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Each One, Teach One
Building confident, capable outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen through mentorship and hands‑on learning.
Mission
Vision
To educate, empower, and inspire individuals, especially women and youth, to engage in outdoor activities while promoting conservation, safety, and sustainability.
To build a community where outdoor knowledge, conservation, and access are shared across generations, creating confident and capable outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen.
Meet the Founder
Charlena McNeil
My lifelong passion for conservation and outdoor recreation began at an early age, inspired by generations of family members who shared a deep appreciation for nature. Watching my grandmother, father, mother, and brothers hunt, fish, and explore the outdoors instilled in me a profound respect for wildlife, responsible stewardship, and the natural world. Their example shaped my commitment to conservation and fostered a lifelong love for outdoor recreation.
Hunting has become my greatest passion, while fishing remains my first love. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong connection to the land, wildlife, and traditions that bring families and communities together. Today, I am dedicated to sharing that passion with others, encouraging people of all backgrounds to discover, enjoy, and appreciate the outdoors.
Where Our Work Comes From
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Huntress Woods‑N‑Water Outdoors was built on a belief that outdoor knowledge should be shared, protected, and preserved. For many families, those lessons begin early by learning how to hunt responsibly, cast a line, respect wildlife, and understand the rhythms of the land. That’s the experience that shaped Charlena McNeil, founder of Huntress Woods-N-Water Outdoors. Her childhood was filled with the kind of hands‑on learning that builds confidence, connection, and stewardship.
"Ethical outdoor education and conservation awareness are key to building stronger communities and preserving natural resources for future generations." - Charlena McNeil
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Why Access Matters
Ensuring access to outdoor skills is essential, yet more and more people are growing up spending less time outside and missing the everyday moments that nurture a connection to the outdoors. Charlena recognized how this shift was affecting who felt comfortable stepping into outdoor spaces. Many ,especially women, youth, and underserved groups, were not finding the supportive, culturally grounded environments they needed to learn.
As everyday outdoor experiences faded, so did the informal traditions that once helped people build confidence and belonging in nature.
Research from the U.S. Forest Service consistently shows that traditionally underrepresented groups participate in outdoor recreation at lower rates and face more perceived barriers.
90%
of women report at least one obstacle to outdoor participation.
(Source: Winnebago Industries 2025 Spotlight Survey)
59.4%
girls ages 6–12 participate in outdoor activities, but that number drops by 4% in the teen years.
Source: Outdoor Foundation, 2023 Participation Report
How We Close the Gap
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Huntress Woods‑N‑Water Outdoors closes this gap by providing youth, women, and underserved communities with hands‑on outdoor experiences and ethical instruction.
The organization offers youth mentorship, safety training, and ethical hunting practices designed to build confidence and environmental stewardship. Its programs emphasize conservation education, female leadership in the outdoors, and expanding community access to outdoor spaces.
Our Commitment
Our work focuses on five core commitments:
Education First
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Empowerment
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Conservation
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Community
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Accessibility
By teaching outdoor skills and stewardship practices, we help participants build confidence, develop a sense of belonging, and become active caretakers of the natural world.