Program takes women to the wilderness

Alaska, the land where bear and moose seem more abundant than squirrels and the mountains are taller than any others in North America, offers the experienced outdoorsman a masterful beauty that rivals any Ansel Adams photo.

To the ill-prepared, however, it’s as dangerous as it is beautiful.

This beauty has inspired numerous mountaineers to summit Denali, fishermen from around the world to fish its streams during the salmon run, and many of Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson’s adventurous women to discover that they too, can master any undertaking Alaska offers.

The JBER Outdoor Adventure Program’s Women in the Wilderness series is focused on getting women outside and giving them opportunities to learn a wide range of skills.

Erica McDaniel, a recreation adventure specialist with the 673d Force Support Squadron and manager of Women in the Wilderness, explained some women learn more effectively about the outdoors when they are in an all-female environment.

“Given the military mindset many husbands who attend our trips have, it can be hard for wives to learn a lot about the outdoors in an environment that can be very intimidating,” said McDaniel. “I’ve been on several ATV trips where I noticed the men would take charge with everything, and I felt it left little room for the women to learn.

“I wanted to do things specifically for women; active-duty women, spouses, spouses with kids, really anyone woman who qualifies for our trips and programs, so we can teach them a lot of different skills.”

The creation of Women in the Wilderness has allowed an entirely new thought process, which McDaniel said she is proud to encourage.

“Women just have different questions then men,” said McDaniel. “I don’t have to tell a man how to go to the bathroom outside, but it’s a completely different challenge for a woman and they wouldn’t necessarily feel comfortable asking that question in front of a lot of men.”

Whether it’s learning how to hunt and process game or how to paddleboard, Women in the Wilderness offers more than just absorbing outdoor activities.

“This is for any women, whether active duty, a spouse or a dependent, who wants to develop confidence in everything they do,” McDaniel said. “I’ve had female Soldiers and Airmen teach a spouse or dependent something they’ve learned during a class, and then apply that skill to their professional lives.”

With roughly 15 percent of the military made up of females, programs like Women in the Wilderness allow for more than just learning outdoor skills.

“It’s very important to always remember who we support,” said McDaniel. “I had a female Soldier who told me even though she had a good work environment, she worked with a bunch of guys, and these trips allowed her to joke around, be comfortable and just be a girl, since she didn’t have that ability at her shop.”

To McDaniel, the most important thing about the program is the connection and the difference you can make in someone’s life by allowing them the ability to gain knowledge, feel feminine and gain friends.

“One of my favorite things about this program and my number one goal is seeing the friendships that are made,” McDaniel said.

“We’ve had several spouses new to JBER, who hadn’t made any friends yet, and who were slightly hesitant about Alaska leave some of our events with five or 10 new friends and a bunch of outdoor skills.”

Kelly Foreman, a former Air Force spouse, has attended several of the Women in the Wilderness trips and classes and credits them with helping her overcome many of her fears.

“Don’t be limited by your challenges or fears, but challenge them by taking advantage of this great program,” Foreman said. “Participating in Women in the Wilderness is empowering.

“Going out to eat or watching a movie may be fun, but they aren’t going to change your life the way an outdoor adventure will.”

For more information on Women in the Wilderness classes and trips,visit www.jberlife.com.