Outdoor Odyssey is a nonprofit educational program that offers hands-on outdoor workshops for ages 18 and older. Our mission is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can learn new skills, build confidence, make lasting friendships, and have fun.
No previous outdoor experience is required. Outdoor Odyssey welcomes participants of all backgrounds, abilities, and fitness levels to explore the outdoors at their own pace.
Participants can choose from a variety of engaging workshops, including fishing, hunter education, target shooting, archery, outdoor cooking, camping, rock climbing and rappelling, nature photography, boating and trailer skills, hiking, wildlife education, and many more outdoor adventures.
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Registration OPEN
Early bird: Register by July 31, 2026
and save $50!
When: September 10-12, 2026
Where: Holmstead Ranch in Central, UT
Beyond Outdoor Odyssey
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of classes and hands-on experiences designed to help you build confidence, sharpen your outdoor skills, and discover new adventures.
Visit our Eventbrite page to explore upcoming workshops, classes, and events. Whether you're continuing your outdoor journey or trying something new, there's always another adventure waiting!
For more information, please contact Andrea at andrea.schmutz@usu.edu
Sample Schedule
| Thursday | Friday | Saturday | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30am -12:15pm | Registration and check-in | 7:30am-8:15pm | Breakfast | 7:15am-8:00am | Breakfast | ||
| 12:30pm-1:15pm | Overview and Orientation | 8:30am-12:00pm | Session 2 | 8:00am - 8:30am | Checkout | ||
| 1:30pm - 5:00pm | Session 1 | 12:30pm-1:15pm | Lunch | 8:30am-12:00pm | Session 4 | ||
| 6:00pm-7:00pm | Dinner | 1:30pm-5:00pm | Session 3 | 12:15pm-1:30pm | Lunch and closing remarks | ||
| 7:15 PM | Evening Activities* | 6:00pm-7:00pm | Dinner | ||||
| 7:15 PM | Evening Activities* | ||||||
*Evening Activities
Outdoor Odyssey Workshops are designed for those who want to explore, learn, and connect.
Join us if you:
- Have always wanted to try outdoor activities but didn't know where to start.
- Want to learn new skills with experienced, encouraging instructors.
- Enjoy meeting others who share a passion for the outdoors.
- Are looking for a welcoming, supportive community where everyone can learn at their own pace.
Come discover new adventures, build confidence, and create lasting memories—one outdoor experience at a time!
FAQ's
Equipment for each class will be provided. In some classes, such as fishing and mountain biking, you may bring your own equipment if you would like. (Please do not bring firearms.) Bedding and towels are provided. A list of suggested personal effects, such as appropriate clothing, will be sent via email shortly after you register. Optional: If you have an item you would like to donate for our silent auction to help raise scholarship funds for women to attend future Outdoor Odyssey programs, we would love to have you bring it.
[1000 Holmstead Ranch Road (1089 East Baker Dam Road), Central, Utah 84722]. For a sneak peek at the Holmstead Ranch, visit https://holmsteadranch.com/
Outdoor Odyssey follows the same proven model as the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) programs offered in many states.
Carly Deacon Michelle Zellar
State/Province
Contact
Alabama
Marisa Futral
334-242-3620
Alaska
Nancy Sisinyak
Interior
(907)459-7346
Tracy Smith Southcentral
(907)267-2896
Kristin Romanoff
Southeast
(907)465-6166
Arizona
Linda Dightmon
(623)979-4612
Arkansas
Lea Gray
Lea.Gray@agfc.ar.gov
501-676-9506
British Columbia
Joann Bosch
(604)882-9988
California
Sarahbeth Gonsalves
(559)972-3441
Colorado
Maureen Mika
(847)693-9264
Delaware
Lynne Pusey
(302)422-1329
Florida
Lynne Hawk
(561)625-5122
Georgia
Katie McCollum
(770)784-3163
Illinois
Mitch Ingold
(217)782-7026
Indiana
Danielle Shrake
(317) 232-4194
Iowa
Rachel Ladd
(515) 729-6037
Megan Wisecup
Kansas
Jami McCabe
(785)845-5052
Kentucky
State/Province
Contact
Louisiana
Dana Norsworthy
(318)345-3912
Maine
Brittany Copp
(207)215-0292
Manitoba
(204)633-5967
Maryland
Karina Stonesifer
301-777-2136
Massachusetts
Astrid Huseby
508-389-6305
Minnesota
(218)203-4347
Michigan
(906)293-5131
Montana
Sara Smith
(406) 444-5280
Nebraska
Julia Plugge
(402)471-5571
New Brunswick
Nathalie Michaud
(506)479-1481
New Hampshire
kaitlyn.kelleher@wildlife.nh.gov
(603)271-0495
Newfoundland and Labrador
Debbie Howell
(709)229-7888
New Jersey
New York
Katrina Talbot
(518)402-88963
North Carolina
BB Gillen
(919)218-3638
Nova Scotia
Judy Clattenburg
State/Province
Contact
Oklahoma
(918)592-2267
South Dakota
Brittany Copp
(207)215-0292
Tennessee
Donald Hosse
(615)781-6541
Texas
Heidi Rao
(281)534-0126
Utah
Andrea Schmutz
435-301-7740
Virginia
(804)367-0656
West Virginia
Sissie Summers
(304)558-2764
Wisconsin
Peggy Farrell
(715)346-4681
Wyoming
Kathryn Boswell
(307)777-3412
SCIF Sables
Jackson, WyomingSue Hanker
(520)620-1220
Words From Alumni
"I would like to share with all women that if you have been afraid to try any of the programs BOW offers, you should just do it. Whatever apprehensions you have will be gone in the first few hours. The instructors are incredible, and the women are all so friendly. We are all on equal ground; you won't feel intimidated."
"This was the most rewarding experience I have ever participated in."
"Many questions were asked and answered, and there wasn't one person who felt intimidated by their lack of knowledge."
"The quality of instruction was outstanding"
"Good program, good food, good friends."
"I can't believe what this weekend did for my self-esteem."