Why Women in Nature?

    Women in Nature (W.I.N.) is a phenomenon beyond anything I could have imagined when I started it. Since its humble beginnings the purpose was to provide women of all economic and physical conditions an avenue to enjoy the outdoors and learn new skills in a non-competitive atmosphere. The result has been much more than that. Our group conditions for several weeks before ascending some of Idaho’s most gorgeous mountain ranges. Through blisters, cheat grass, cuts and abrasions, we keep going; leaning on each other for support but taking each step as individuals. Even after the weather turns cold and icy some members continue weekly hiking.

    Women are funny. Holy Cow! If someone needs a good laugh, just get together with a group of women who are relaxing by a bonfire, drinking hot chocolate and singing kumbaya. I laugh until tears rolled down my cheeks at every annual Outdoor Extravaganza. At each clinic we eat hearty meals and learn a variety of skills such as archery, photography, canoeing, trap shooting, fly fishing, landscape art, and a half-dozen other exciting courses.

    Women are courageous! In honor of women who have fought, and those who continue fighting a wide range of physical and emotional challenges, a portion of the proceeds from Women In Nature's registration fees is dedicated to the 900 Women Project to assist Magic Valley women who, by themselves, cannot receive necessary cancer screening mammograms. Another portion is given to the Diabetic Fund to purchase diabetic supplies for Magic Valley individuals. Both are funds of the St. Luke's Magic Valley Health Foundation, the primary public healthcare charity of Twin Falls and surrounding communities.

    For any woman sixteen years of age and older who would like to be in the company of great people, I strongly suggest getting involved. Women In Nature (W.I.N.) is just a whole lotta fun and it is very good for emotional and physical health.

Sandra Bosteder  
W.I.N. President