The Women’s Outdoor Network (WON) started in 2007 in Central Arkansas. Ending 2021 with over 1,000 members this group is carrying out its mission to provide a safe place for women who are interested in outdoor pursuits to connect to like minded women, share their experiences, plan outdoor adventures together and put their skills to use.
WON has grown to have groups in six areas of the state- West Central AR (The closest for most of us, based out of Fort Smith), Northeast AR, South AR, Southwest AR, and Northwest AR. West Central AR has about 430 members heading into 2021.
Women interested in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, boating, and any other outdoor activities will find kindred spirits. The WON is changing the narrative, and allowing women to venture into the outdoors together. No longer are these things dominated by men, women are showing they are just as capable and can enjoy it just as much.
The best thing about the outdoors is they are available to everyone. Despite the availability, not everyone may share your passion. WON exists to connect women with that passion together. It’s the perfect place to find a girl friend to hike or catfish with.
If you are unfamiliar with the skills needed to do the activities you are interested in, or looking for a new hobby the meetups are great for those. In the past year the West Central group has taught squirrel hunts that ended with how to cook the kills. Trips to waterfalls, kayaking, and campouts were just a few of the events organized by the group this year.
Each group has a coordinating Facebook group for sharing about upcoming meetups and just general outdoors talk! Every month there is also an outdoor challenge to encourage members to get outside and explore on their own. Most events have no cost involved and are open to any woman who would like to attend.
Get into the outdoors with WON in 2022!Check out the West Central Arkansas WON Facebook group.
Special thank you to Karen Westcamp-Johnson for answering my questions and providing the photo.
