Well the first Outdoors Workshop for Disabled Women is official! The day long workshop is scheduled for June 25, 2011. Around ten women with physical disabilities will experience rifle shooting and archery. They will learn the basics of gun safety, how to shoot a rifle and bow or crossbow, and have lots of fun practice shooting on the rifle and archery ranges. There will also be opportunity for the women to test out their archery skills on a 3-D range! For lunch, we'll be doing some wild game cooking in a Dutch oven and grill.
I found a facility that is close to perfect, the Columbus Sportsmen Association (http://csa12.com/), located outside of Columbus, Wisconsin. One of the members, Bill Martin, showed us around. Bill was super kind and accommodating. I believe he has volunteered to be one of our instructors, also. We will be using their covered rifle range with target distances at 25, 50, 100, and 200 yds., and its archery range which includes options for shooting at stationary targets or on a 3-D course.
There is a steep hill getting from the main club house & shelter down to the lower ranges which we will need to assist the participants with. Also, the lower range bathroom is not wheelchair accessible, so we will be bringing in accessible porta potties. But overall, I think the CSA will make for a great location for our workshop.
Now the real work begins...recruiting instructors, volunteers, and most important the participants (which may be the toughest part). Peggy Farrell from BOW is graciously taking care of fundraising so this can be a free event. And between the two of us, we have many contacts and friends who have already mentioned wanting to be involved either by supplying equipment or volunteer help. What an incredible feeling it is to know so many good people want to come together to make this outdoors experience happen! I'm very fortunate!
Will keep you posted as things develop...
