an Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) certified 4-Season Hiking Field Leader Instructor, and holds additional OCC certifications in Paddling and Overnight leadership.

Joining her is Joanne Keeping, a dedicated Backcountry Women leader and fellow OCC Instructor with a vast background of experience. Together, they provide a supportive space for connection, curiosity, and adventure, helping participants build the confidence to get outside safely and comfortably.

What's Included:
To help hone your skills so you are ready for future outdoor adventures, this workshop includes some useful takeaways such as:

  • Printed resources - gear lists and recommendations, meal planning worksheets and recipe resources, practice rope for knots, a flint to take home for firestarting practice, a paracord creation, and more!

Location: Winnipeg; varying locations. Specific details + important information will be sent out in reminder email(s) prior to each session. Please check your spam!

Time: Please arrive on time so we can begin promptly. Times may vary; please check your inbox and reminder email information!

If you cannot attend all of the sessions, please see the options during registration for registering for a single session, or reach out.

What to Bring to the Workshops

To get the most out of this session, please have the following ready:

  • A Notebook and Pen: For jotting down trail resources and planning tips.

  • A blank sheet of paper and some coloring pencils / markers (whatever you have).

  • A Snack / Beverage: Get comfy and stay energized!

  • Your Questions: We will have dedicated time for Q&A at the end of our sessions (as time permits).

    In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the ancestral lands of the Ininiw, Anishinaabe, and Dakota Nations, and the homeland of the Metis Nation.  Our organization, Backcountry Women, is based on Treaty No. 1 Territory, and we appreciate that this event takes place on Treaty No 1. Territory.

    Further details will be provided to registered participants. Participants are responsible for having a valid e-mail address, communicating with the event organizer regarding any changes in attendance, and for checking e-mails prior to an event.

    This event is non refundable. If you are no longer able to attend, please see our Cancellation Policy.

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