Women interested in improving their rock climbing skills can sign up now for a rock climbing workshop in the Upper Peninsula, Sept. 25-27.

The workshop, sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources' Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program, is a "Beyond BOW" event, designed for women with some previous rock climbing experience, although beginners are also welcome.

Participants will receive classroom instruction in rock climbing techniques Friday, with hands-on climbing experience Saturday and Sunday at various climbing sites located in Big Bay, Marquette and Negaunee. Cost per participant is $175, which includes instruction and gear, lodging at the historic Thunder Bay Inn in Big Bay, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Enrollment is limited to nine and early applications are encouraged.

"We are excited to offer this weekend of rock climbing instruction in a fun and safe atmosphere," said DNR Upper Peninsula BOW chairperson Sharon Pitz. "Our BOW rock climbing classes have always been very popular. This Beyond BOW workshop offers the chance to move beyond basic skills and become even more comfortable in the harness."

Topics to be covered during the rock climbing workshop include safety, tying into a harness, belaying, rappelling, rock climbing knots, basic anchoring and gear selection. Instructors will provide all necessary gear, but participants with their own helmets and harnesses may bring them for a safety inspection.

For more information on this event, contact Sharon Pitz at (906) 228-6561. Registration packets and additional information about the workshop can be found online at www.michigan.gov/bow.