|
|
NWTF Convention: Something for Everyone
Media Services, Abby-USA
Walnut, MS
ATLANTA — The National Wild Turkey Federation's 32nd annual Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 21 to Feb. 24, isn't just for big boys. In fact, you don't have to be a boy at all. This year's convention will feature events for everyone who loves the outdoors including men, women, youth and people with disabilities.
With three outreach programs - JAKES/Xtreme JAKES for youth, Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin' Sportsmen for people with disabilities - the NWTF is bringing the outdoors to everyone. All total, the three programs organized more than 1,400 outdoor events nationwide in 2007, and all three will have activities taking place during this year's convention at the Georgia World Congress Center.
JAKES and Xtreme JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge Ethics and Sportsmanship)
JAKES Junction, a section of the exhibit hall full of hands-on conservation and wildlife displays and activities, also offers opportunities to participate in outdoor programs and classes such as turkey calling and a variety of outdoor topics as well as airgun and archery at the range.
"The NWTF's youth outreach programs allow kids and teenagers to try new things by engaging them in all kinds of outdoor activities, sports and seminars," says Christine Rolka, NWTF education supervisor. "We're always eager to showcase what JAKES has to offer at the Convention because the response from everyone - from youth participants to their parents - is outstanding."
Getting young people involved in outdoor activities is not only good for conservation and an awareness of wildlife, it's also good for their health. That goes for adults, too. According to research provided by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Americans who participate in at least one outdoor activity on a regular basis reap mental and physical health benefits.
JAKES is designed for youth ages 12 and younger, while Xtreme JAKES was developed in 2005 for teens ages 13 to 17.
Thursday (Feb. 21) - For younger outdoor enthusiasts, Thursday, Feb. 21 from 9:30 a.m. until noon, JAKES will feature a free event, "A Day with the Wild Turkey." The event will feature:
A lesson on the differences between domesticated and wild animals
Award-winning turkey callers and various critter callers
A "Birds of a Feather" Raptor presentation
An appearance by Smokey Bear
Youth attending the NWTF's national convention will have the chance to participate in fun hands-on activities like face painting and turkey call making, and soak up conservation knowledge and hunting tips and tactics along with other outdoor know-how, by visiting the following events in the JAKES Junction:
Friday (Feb. 22) - 5 p.m., The Scoop on Poop seminar with Stephanie Drennan, which invites youth attendees to become nature detectives.
Saturday (Feb. 24) - 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., fly fishing seminar with the NWTF's Conservation Educator of the Year, Timothy Beumont.
Sunday, (Feb. 24) - 2 p.m., The Scoop on Poop seminar with Stephanie Drennan, which invites youth attendees to become nature detectives.
For more information on the NWTF's Youth programs visit the JAKES and Xtreme JAKES Web sites.
Women in the Outdoors
The Women in the Outdoors program is about learning new skills, meeting new people and spending time with family and friends. At events throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, women receive expert instruction and chances to try outdoor activities.
Thanks to the NWTF and its partners, women have discovered that camping, hiking, fishing, kayaking, shooting, boating and bird watching are fun ways to reconnect with special people in their lives. Participants also learn the importance of wildlife management and the role hunters play in conservation.
With 18 full-time Women in the Outdoors regional coordinators, a quarterly magazine dedicated to women's interests and outdoor learning events throughout North America, the NWTF is making a difference.
Here are some of this year's convention events for the ladies:
Friday (Feb. 22) - 7:10 a.m. to 9 a.m., Women in the Outdoors awards presentation during the annual Federal Breakfast. Registration is required. 10:30 a.m. to noon, Ladies in Leadership meeting, which is open to all current event coordinators and those considering hosting a Women in the Outdoors event. Foxy Huntress will provide dessert for this event.
Saturday (Feb. 23) - 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ladies' Luncheon/ Auction. Let your hair down for an afternoon of food, fellowship and bidding on jewelry, hunting trips and fine furs. Pre-registration is required.
For more information on the NWTF's women's program visit Women in the Outdoors.
Wheelin' Sportsmen
NWTF's Wheelin' Sportsmen program was started in 1996 to reconnect people with disabilities with the outdoors. More than a decade later, the organization has grown and hosts more than 375 events annually across the country.
"This program has shown tremendous growth, which is very exciting," says Illana Burkhart, assistant national coordinator for Wheelin' Sportsmen. "Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and corporate partners, we have been able to offer incredible opportunities to our members, and look forward to creating additional opportunities for people with disabilities in the future."
The NWTF's celebration of the great outdoors at the Georgia World Congress Center will feature seminars on turkey calling strategies, making turkey calls, planning turkey hunting trips and planting turkey habitat. There will be plenty of attractions and events designed with sportsmen with disabilities in mind including:
Friday (Feb. 22) - 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., How to Fund Your Chapter's Wheelin' Sportsmen Event seminar with Wheelin' Sportsmen Assistant National Coordinator, Illana Burkhart.
Saturday (Feb. 23) - 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., Building a Strong Wheelin' Sportsmen Program in Your State seminar with Virginia State Coordinator, Robin Clark.
Sunday (Feb. 24) - 7:10 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., Remington Arms Breakfast. During the breakfast, the top Wheelin' Sportsmen volunteers, members and events will be honored.
For more information visit the NWTF website at www.nwtf.org
Other News:
NWTF Honors Abby
Abby-USA ATV Implements Big Hit at NWTF Convention
|
|
 |
 |
