Women Outdoors upcoming events

Mid-Atlantic Region's 17th Anniversary Celebration (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

17th anniversary hike and picnic

Join your Women Outdoors Mid-Atlantic friends as we celebrate our 17th anniversary of outdoor fun and friendship with a hike and potluck picnic at Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County, MD.

There's also an option to camp at the state park if you're interested. Camping will not be an official Women Outdoors event.

The hike will be fairly flat and easy. We'll walk about 3 miles and stop along the way to explore the historic fort, Captain Wort's store, and the old Civilian Conservation Corps headquarters.

From the Fort Frederick website: "The centerpiece of the Fort Frederick State Park is the only stone fort built by a British colony during the French and Indian War. In its three century history, the fort has seen activity in four military conflicts, is one of Maryland's first state parks, and was a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s. Built in 1756, the fort's stone wall and two barracks have been restored to their 1758 appearance."

After the hike, we'll gather at the picnic pavilion for a potluck picnic. We'll fire up the grill for burgers and hot dogs. BYOburger, hot dog, not dog, veggie burger or grill item of your choice as well as a side dish or dessert to share.

Also bring your own mess kit, utensils and trash bag to carry out your trash and recyclables. Fort Frederick State Park is a trash-free park.

FYI - There are electrical outlets at the picnic shelter if you need to plug something in.

Not up for a hike? Join us around 11:30 a.m. for just the potluck picnic. When you register, just select the button saying you'll be there only for the picnic.

Doggies are welcome at this event and must be on leash at all times.

SPECIAL NOTE: There is a campground at Fort Frederick along the Potomac River. A few of our members have already decided to make a weekend out of it and will be camping at Fort Frederick. You will need to make your own reservations through parkreservations.maryland.gov. Campsites are all non-electric and cost $16/night + $6.25 reservation fee. Once again, camping will not be an official Women Outdoors event.

This activity is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are welcome to attend two WO events as guests. On your third event, we'll ask you to join the Mid-Atlantic Region of Women Outdoors. You can also join right now by clicking on this Join Us link.

Registration will close on Thursday, June 25th.

Bring:

Cash for entry fee: $3/vehicle for MD residents; $5/vehicle all other states
Snacks and water for the hike
Hat, sun block, insect repellent
Something to grill for yourself
Side dish or dessert to share with everyone
Water or other non-alcoholic beverage (we don't have an alcohol permit)
Mess kit or your own plate(s), bowl, napkin and utensils
Trash bag - Fort Frederick State Park is trash free. Everyone must take their trash and recycling home with them.
Optional: camp chair

Specific meeting location and inclement weather information. Your automatic confirmation email will provide the exact location where we will meet for the event. It will also provide information on possible cancellation if required by weather conditions. (Scroll all the way to the bottom of the email.)

Please respect the trip leaders and other members and arrive on time - 10:00 a.m.

The automatic confirmation email is the only email you will receive about this event. Be sure and save it or print it out because there may not be good cell service at the event location.

RSVP and Cancellation – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

If you register but then are unable to attend, please cancel your registration. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances.

If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the trip leader (see your confirmation email for contact details) and let her know who it is who is calling/texting.

To Cancel: Go to your Registration List

Click on this event in your list.
Click on the Already registered link under the REGISTER button.
At the next page that opens with your registration form, click on the CANCEL REGISTRATION button, and then again click on Cancel Registration on the pop-up form.
Ignore the link to contact the administrator.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Walk and Tour (11 Jul 2026)

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:30:00 GMT

One of the delights of mid-summer Washington is the exuberant display of water lilies and lotus flowers at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. If you've never seen them, you're in for a treat. If they're an annual pilgrimage for you, come with us this time.

The annual Lotus and Lily Festival is scheduled for the following weekend, July 18-19, but word has it the lilies and lotuses are already approaching their summer glory.

We will gather at the Visitors Center at 9:30 a.m. for introductions. Our plan is to piggyback on the ranger-led garden tour that begins at 10:00 a.m.

Here's a description of the tour from the park's website: "The talk will cover the history of the park, the water lilies and lotuses that are grown in the ponds, and the importance of the marshes that are connected to the ponds."

Bring your camera and binoculars on this picturesque walk as well as a brown bag lunch for afterwards.

Sorry, no doggies on this event.

This free activity is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are welcome to attend two WO events as guests. On your third event, we'll ask you to join the Mid-Atlantic Region of Women Outdoors. You can also join right now by clicking on this Join Us link.

Registration closes on Thursday, July 9.

Bring:

Water
Hat
Sunscreen/bug spray
Brown bag lunch
Binoculars (optional)
National Parks Passport (optional)

Please respect the trip leaders and other members and arrive on time - 9:30 a.m.

IMPORTANT: The automatic confirmation email will contain the exact meeting location for this event (scroll all the way to the bottom of the email). Please save it or print it out in case there is not cell coverage in the area.

RSVP and Cancellation – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

If you register but then are unable to attend, please cancel your registration. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances.

If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the event host/trip leader (see your confirmation email for contact details) and let her know who it is who is calling/texting.

To Cancel: Go to your Registration List

Click on this event in your list.
Click on the Already registered link under the REGISTER button.
At the next page that opens with your registration form, click on the CANCEL REGISTRATION button, and then again click on Cancel Registration on the pop-up form.

Ignore the link to contact the administrator.

National Gathering 2026 (21 Aug 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Fees are $230 - $390 based on lodging choice and length of stay

Friday (8/21/26) noon to Sunday (8/23/26) 3 pm

This 3-day/2-night option includes 7 meals from Friday lunch to Sunday lunch - $230 (excludes Private Rooms)

Friday (8/21/26) noon to Monday (8/24/26) 3 pm

This 4-day/3-night option includes 10 meals from Friday lunch to Monday lunch - $330 (Cabins, RV, Tent) and $390 (Private Room)

Please review our Lodging Options BEFORE registering! You will need to decide what is important to you and select your housing accordingly! Some options are limited so register early!

You must be a paid member and logged in to be able to register and to view all of the lodging options.

Want to learn more? Click on these links:

Full Gathering Details | Activities | Resources | Campus Map

Registration Deadlines

Register and pay by July 31 to avoid a $25 late fee.
Registration Closes on August 17.
Scholarships are available to help you attend - application deadline July 17.

Cancellation Policy - if you cancel:

By July 20: Full refund
July 21 - July 31: $25 cancellation fee
August 1 - Aug 17: $50 cancellation fee only IF we are able to replace you with a new registration. Otherwise no refund.
August 18 or later: NO Refund

Note: Refunds for cancellations occurring August 1 or later will be processed after we return from the Gathering.