The New Jersey Outdoors Program is an expansion of the former New Jersey Becoming an Outdoors Woman (NJBOW) Program. A greater number of one-day programs are being developed and offered to expanded audiences that include not only women but also families and mixed groups.

The women only format was very popular and will be maintained in the New Jersey Outdoor Women programs. Surveys of previous NJBOW participants however, showed that there was interest amongst some women to do similar activities with their families and significant others. The programs for the various audiences will be presented as New Jersey Outdoor Women, New Jersey Outdoor Families and New Jersey Outdoor People programs.

These programs are designed to provide the opportunity to learn a variety of outdoor activities in a structured, leisurely atmosphere with the help of expert instructors amongst an audience of the participant's choice.

Descriptions, dates and times of the first five New Jersey Outdoors Programs are provided below. These first five programs are free aside from the optional lunch which can be purchased. Future programs may have fees charged to cover expenses.

New Jersey Outdoor Families, June 25, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center, Warren County, NJ
Open to couples, married and single parents with children and extended families. Participants have a choice of two three-hour sessions and can choose from Introductory Archery, Freshwater Fishing, Introductory Shotgun Shooting or Orienteering. Please keep in mind that some activities are not suitable for the very young. Participants must be at least 10 years old for the shotgun shooting session. A box lunch consisting of a sandwich, chips and soda will be provided at a cost of $6.00 per person or participants have the option of bringing their own food and drinks.
Download an application (pdf, 10kb)

New Jersey Outdoor Women, July 9 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, Ocean County, NJ
Open to women only at least 18 years old. Participants have a choice of two three-hour sessions and can choose from Introductory Archery, Freshwater Fishing, Introductory Shotgun Shooting or Kayaking. A box lunch consisting of a sandwich, chips and soda will be provided at a cost of $6.00 per person or participants have the option of bringing their own food and drinks.
Download an application (pdf, 10kb)

New Jersey Outdoor People, July 30 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center, Warren County, NJ
Open to everyone. Participants have a choice of two three-hour sessions and can choose from Introductory Archery, Freshwater Fishing, Introductory Shotgun Shooting or Orienteering. Please keep in mind that some activities are not suitable for the very young. Participants must be at least 10 years old for the shotgun shooting session. A box lunch consisting of a sandwich, chips and soda will be provided at a cost of $6.00 per person or participants have the option of bringing their own food and drinks.
Download an application (pdf, 10kb)

New Jersey Outdoor Women, August 13 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center, Warren County, NJ
Open to women only at least 18 years old. Participants have a choice of two three-hour sessions and can choose from Introductory Archery, Freshwater Fishing, Introductory Shotgun Shooting or Nature Photography. A box lunch consisting of a sandwich, chips and soda will be provided at a cost of $6.00 per person or participants have the option of bringing their own food and drinks.
Download an application (pdf, 10kb)

New Jersey Outdoor People, August 19 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, Ocean County, NJ
Open to everyone. Participants have a choice of two three-hour sessions and can choose from Introductory Archery, Freshwater Fishing, Introductory Shotgun Shooting or Kayaking. Please keep in mind that some activities are not suitable for the very young. Participants must be at least 10 years old for the shotgun shooting session. A box lunch consisting of a sandwich, chips and soda will be provided at a cost of $6.00 per person or participants have the option of bringing their own food and drinks.
Download an application (pdf, 10kb)

Other programs will be developed and offered throughout the year. Check this site occasionally or stay informed by subscribing to the NJOutdoors E-mail List. For further information on these events please e-mail Paul Ritter at Paul.Ritter@dep.state.nj.us or call 908-735-6826.

Women interested in additional outdoor recreation opportunities are encouraged to visit the Website of NJOWL - the New Jersey Outdoor Women's League.