New Women in the Outdoors banners are now available for purchase. The 30-inch by 60-inch sturdy vinyl banners feature the new program logo and are $55.15. Call (800) THE-NWTF for credit card orders. Or, to purchase with check, print the order form found at www.turkeycountrymagazine.com under Quick Links. All NWTF chapter orders must go through an NWTF regional director.

Bakersfield (Calif.) Chapter

For a decade the Bakersfield Chapter has played an active role in introducing women to the outdoors through hands-on events. In 2001, they hosted their first Women in the Outdoors event with 37 participants, and in May 2010, they welcomed nearly 500 women to the Tejon Ranch in Lebec, Calif. With more than 15 committee members and many more volunteers on hand to help each year, Bakersfield's gathering continues to be the largest Women in the Outdoors event in the country.

Teresa Carroll
Women in the Outdoors Coordinator

Cool weekend, warm reception

As I packed for my trip to the 10th annual Bakersfield Women in the Outdoors event in May, I checked online for the weather forecast. It's a step I always take in attempt to be prepared. The event was at the beautiful Tejon Ranch, a 270,000-acre property in southern California. Sunny California.

The forecast called for lows in the 50s and 60s … perfect for jeans and a light jacket.
Once I stepped out of the rental van, I knew I was in trouble. The 30-degree air cut this Southern girl to the bone. Who knew the weather on Tejon could vary so much from mile to mile, depending where you stood on the ranch?

A lesson I learned the hard way.

Event committee members spent most of the morning the day before the event shoveling snow from the tent where most of the group functions would take place. I shivered in my borrowed coat and scarf as I pitched in to help.

By noon the following day, the area was teeming with hundreds of women, pitching tents, parking campers, ready to begin an adventure they had waited for all year. Excitement filled the air as the chatter of introductions and reunions, and, of course, laughter echoed through the rolling hills. I was holding my breath that the jovial noise wouldn't cause an avalanche.

With 46 classes to choose from, women could try Hummer maneuvering, outdoor photography or traditional classes like shotgun and archery. There was a class for most any outdoor interest.

As you might imagine, planning and executing an event for nearly 500 ladies is not for the fainthearted. The Bakersfield Chapter, a virtual army of dedicated men and women, were tasked with preparing and serving meals, leading raffles and games, coordinating and instructing classes — the many small tasks that come together for a big, outstanding event. And they did it all with sunny smiles on their faces.

When I departed early Sunday morning, I left much warmer than I arrived. Not so much due to the weather, although it turned into a beautiful, sunny weekend. However, the people I came to know left a lasting impression.

And I'm sure I wasn't the only one who felt that way.

It goes to show that a large event can still be a warm, inviting, non-intimidating way to introduce women to the outdoors. — Teresa