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BWAGs (pronounced “bee wags”) originated in 1968 in Christchurch, New Zealand. BWAGs stood for the Bishopdale Women’s Activity Groups, and the purpose was for women to have fun and companionship and to learn new and interesting activities. Bozeman resident Margaret Emerson, who was living in Christchurch at the time, brought the idea back to Montana, and the Bozeman Women’s Activity Groups began meeting in 1969. Many early groups came and went (ping pong, eight ball pool, volleyball, quilting, guitar, hand weaving, yoga, belly dancing, upholstering, to name a few).
When hiking and backcountry skiing groups were formed, the BWAGs learned about traveling in the outdoors from each other and became experts on local trails and the backcountry.
Outdoor activities are now the most popular: hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, biking, and kayaking. Currently, over 200 women participate in BWAG activities.
To participate in BWAG activities, members pay annual dues of “two dimes a time” ($10/year). Most of this money is used for donations at year-end from the BWAG organization to local non-profits, with a small amount going to website administration and costs for any BWAG luncheons that are held. The information for paying annual dues will be sent out when the hiking season starts in June and there will be several reminders before the November 30 deadline.
For more information and to become a BWAG member, contact Debi (debiherren@gmail.com). Refer to the other sections of this website for information on specific activities. In the Group Contacts section, you can find contact information for various group coordinators to get more details and sign up for their regular emails.