The Courage to Try Something New: How JAKES Day Is Growing the Next Generation of Outdoor Leaders
For some kids, the first challenge of the day wasn't hitting a clay target or landing an arrow in the bull's-eye. It was simply taking that first step.
Standing on the shotgun range, a few young participants hesitated. The unfamiliar equipment, the loud report and the anticipation of trying something entirely new could be intimidating. But they weren't alone.
Patient instructors stood beside them, explaining each step with encouragement. Parents cheered from behind the line. Other kids who had already conquered their own nerves offered words of support. Then, one by one, those hesitant smiles turned into confident grins as clay targets broke in the sky and fears gave way to excitement. Those moments are exactly what JAKES Days are all about.
On Aug. 1, kicking off National Shooting Sports Month, the National Wild Turkey Federation's Gem State Chapter welcomed youth ages 7 to 16 to the Pleasant Valley Gun Club in Kuna, Idaho, for its annual JAKES Day. While the event introduced participants to activities like clay target shooting, rimfire shooting, archery, fly casting and outdoor survival skills, the real takeaway extended far beyond learning a new skill. It was about helping young people discover confidence, curiosity and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.
"Our hope is that every kid leaves today excited to keep learning one of these outdoor skills," said Tate Namle, NWTF Gem State Chapter president. "Our JAKES Day gives them a chance to try something they may have never considered before, and it's amazing to watch their confidence grow throughout the day. Looking around, I don't think I've seen a single kid without a smile on their face, and that's really what it's all about."
Throughout the day, participants rotated through five hands-on activity stations before returning to whichever activity sparked their interest most. For many, that meant another trip to the archery range or another round of rimfire shooting, two of the day's most popular stations.
Every station offered something different. Some challenged accuracy. Others taught patience or problem-solving. Together, they introduced participants to outdoor traditions that many had never experienced before. Just as importantly, they introduced kids to one another.
Whether waiting for their turn on the range, celebrating a well-placed arrow or laughing over a missed cast with a fly rod, participants spent the day surrounded by peers discovering the outdoors together. Shared experiences like these often become the foundation for lasting friendships and lifelong outdoor passions.
"Events like this are incredibly important because they introduce kids to the outdoors and conservation in a fun, hands-on way," said Jacob Oomens, NWTF regional director for Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. “They have the chance to safely learn skills like shooting sports from experienced instructors in a welcoming environment. You never know which activity is going to spark a lifelong passion or inspire the next generation of hunters, anglers and conservationists."
In today's increasingly digital world, opportunities like JAKES Day have never been more important. Young people are growing up in a time when entertainment is often measured in screen time rather than time spent outside. While technology certainly has its place, nothing can replace the confidence built from mastering a new challenge, the excitement of learning a hands-on skill or the memories made during a day spent outdoors.
Programs like JAKES help bridge that gap by giving youth a chance to unplug and experience the outdoors in a welcoming, supportive environment. For many families, it also provides a low-pressure opportunity to try activities that may otherwise feel inaccessible or intimidating.
The success of the Gem State Chapter's JAKES Day was made possible through the dedication of volunteers, conservation partners and local organizations committed to investing in the next generation. The Idaho Hunter's Education Association assisted with the clay target shooting and rimfire shooting stations, while the Idaho Department of Fish and Game supplied firearms, ammunition and targets. The Nampa Bow Chiefs provided Genesis bows, 3D targets and experienced instruction at the archery station.
Support from sponsors, including Legacy Arms, Vortex Optics and Falls Brand, helped make the day even more memorable. At the conclusion of the event, every participant left with a goodie bag, a JAKES membership, new outdoor skills and memories to take home. One fortunate young attendee also received a brand-new shotgun donated by Legacy Arms.
For the NWTF, investing in the next generation means more than teaching safe shooting or introducing youth to outdoor recreation. It means creating opportunities for children to build confidence, develop lifelong skills, form meaningful friendships, and become tomorrow's hunters, anglers, conservationists and outdoor advocates. Because sometimes all it takes is one successful shot, one perfect cast or one encouraging mentor to spark a passion that lasts a lifetime.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.