Rain Can’t Stop the Flock: NWTF Kentucky JAKES Day Inspires Youth
Severe weather was threatening to cancel the NWTF Double Eagle Chapter’s 27th annual JAKES Day, but with fingers crossed and volunteers’ hopes and prayers, the storm went around the Charles Brooking Park in Georgetown, Kentucky, allowing the chapter to welcome over 250 youth attendees, 180 adults and over 70 volunteers and vendors to the event. This event was made possible through L.L. Bean Grant Funding and donations from Vortex.
“We had beautiful blue skies, a gentle breeze, and it was a perfect day for a JAKES Day,” said Sharon Vance, Double Eagle Chapter JAKES coordinator. “
Registration kicked off at 8 a.m., where all youth attendees received a giftbag from the NWTF Double Eagle Chapter, and free fishing poles that were donated by the Georgetown Kiwanis Club. Once registered, attendees were able to wander through more than 30 different activities, demonstrations, and exhibits.
For the first time, this year’s event featured a “range day” opportunity for anyone who was looking to acquire their hunter education certification through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. This was a draw for those looking to meet their requirement, and more than 30 attendees completed their range day certification.
Knowing that the NWTF’s JAKES program is about more than shooting, the Double Eagle Chapter’s JAKES Day offered attendees a wide range of ways to connect with the outdoors. Kids could try archery, shoot air rifles and fish in a lake fully stocked by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. But the event also featured local community and conservation organizations offering hands-on activities and educational booths.
The Falconry Association of Kentucky brought birds of prey, the United Trappers of Kentucky had furs and pelts, and a local flyfisherman demonstrated fly-tying and gave young attendees flyties of their own.
The Clay County and Scott County Soil and Water Conservation Districts had a soil tunnel and watershed display and activity, and Master Gardeners and local beekeepers attended to educate attendees about native wildflowers and pollinators.
The Bluegrass Ladies Sporting Club and Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry were two hunting organizations at the event showcasing the many ways hunters can connect with and give back to their communities. The Bluegrass Ladies Sporting Club creates a welcoming space for new hunters to explore the outdoors, while Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry demonstrates how hunters can help feed those in need by donating game meat. Introducing young hunters and outdoorsmen and women to these organizations shows them that being part of the outdoor community is about more than time spent in the field.
In past years, the chapter has partnered with wildlife photographers, the Kentucky Houndsman Association, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Ducks Unlimited for their JAKES Day.
“Events like this are important because my chapter, which is 30 years old this year, is one of the few chapters left in Kentucky,” Vance said. “Kids, a lot of times, don't have the opportunity to get outside. Whether it's hiking or camping or hunting or fishing, they don't have an adult to help them. That's why we need NWTF volunteers to help show them and assist them. It's just wonderful to get the youth involved and open up the world of the outdoors to them.”
Vance also thinks that introducing young adults to the different working professionals who attend this event may inspire them to pursue a career in wildlife conservation, shooting sports or related fields. In the future, she hopes to offer a few more stations for younger attendees who may not be old enough to try shooting or fishing yet.
When the stations closed at noon, a free lunch was provided by NWTF volunteers. While everyone ate, door prizes were given away. Prizes included binoculars, camping and hiking gear, and other items for both kids and adults that were donated from local businesses and community members.
After lunch, the JAKES Day concluded with a Youth Turkey Calling Contest.
“We had three different age groups, and a lot of participants had never used to turkey call before,” Vance said. “We had one of our chapter members show them how to use the turkey calls, so that they could join the calling contest in the afternoon. It’s just fun for them to put what they’ve learned to practice in the contest.”
Over the last 27 years, the Double Eagle Chapter JAKES Day has grown tremendously, and it wouldn’t be possible without over 100 volunteers who donate their time and efforts to help get the next generation involved in the outdoors, ensuring our nation’s hunting heritage is passed on. The chapter would like to thank the League of Kentucky Sportsmen's, Georgetown Kiwanis Club and other local and corporate sponsors that provided support and financial donations that made this event possible for so many kids from the community.