Plenty of outdoor fun planned for JAKES youth event
September 2, 2003During late summer and early fall, most kids are just getting readjusted to classes and organized school activities after spending the summer break having fun and vacationing in the great outdoors. For 70 lucky kids, the fun doesn't have to be over just yet.
To help keep the fun alive, a special JAKES youth field day will take place Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees are in for a great time; and will experience hands-on activities relating to conservation, wildlife and the outdoors. Experts in many outdoor fields will be passing on their skills and knowledge to participants through a variety of fun-filled learning stations including:
*History, conservation and management of wild turkeys
*Hunting ethics and opportunities
*Wildlife tracking and identification
*Dressing for success in the outdoors
*Backcountry safety and regulations
*Conservation volunteer opportunities
*Turkey calling--and more
This special event will coincide with National Fishing and Hunting Day, and will be held at the Placerville Ranger District's office complex in Camino, Calif., near Placerville.
"JAKES events are special because they allow parents and children to spend quality time together in the outdoors. It's also very exciting when participants complete an activity or goal that they have never been exposed to," said Susan Yasuda, District Wildlife Biologist and event coordinator. "This JAKES event will definitely be a fun and educational experience they can't find anywhere else in the area."
JAKES stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship and is the NWTF's outreach program for children 17 years old and younger. With more than 213,000 JAKES members throughout North America, the NWTF is making a difference for the future of our natural resources. Through local JAKES events, children learn how their actions affect the balance of our natural resources and the skills they need to enjoy the outdoors.
Partners include the Eldorado National Forest's Placerville Ranger District (USDA Forest Service), the California State Chapter, the Sporting Longbeards Chapter and the Orville Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
If you want your children to get in on the best time in the outdoors, contact Susan Yasuda, District Wildlife Biologist, at 530-647-5317 to pre-register (required). This is a full day course where youth ages 8-17 can become certified as JAKES. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, but registration is limited to 70 participants--pre-register now to attend!
