Lums Pond State Park in Delaware will host the 2025 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program October 3–5, marking the 26th year of the annual event sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and its Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Registration for the program opens September 2 and closes September 17, though officials note that spaces typically fill within 48 hours.
The program provides women with opportunities to learn outdoor recreation skills through a mix of 3.5-hour and 1.5-hour courses. Instruction is delivered by DNREC staff and volunteer experts who cover a wide range of activities.
According to a press release, this year’s curriculum includes kayak fishing, paddleboarding, backpacking, foraging, rock climbing, archery, waterfowl hunting basics, nature photography, and wildlife identification.
A notable addition to the 2025 lineup is a mentored crossbow deer hunt at Lums Pond State Park. Limited to five participants, the course highlights the role of hunting in conservation management. Hunters will receive training in safe crossbow use and participate in a managed hunt under the guidance of DNREC mentors.
Participants in this specialty program must hold a Delaware hunting license and have completed hunter education certification before the event.
The registration fee for the full weekend is $210, covering meals, lodging, instruction, and access to equipment and supplies. A small additional fee applies for online registration, which will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
For outdoor hospitality and campground operators, events like BOW highlight the growing demand for structured outdoor education and recreation experiences.
The program’s rapid sellouts underscore a trend in consumer interest toward immersive, skills-based activities. This presents potential opportunities for campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping operators to design similar workshops or partner with outdoor educators to attract guests seeking more than traditional lodging.
Offering guided courses in outdoor skills, photography, or nature-based recreation could diversify revenue streams and enhance visitor engagement.
More details on the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, including registration, are available at de.gov/bow.