Once youngsters know it’s time for summer vacation and a break from school, parents have  prepared for that annual transition from predictable schedules to whatever the outdoors has to offer. Helping smooth out this “exciting” time for youth and their families is the annual JAKES weekend sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Southern Maryland Chapter. The NWTF Juniors Achieving Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship (JAKES) Program provides a unique and fun-filled mixture of learning and outdoor adventure for youth 17 and under. Those attending these free events are accompanied by at least one parent or adult guardian. In some cases, where facilities and funding allows, entire families attend JAKES events together. The 2004 Southern Maryland JAKES event was another success and included some families where all siblings attended and both mom and dad were with their children. Having fun together in the outdoors is one of the most rewarding experiences a family can enjoy.

      The NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter was again provided the use of the Izaak Walton League’s (IWLA) Outdoor Education Center and Farm Property, a few miles from Waldorf, Maryland. Those who chose to arrive on the evening of Friday, June 25, enjoyed camping out, nature walks and games with the other children in attendance. Volunteer NWTF cooks were again led by the skilled culinary efforts of Charlie Gardiner and Doug Hancock, and provided delicious outdoor cooking for the evening meal. Wildlife and songbirds abound on the IWLA Southern Maryland property and include deer that come out to graze in wildlife food plots. Before dark, many of the children in attendance enjoyed watching deer and other wildlife that evening. 

      Saturday morning, June 26, began with a delicious breakfast followed by a day of activities which kept all happily busy and a part of the outdoors. By the second day of the Southern Maryland JAKES weekend, there were over 100 people in attendance including 41 youth who enjoyed several different events. There was a choice of attending a firearms safety talk by “P.G. Rod & Gun”, followed by their .22 rifle range, where youngsters had the opportunity to enjoy some target shooting. Also available again this year was the muzzleloader (black powder) rifle range where they had the opportunity to enjoy some “smokepole” shooting. The kids and their adult companions enjoyed a  stream ecology walk. On this, they learned and visually experienced local Southern Maryland environmental issues, critical to local habitats and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

      Fishing in the IWLA Southern Maryland Chapter pond was enjoyed by all, especially our children, Brittany and Travis. An exciting “Scales & Tales” presentation by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) included live wild owls, snakes and even a turkey buzzard, who had been rescued for rehabilitation. The 2004 Southern Maryland JAKES weekend also included an exciting display of wild game from Edelen’s Taxidermy of Faulkner. Their work shows the success of hunters and also includes wildlife displays. Outdoor events like the Southern Maryland JAKES event benefit from their displays as a learning tool for those interested in wildlife. Edelen’s can be reached at (301) 934-5497 or (240) 299-9564. The “Utah Archery Club” provided instruction and target practice opportunities which were enjoyed by all. Prizes were provided to all the youth in attendance, with special recognition for those who did exceptionally well at the voluntary questions and answer sessions, .22 and muzzleloader target shooting, archery and fishing.

      The list of volunteers who helped make the 2004 Southern Maryland JAKES event included, Dennis Hammett, Ron Gilroy, Jim Bennett, Joe Scbosky, David Gates, Decatur Beacham, Terry Prajsner, Erica Conner, Ken Thompson, Jim Bush, Dan Eversburg, Charles Garner, Doug and Mary Hancock, Ginger Worsley, Danny Estevez, Tim Groves, Luke Lyon, Lynn Saunders, Chelly and Steve Scala, Bobby and Susan Boarman. Groups that helped included Maryland DNR Fisheries, Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Division, PG Fish and Game, the IWLA Southern Maryland Chapter and the Utah Archery Club. The NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter has lots to offer those with an interest in conservation and the outdoors. For information on how to join or find out about their other activities, call Bobby or Susan Boarman at (301) 259-2830. 

      The Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show sponsored by the Virginia Deer Hunters Association (VDHA) holds their 21st annual event this month. As in previous years, the event takes place at “The Showplace”, which is located at 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike, on the outskirts of Richmond city. This year’s dates are Friday August 13 from 4 to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, August 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit the VDHA website at www.sportsmanshow.com or visit the August, 2004 “Tidewater & Timber” http://www.chesapeakestyle.com/tidewater/aug04.html

© 2004 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved