10/13/2009
60 Illinois Youth get Hands-on Education
 60 youth enjoyed a day of fun and learning outside at the 11th annual JAKES day in JoDaviess County, Ill. |
 Youth get help with their birdhouses from NWTF volunteers. |
GALENA, Ill.— The JoDaviess County Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) recently hosted 60 youth at their 11th annual JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) day at the Marsden farm near Galena.
The youth participated in outdoor activities including firearm safety training, shooting, archery and birdhouse making.
NWTF volunteer Sid Munford also demonstrated proper campfire-building techniques for the youth and the 40 adult volunteers who also attended. Participants received JAKES day t-shirts and were entered into several raffles from which winners received various firearms. One youth received a $50 savings bond that was donated by a local bank.
"This event is a prime example of NWTF volunteers understanding the importance of educating America's youth about conservation and the outdoors," said Mandy Harling, NWTF JAKES program coordinator. "Many youth are being over-exposed to television and video games and the JAKES program is designed to educate our nation's young people about the wealth of entertainment available in the outdoors."
The NWTF started the JAKES program for youth ages 12 and under and Xtreme JAKES for youth ages 13 to 17. Events held nationwide provide instructors and locations for youth to practice their outdoor knowledge and skills.
For more information about the JAKES or Xtreme JAKES programs contact Mandy Harling at (803) 637-7550 or mharling@nwtf.net.
