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 our next 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 building hands on skills with guidance and support. Whether you are a newbie, front-country enthusiast or a budding explorer, these sessions provide the tactile skills you can apply for your next adventure. 

Included Sessions:

• Tue, October 20, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Tarp Skills.
  Learn about the essentials of setting up a tarp, practice beginner tarp configurations, and put in some practical knot tying practice with this hands on, engaging session. We'll have a cozy and realistic site set up where you'll be immersed in real life tarp and knot applications for the outdoors.
  
  

• Thu, October 22, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Thriving this Winter!
  Don’t let the cold keep you inside! Exploring nature offers incredible benefits for your physical and mental health. Winter exploring requires a unique set of skills to stay safe and comfortable, and we'll learn to build skills and confidence to thrive this winter through activities like hiking and snowshoeing. For demos, bring along your pair of snowshoes if you have!
  
  

• Sat, October 24, 2026, 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Shinrin-yoku Forest Therapy - Exploring Nature's Insights. Immerse yourself in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) and reap its mental and physical benefits. Gentle and soothing for the mind, body, and soul, forest therapy helps reduce anxiety and blood pressure while strengthening your immune system, focus, and creativity. This session provides practical tools to help you step away from daily stress, slow down, and immerse your senses in nature—giving you a strong foundation for both future guided and solo practices.
  
  

• Sat, October 24, 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Maps and Navigation.
  Learn how to identify key map features and terrain to pinpoint your location, practice using paper maps, and discover essential orienteering techniques. Together, we’ll put these new skills into action and use a map and compass to navigate through the landscape. Bring along a compass if you have one! Whether you're completely new to route-finding or looking to refresh the basics, you'll leave with practical experience and knowledge.

What to Expect:

• A variety of engaging topics with hands on demos and practice
• Opportunities for General Q+A
• Resources to take home so you continue to grow skills and confidence!

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 planning worksheets / practice resources.

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).

• Optional gear (if you have): Oct 22 bring along your snowshoes, Oct 24 bring a compass if you have one.

• 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.