Kids and Teens

Kids Art and the archery range for kids are popular events. Here are pictures of the Kids Art Competition and also kids events and Kids At the Show. 

One of the cool things about this event is that you see a lot of young kids and teens as well as families. The NWTF does a commendable job of introducing conservation, wildlife and hunting to young people and it is obvious at this sport show. There is a Kids Art competition (by age), an archery shooting range, and a trick shooting exhibition by young Randy Oitker.

The NWTF helps States and Special Interest Groups by giving them much needed moneys for conservation efforts. Since 1999 NWTF has donated over a million dollars to support the 4H Shooting Sports program in schools. John “Johnny K” Kvasnicka, director of the National 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation, stated recently:

“The NWTF is one of our strongest donors and a leader in working to educate and recruit young hunters and shooters. Their commitment to 4-H Shooting Sports is not only appreciated, but critical to our success. We are very grateful for the support of the NWTF, and I look forward to working with them for years to come.”

While attending 4-H Shooting events, youth learn marksmanship, the principles of hunting and archery, the safe and responsible use of firearms and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics.

Of note to bowhunters and archers, a NWTF check for $100,000 was presented to the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) at a recent Archery Trade Association's trade show to help the program expand throughout the U.S. Rob Keck, NWTF CEO presented the check with the following statement.

"This is a chance to help launch a program that introduces students to archery, The NWTF is pleased to put this money toward a growing program that will have a positive impact on students and teachers."

One more way the NWTF's has touched youth is with its own youth program named JAKES, (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship). It is an outreach program for youths 17-years-old and younger. (Web Site www.nwtf.org/jakes.)

With the growing number of turkey hunters, the JAKES program also is designed to help pass on the traditions of hunting with ethics and safety. Increasing numbers of young people are learning to hunt without the benefits of an older mentor. To help address this situation, the NWTF has strengthened its commitment to the JAKES program.

More than 400 local JAKES events are held each year across North America to introduce more than 160,000 children to the great outdoors, archery, camping, hunting and safety as well as the conservation of natural resources.