An intriguing program of Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) poses this challenge to women of all ages and fitness levels.
Taking its cue from other states, DNREC offers an outreach course, “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman.” This year’s 3-day program takes place October 3 – 5 at Lums Pond State Park in Bear. More details about the specifics are still to come, but this announcement from DNREC deserves some more attention so you can mark your calendar early.
“Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” (BOW) is a nationally recognized – and now copywritten – program that was developed in 1991 by the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Its founder, Christine Thomas, is the university’s Dean of the College of Natural Resources at UWSP. As an avid outdoors enthusiast herself, she identified that women often lack the confidence to pursue certain outdoor activities. Or, perhaps they lack access to instruction on everything from outdoor survival to safely foraging.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman programs are now offered in 38 states and six Canadian provinces. Ten of thousands of women annually participate in versions of the program, including the typical 3-day multi-course program, plus other “Beyond BOW” programs that are more specific to, say, ice fishing or archery.
Recently, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point added a web page devoted to recipes inspired by BOW, such as wild turkey piccata. Any experienced hunter will tell you that any wildlife bounty needs to be prepared differently from groceries you purchase at the supermarket.
Given women’s evolving interest in outdoor activities and sport, the BOW program’s growth is not surprising. Nor is the list of the program’s corporate sponsors, which includes mega retailers Bass Pro, Cabela’s and Browning, and environmental advocates such as Ducks Unlimited and the National Wildlife Foundation.
BOW’s mission is to provide hands-on instruction and experience in a safe and non-competitive environment. Not to be exclusive or prejudicial: men are also welcome to participate.
The design of the program, as outlined in Christine Thomas’ book of the same title, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, is to introduce (primarily) women to a wide variety of opportunities they’ve never experienced.
For example, elements of the BOW program may include boat safety, camping basics, identifying wildlife, how to forage, how to safely shoot a rifle or improve your own nature photography.
Interestingly, although Delaware’s program is open to participants 18 and over, most BOW programs throughout the country proudly boast that attendance is predominantly women north of age 50.
In its burgeon, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman partnered in 2009 with Edventures, an organization that promotes educational and ecotourism travel to interesting locations throughout the world. Edventures was originally designed for teachers and students, but since taking on the BOW program, it now hosts several women’s trips every year.
Would you care to combine a sheep roundup plus knitting adventure in Iceland, a rafting trip on the Salmon River in Idaho, or go on safari in Tanzania? This Edventures 2025 Calendar will definitely interest you.
But back to our own Delaware BOW program from DNREC. You can sign up for newsletter updates by contacting patrick.ruhl@delaware.gov or calling 302-422-1329 to find out more.
For information on all DNREC (subdivision, Fish & Wildlife) educational programming, check out https://dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/education-outreach/.
By Bridget FitzPatrick