09/17/2009
Scouting... For Conservation
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Thanks to a new, official partnership between the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), youth will have more opportunities to experience and learn about conservation, shooting sports and hunting traditions.
For years, the Federation and the BSA have collaborated on local projects and events towards this end through the NWTF's JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) and Xtreme JAKES programs.
The partnership, made official by a newly signed memorandum of mutual support, will allow the NWTF and BSA to combine resources to expand these efforts nationally through scouting. Participants will learn about the importance of wildlife and land conservation, firearm safety and the tradition of hunting in America, and will have opportunities to earn merit badges related to shooting and conservation. The NWTF and BSA also will work with state agencies to help increase the number of youth receiving hunter education certifications.
"The NWTF's partnership with the BSA ensures youth around the country will continue to learn exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors and how conservation can improve the environment," said NWTF CEO George Thornton. "Giving young people the education necessary to become good stewards of our natural resources is always a major focus of our efforts."
The NWTF started the program in 1981 to give youth 12 years old and younger the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through hands-on learning at events nationwide. JAKES members also receive a subscription to JAKES Magazine.
Xtreme JAKES provides opportunities and challenges designed for the abilities and experiences of youth ages 13 to 17. Xtreme JAKES members get to try activities such as mountain biking and kayaking, and learn advanced hunting techniques, plant and animal identification and wise stewardship of natural resources. They also receive a subscription to Xtreme JAKES eMagazine.
Founded in 1973, the NWTF is a national nonprofit conservation organization that has worked with wildlife agencies to restore wild turkey populations from 1.3 million wild turkeys in 1973 to nearly seven million today. Now, NWTF volunteers raise funds and work daily to improve critical wildlife habitat, increase access to public hunting land and introduce new people to the outdoors and hunting.
