The 12th annual Luther Marsh Youth Outdoors Day will be held Sept. 14.
Students are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as space is limited to 250 students and may register online at www.youthoutdoorsday com by Aug. 31.
“Since its inception 12 years ago, nearly 2,500 youngsters have discovered that learning about the outdoors is fun when the lessons are filled with hands-on opportunities at our unique Youth Outdoor Day,” noted Sharon Grose, Youth Outdoor Day board member.
“The great outdoors has so much to offer kids, but sometimes they need a little nudge to discover it – whether it is fishing, bird watching, camping or simply hiking and enjoying wildlife including the acrobatic osprey,” said Grose,
Youth Outdoors Day was created for youth to introduce them to outdoor activities and gain an appreciation for their natural environment. Event stations are designed to expose youth to a variety of outdoor related topics and activities. Station leaders and volunteers share their expertise and provide coaching throughout the day. Activities will include bird identification,, birdhouse or bird feeder building, supervised target shooting, wetland habitat rehabilitation and fly fishing. There will also be a number of demonstrations such as the use of retriever and pointer hunting dogs, humane trapping techniques, bow hunting, and a falconry demonstration.
“This event was designed to expose kids to the benefits of the great outdoors and help them develop a greater appreciation for the outdoors,” said Grose. “Hopefully the day provided them with some new leisure activities or possible career opportunities.
Urban youngsters don’t often get a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Youth Outdoors Day exposes a lot of kids to the great outdoors and an opportunity to discover so fun activities. Grose says organizers have a number of volunteers who are ready to share their passions – from hunting to fishing to bird banding and wood carving .”
The instructors bring their skills and provide the equipment and assorted gear so that young people can see and feel what it’s like to handle a bow and arrow, build a bird house or feeder. Many of the kids have never done anything like it before.
“It is thanks to our volunteers who are passionate about their careers and hobbies and come forth to volunteer to share their knowledge that the day is such a huge success! Last year we had 36 station leaders and over 70 volunteers assisting with the day, helping to set up the tents, prepare the sites, meal preparation and volunteer to assist with the groups of students as they tour the various stations.
“Even though it’s billed as a youth event, parents are encouraged to attend and participate along side their child, and it is great to see families engaging in the outdoors and discovering a variety of activities they can participate in as a family,” said Grose.
“As a parent, turned volunteer, I have experienced first hand the benefit of such a day. I attended the first event with my oldest son. I was amazed at the enthusiasm and passionate volunteers who were ready and willing to share their skills and it really was a great way to engage youth in outdoor activities – it’s a great place for kids to learn about conservation. We’ve seen reptile displays, dog training, archery – a lot of activities that you would not find anywhere else. My son, Nick, has taken up hunting and fishing and now is one of the volunteers for the event. My other children look forward to volunteering and attending as well.”
The day’s activities include:
– butterflies – learn about the types, butterfly banding;
– archery – participants have an opportunity to try shooting at targets with various types of bows;
– bird house building – build a wood duck box or owl box that provides essential nesting locations for these species. Participants can donate the completed box to be placed for increased nesting opportunities or can take it home with them;
– camping -what tools are needed for camping? Visit this station and find out some of the tricks used by experienced campers;
– falconry – a chance to get close to these skilled birds and watch a live demonstration;
– fish ID and casting – try your hand at casting and identify local fish species;
– fly fishing – learn the skill of fly tying and casting a fly-rod;
– Nature’s Corner – skilled craftsmen demonstrate their trades – examine the details of wood carver.
– pointer and retriever dogs – learn about these useful hunting companions and watch them demonstrate their skills;
– target shooting – test your skill at target shooting;
– wildflowers – identify and learn some of their uses;
– butterflies- learn about the types, butterfly banding;
– wetland discovery – learn about fish habitat and aquatic species.
“We want to provide a fun, yet educational day for kids aged 9-16 years old, where they can come and safely enjoy a wide variety of hands on hunting, fishing, and outdoor-related activities,” Grose said. “Our goal is simple, we want today’s youth to be exposed to outdoor adventures and activities, to learn what opportunities are out there so they can enjoy the great outdoors. We plant a seed, and then hopefully the students will become interested and possibly become future environmental stewards. We all know that students focus on video games and computers, it is just part of today modern society, but we want the students to know there are other options. Youth Outdoor Day showcases some of the wonderful and exciting outdoor activities that are available.”
The day is made possible through the support of sponsors, donors and participating businesses and organizations.
Participation is limited to the first 250 youths registered. All youths must be accompanied by an adult and must register in advance by Aug. 31. Youth Outdoor Day will be held rain or shine so participants are advised to dress appropriately.
