Message from OWAC President, Carrie Wilson
Spring is here and OWAC is flourishing!
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been seven years since the picturesque village of Big Bear Lake last hosted us for our Spring 2015 conference. It was definitely an event to remember with lots of memories to cherish. The lodging, hospitality, meeting and meal venues, and all of the outdoor experiences offered were off the charts. We are counting down the days until our return for OWAC’s Spring 2022 conference, and it’s sure to be another productive and memorable experience. It’s coming up quickly … May 10-12!
For those who may not know, the village of Big Bear sits on Big Bear Lake and is located in Southern California at an altitude of over 6,700 ft. This beautiful region is loaded with year-round recreation – everything from hiking, boating, fishing, mountain biking, ziplining, skiing, offroad exploring, and so much more. From outdoor adventures to scenic drives around the lake, Big Bear has it all. For those who may not be able to join us at the conference this time around but plan to check it out at a later date, please contact the staff at Visit Big Bear. They will have lots of story ideas and content to help guide you throughout your visit.
Besides the news encompassing our upcoming conference, OWAC’s annual Excellence in Craft (EIC) awards contest is now complete, and all winners will be announced at the conference in Big Bear on May 10. Certificates and cash awards will be given to the winners as well as personal news releases generated and sent to their editors and local newspapers and news outlets.
In addition to EIC, OWAC also hosts the “Pat Vachini Writing and Photography Contest” for high school students considering a career as an outdoor writer and/or photographer. This year 16 high school students from around the state entered the writing (essay and poetry) or photography categories. Judging has been finalized and like EIC awards, these budding outdoor journalists also receive certificates, cash scholarships and promotion to their local newspapers touting their achievements. Cash scholarships are funded through our endowment fund.
Enjoy our beautiful spring season and I hope to see you all soon in Big Bear!
Carrie Wilson
President
