Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Women in the Outdoors comes to area



Two Dassel women will be hosting an outdoors event for women and girls to get better acquainted with God’s country.

Pamela Sandstede and Dawn Gillman are part of the Crow River Cutters, a chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

After partaking in several outdoor retreats with the chapter, including the annual Women in the Outdoors, they wanted to give that same opportunity to the women and girls in the DC area.

“I have a passion for being in the outdoors and enjoying God’s creations,” Gillman said. She finds it important to encourage her two daughters, Claire and Olivia, to do the same.

“They need to know there is more to do than watching cartoons and inside activities,” she added.

Women in the Outdoors will be offered for the first time at the Darwin Rod and Gun Club, Saturday Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Several courses will be offered including archery, bird watching, outdoor photography, handgun/rifle shooting, outdoor cooking, bird house building, outdoor yoga, scrapbooking and Texas Hold’em 101.

“You don’t have to be an avid outdoors person to enjoy Women in the Outdoors,” Gillman said.

Sandstede and Gillman explained they have friends that don’t even like camping who will be attending the upcoming event.

“It’s a safe and friendly environment where you won’t have to feel stupid to try something new,” Sandstede said.

Women in the Outdoors will also offer prizes where attendees can win free Country Gallery sessions and more.

Other exciting events will be a silent auction and a deep fried turkey luncheon.

The cost of the event will be $35 for women and kids 12 and under will receive the Jake’s Special for $5. To register, call either (320) 275-4967 or (320) 275-5396 or register at the door. Both fees include a free magazine subscription to a women’s or children’s outdoor magazine.

At last year’s event at Cedar Mills, Women in the Outdoors attracted 14 women and girls.

“We hope to double that this year,” Gillman said.

Gillman’s two daughters attended last year as well—and now Claire, whose in second grade, wants to buy a bow and arrow, and 6-year-old Olivia was proud to have shot an alligator target.

Also, Gillman and her two daughters have built blue bird houses and are keeping track of how many families they have.

“It’s about having a good time and getting the kids outdoors,” Gillman said.

Participants are asked to dress appropriately since the event will take place rain or shine, also to bring a camera and “an adventuresome spirit.”

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