Important JAKES Dates
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Mandy Harling JAKES Coordinator |
JAKES events make a real difference
Author Richard Louv coined the term “nature deficit disorder” in his book Last Child in the Woods to describe what happens to young people who’ve become disconnected from the natural world. Louv links the lack of time spent in the outdoors to a rise in childhood obesity, attention disorders and depression in youth.
Since 1981, the NWTF has been part of the solution with its JAKES program. Through fun, hands-on events, Federation chapter volunteers across the United States and Canada share their love of the outdoors and hunting with youth in their communities.
We’ve held thousands of events over the years. What’s even better is there are hundreds of NWTF chapters that haven’t hosted events yet. That’s good news? Sure, because we still have a lot of room to grow and more chances to make a difference.
The JAKES program plays an important role in the overall health of the NWTF — and the outdoors as a whole. Want more people to hear about the wonderful things your chapter is doing for wildlife? Want to recruit additional support for your banquet? Want to make sure there are future hunters and conservationists to help pass on our hunting heritage? Host an event for kids.
My dad always said, “nothing worth doing is ever easy,” and that holds true for JAKES events. A successful event requires time and effort, but the payoff is immeasurable. On several occasions young adults have told me their love for the outdoors and hunting began at a JAKES event. Hosting a JAKES event is one of the most worthwhile adventures you’ll ever embark on.
JAKES events can take many forms, including a traditional day where youth rotate through various learning stations. Other ideas to consider are family fun days (which are more like an outdoors-themed carnival), hunter apprentice schools or youth hunts, or a stewardship project like planting trees. Pick one that best suits your chapter, or be creative and try something new. The possibilities are endless!
Not sure where to begin? The next few pages contain resources to get you started. And know regional directors and the staff at NWTF headquarters are here to help.
Do your part to preserve our hunting traditions and get youth off the couch and into the outdoors. — Mandy Harling