Re-energized Local NWTF Chapter Hosts Youth Outreach Event
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The NWTF State Fair Strutters Chapter has catalyzed the next generation of chapter volunteers, bringing enthusiasm and new ideas to their mission-impact efforts in Sedalia, Missouri, and the surrounding area. The chapter’s enthusiasm was on full strut during its NWTF JAKES Day event — hosted July 19 — at the Oak Hill Coon Club near Cole Camp, Missouri.
Despite the above-average heat and humidity, 35 young participants and nearly two dozen dedicated volunteers came together to enjoy a day immersed in the outdoors.
The event featured four interactive stations: archery, air rifle, fishing and clay pigeons. Participants also enjoyed educational demonstrations on gun safety, turkey hunting techniques and insect prevention. A highlight of the afternoon was a special water racing demonstration by two coon dogs from the Oak Hill Coon Club — an exciting nod to the region’s working dog traditions.
After a group lunch, each youth participant received a goody bag filled with information on hunting safety, outdoor checklists and more. The success of the event was made possible by the hard work of the NWTF State Fair Strutters chapter leaders, support from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the generosity of volunteers and donors.
“It is great to see our volunteers getting so excited about engaging youth in our outdoor traditions,” said Trevor Day, NWTF regional director. “The chapter’s annual fundraising banquet in April saw overwhelming community support and was a resounding success, and their recent JAKES Day last weekend was no different. I am thrilled to work alongside such passionate folks and am excited to see their mission-impact success continue.”
Looking ahead, the chapter is already planning future events with high hopes of expanding their reach and inspiring more young people to explore the outdoors.
NWTF volunteers across the Show Me state are actively working to inspire the next generation through the life-changing power of the outdoors, including many youth turkey hunts that transpired earlier this spring.
Are you in the Sedalia, Missouri, area and want to get involved? Search for the NWTF State Fair Strutters on Facebook. The chapter welcomes new committee members eager to make a difference.
Established in 1981, the NWTF’s JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youths 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. JAKES events help pass on the traditions of responsible hunting, teach the principles of habitat management, hunting ethics and safety.
For $10 a year, JAKES receive a year subscription to JAKES Country magazine (four issues), a chance to win a hunt of a lifetime and a membership card.
In addition to JAKES Day events, NWTF chapters across the country host various events that engage youth in the outdoors, including mentored hunts for a variety of game species.
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.