“What do women want?” There are as many answers to that question as there are women, but there’s one that’s universal: We want a vacation. We want to get away from our daily routine and spend time with other women in a judgement-free environment … and “traditional” spa or beach vacations don’t quite make the grade. That’s the magic of NRA's Women's Wilderness Escapes, which are purpose-built to provide women of all experience levels with an outdoor adventure that builds skills, fosters fellowship and refreshes the soul.
The Vision
When NRA set out to create the Women’s Wilderness Escapes, our primary goal was to embrace NRA Women everywhere—even and especially those with little to no outdoor experience. Our goal was to create an environment in which there’s no such thing as a “dumb” question or even an unanswered one. A place where expert instructors teach everything from shooting fundamentals to firearm safety and marksmanship with rifles, pistols, shotguns, and archery by certified NRA Instructors. A place with no barriers to entry, with all equipment, firearms and ammunition provided.
In short, our vision was to foster a space where women feel safe to be themselves, and to open their minds to a whole new point of view … one that just so happens to bring with it some of the most beautiful views in America.
The View from Here
NRA’s Women’s Wilderness Escapes take place at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, N.M., which rests at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. With some of the most striking natural beauty in the United States, the 33,000-acre Whittington Center features no fewer than 18 shooting ranges, including a 1,000-yard range, muzzleloading range, archery, shotgun, Silhouette … you name it, the Whittington has it, and you can shoot there.
That said, the Whittington Center is so much more than a terrific range facility. Its enormous acreage is mostly given over to wilderness, where yes, deer and antelope do play. Simply stepping outside your front door at sunrise will give you the chance to experience the wide variety of wildlife that calls the Center home-wild turkeys, elk, mule deer, pronghorns, mountain lions and even black bears. Soft, cool breezes in the morning give way to a low-humidity daytime heat, followed by sweater-worthy evenings scented with the evergreens that coat the Center’s mesas and valleys.
The Vacation
So how do the Women’s Wilderness Escapes work? The first thing to know is that NRA’s Women’s Wilderness Escapes are all-inclusive. Attendees pay a single price that covers lodging, meals, equipment and instruction. All you need to do is get there—you can fly into Denver, Colorado Springs or Albuquerque and then make one of the most gorgeous (and high-altitude) drives in America to get to Raton.
You’ll notice that we limit the number of attendees for each session. This is for a number of reasons. The first, of course, is to allow attendees to spend more time communing and learning from one another. The second is so that each woman has as much one-on-one time with our expert instructors as possible, for a comprehensive learning experience.
Our instructors are world-class teachers who have spent their lives dedicated to the firearm and shooting sports industry. Their passion is seeing women of all ages grow in confidence with the use of firearms. Safety is always put first as women learn archery, shotgunning, pistol shooting and more in an individualized, encouraging and uplifting environment.
Women who join us for a Wilderness Escape stay in the Whittington Center’s Competitor Housing Buildings, which is dormitory-style lodging that includes 15 bedrooms that are divided into three wings. Each wing contains five bedrooms, each with two single beds, a kitchenette and two separate bathrooms with showers. There is a lovely central lobby that is shared by all three wings, making it a great place to gather together with the other women and share stories about the day's adventures. In fact, the only thing it won’t have is men—men aren’t permitted to stay in the same building as the ladies during the WWE Event.
The Verdict
Our Women’s Wilderness Escape attendees rave about the experience. “From the East Coast to the West Coast, North and South, you will meet fantastic women. The staff is awesome! They’re all well-qualified, kind, patient and full of humor,” said one attendee, Janet Stevens.
In fact, it’s so common for WWE attendees to form friendships and fond memories that many of them return again and again. But even the newest, greenest and tenderest of feet can expect a joyful, confidence-building experience. Noted Handri Kadash, “Even if you only think you might be interested, take the plunge and sign up for the Women’s Wilderness Escape. It will be a learning experience and you’ll make memories for a lifetime.”
Won’t you join us for the adventure of a lifetime? Call (800) 494-4853 or email [email protected] to get started.
