Introducing the Next Generation to the Outdoors: San Diego NWTF Hosts 2025 JAKES Day at the Range

Held at the Escondido Fish and Game Association, the event welcomed 72 youth participants from across the San Diego area for a hands-on experience designed to ignite a passion for the natural world in the next generation.  

“Local kids from the community attend this JAKES Day, all the way from the mountain to the inner-city kids, which is really a blessing,” said Adam Bileckj, NWTF Sand Diego Chapter president. “We like seeing kids that maybe haven’t grown up in the outdoors or haven’t held firearms. We hope each year to have around 100 kids and take them through seven different stations.” 

Sebastian Garcia, NWTF regional director for California, grew up attending JAKES events and understands firsthand how powerful these experiences can be. 

“This event reminds me of JAKES events when I was a kid,” Garcia said. “I shot my first gun ever at a JAKES event when I was 8 years old, and the entire event changed my life. Some of the youth participants that attend this event may have never fired a gun in their entire lives, so it's good they are learning how to handle firearms safely at an early age. And if shooting isn't your thing, we have other activities to appeal to all interests. It's remarkable how far the NWTF mission reaches across the country. Even in the land known for its surfing and golden beaches, there are dedicated volunteers spreading the mission of the NWTF. We have a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors!” 

Throughout the day, participants rotated through the educational stations, including archery, BB gun target shooting, tomahawk throwing, shotgun and .22 rifle shooting, black powder rifle demonstrations and a turkey biology lesson. Each activity was led by trained volunteers, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment where kids could learn by doing.  

“At the turkey biology station, they get to hear the calls and learn more about the species, which we find to be really helpful," Bileckj said. "The more that you learn about them, the more you realize how remarkable they are and how they have overcome many obstacles to survive.” 

More than a day of shooting sports and outdoor fun, JAKES Day at the Range is part of NWTF’s broader mission to preserve America’s hunting heritage through youth engagement, education and conservation advocacy. Investing in our youth — who are our future — is the key. Steve Turigliatto, NWTF San Diego JAKES chairman, knows this firsthand. Fourteen years ago, the chapter considered dropping the JAKES event. Not wanting to see it end, he stepped up to lead the program — and he’s been running it ever since. 

“This event has run for about 18 years now,” Turigliatto said. “If other chapters are looking to start a JAKES event, the biggest thing you need is a place to shoot. The rest will fall into place with good volunteers and passion for the mission.” 

Since its founding in 1981, the NWTF’s JAKES program — which stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship — has helped youth ages 17 and under learn the basics of responsible hunting, habitat conservation and ethical outdoor recreation. Events like JAKES Day at the Range are essential to passing on these values, ensuring that the time-honored traditions of hunting and conservation continue to thrive. 

Learn how you can get involved as a volunteer with the NWTF, or look for an upcoming JAKES event in your area.   

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 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.