BOW Sample Class Descriptions

The following are general descriptions of classes offered at past SD BOW events.  Classes may vary slightly with each event depending on instructor, workshop location and year.

Endurance levels range from easy,  to moderate or hard
Easy (E) – Class is not physically demanding – can be done easily by anyone at any ability level.
Moderate (M) – Class requires a moderate amount of physical activity
Hard (H) – The class require fairly strenuous amount of physical activity and may require walking distances while carrying weight or on uneven surfaces.

Archery - Learn the basics of shooting form, equipment selection, clothing and footwear. Shooting both compound and recurve bows will be covered on the shooting range. (M)

Backpacking - You don’t have to be super-woman to enjoy this outdoor activity! Topics include trip planning, equipment (regular and ultra-lite), cooking, hygiene, water purification, Leave No Trace, and travel tips. Topics are mostly taught with hands on-activities like “Planning a Trip”, “Lighting a Stove and Not Blowing Yourself Up. (H)

Biking - Learning basic operation and riding skills. Do not be alarmed if you have not ridden a bike for a long time, this class will get you back on the track to wanting to ride again! (M)

Campfire Cooking – Learn to cook breakfast, snacks, and dinner recipes over a campfire. We will make easy, delicious food that are not s’mores, banana boats, or hobo dinners. (E)

Hunting Safety – Learn the basic types of hunting firearms and firearm hunting safety. Live fire / field day not included in this class. (E) 

Meat Treats of the Great Outdoors – The basics on what to do with wild game meat!  The class will show you the "how to's" on making jerky, summer sausage and smoked foods including fish, almonds, cheese and more.  We  will go through meat processing step by step all the way to the finished product that you will help make and get to take home. (E)

Outdoor Photography – Learn the basics of mastering outdoor and nature photography, regardless of what type of camera you use. We'll learn the basics of exposure, lighting, composition and even a few creative tips and tricks to take your photography to the next level. (E)

Paddling - Learn how to navigate the water on a simple kayak, canoe or paddle board. It’s easy, fun, and this basic class will help you learn to navigate a single person kayak and paddle board safely and easily. This course includes instruction on basic paddling skills safety, and what equipment is right for you. (M)

Backyard Butterflies – Want to attract butterflies and birds to your yard? You will learn the plants to make a butterfly garden. Lean what flowers and native plants are best to grow in your area.  You will also lean about garden design and plant placement. (E)

Bird ID & Birding – Do you wonder what that beautiful bird is flying through your yard or hear singing and wish you could name the bird? This class will cover the basics of field guides, using binoculars, birding ethics, and the families of birds. You’ll get to practice both in the classroom and on a bird walk through several habitat types. (E)

Boat Fishing – Learn basic skills, equipment and tactics needed to fish from a boat. The class will participate in discussion as well as getting on the water in a boat to fish.  (E)

Canoe Fishing – There are few things better than fishing and canoeing. Unless, that is, you combine the two and go fishing in a canoe!  Learn about paddling a canoe and combining it with lake fishing. (M)

Dutch Oven Cooking – Discover the wonder of cast iron cooking.  Learn the history of the ovens and how to use them. Assist other team members in preparing and cooking in the ovens and taste a wonderful variety of dishes. (E)

Handgun Shooting – Safe handling, use and storage of handguns will be the focus of this class. We'll review handguns for recreational shooting and hunting. How to safely handle and shoot a variety of handguns will be featured. (E)

Shore Fishing* – Fishing is a great way for families to spend time together! Get an introduction to fishing equipment, casting skills, fish species, knots, and more, then go fishing. (M)

Veggie & Meat Preservation – Is limited freezer space a problem for you due to hunting, fishing or having too much fresh produce from your garden? Learn to save that food for year around use with pressure and hot water canning. (E)

Outdoor Hacks - Helpful “hacks” to make your time in the outdoors easier, handier, less stressful, safer. Basic helpful hints for camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and general outdoors will be shared, taught,  and discovered. Geared for the outdoors novice and the “expert” so all can learn something. (E)

Fly Fishing Basics – Discuss casting methods and techniques, gear, what fish eat and how to “read the water.” Get hands on instruction and practice with a fly rod.  In this introduction class you will not be fishing on the water.(E)

Intro to Shotgunning – Get hooked on the joy of breaking clays with a shotgun! Learn and practice the basics of shooting a shotgun at clay targets.  This class is for beginners as well as those with experience. (M)

Rifle Shooting – This class is designed for provide a basic understanding of how to safely handle and shoot a rifle.  This class will instill comfort and confidence in your shooting while Shooting .243 rifles.  You will also learn how to use scopes and techniques for shooting at long ranges. (E)

Wilderness Survival - So you want to learn how to survive in the woods, with only the clothes on your back? Then jump into our Survival Crash Course and gain the foundational skills to ensure your survival. This action packed course will coach you through the best wilderness skills and practices for any type of survival situation, including: Assessing the Priorities and Mentality of Survival, Avoiding Hypothermia, Building a Survival Kit, Creating Fire, Obtaining Safe drinking Water and Food, and more. (M)