When you have three super organizations coming together to sponsor an event, you know it’s going to be great. For the second consecutive year, the Southern Maryland Chapters of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) joined together with Maryland’s DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service in providing another fun filled (Juniors Achieving Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) JAKES weekend. This effort has been on the NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter agenda for many years. 

     However, this year’s event provided something extra as it offered an optional Friday night camp out. The event was held at the Izaak Walton Farm Property in Northern Charles County. All JAKES events are offered for youth 17 and under with their adult companions. This event was free and included all equipment, food and beverages for the weekend, unless you were camping and brought your own tent and sleeping bag. The NWTF’s JAKES program again enjoyed an incredible success in the Southern Maryland Region with 56 youth attending and more than 140 total people in attendance, when counting the adults and parents who joined in the outdoors weekend. There were also 23 youth and their families who enjoyed the Friday night camp out at the IWLA property.

     The IWLA Southern Maryland Chapter provided a prime location for the event as it has some of the best wildlife habitat in the Region. The IWLA Farm property is home to many species of wildlife, birds of both game and non-game species. Their habitat includes the Northern most reaches of the Zekiah Swamp which is a watershed well worth protecting. The youth and families at the June 21-22, 2002 JAKES weekend were treated to a view and tour of this protected land and enjoyed the efforts which the IWLA has put forth within their property.

     The event began Friday evening with check-in and camp set-up. All were treated to a fabulous dinner cooked on camp stoves by Charlie Gardiner and Doug Hancock. While dinner was being prepared, the youth enjoyed games and a chance to introduce themselves. After dinner the group was treated to a session on predator night calls by Denny Hammett, a DNR Wildlife & Heritage Manager. DNR Wildlife & Heritage WMA Southern Maryland Region Manager, Danny Estivez took the group on an exciting boardwalk tour of the Zekiah Swamp area within the farm property. We all had the opportunity to experience and appreciate the sounds of a rural atmosphere. Of course, a camp out wouldn’t be the same without roasting marshmallows and bananas. Everyone enjoyed roasting marshmallows and bananas around the campfire.

     Saturday, the group was awakened by the smell of a hearty breakfast, again prepared by the famous chefs and NWTF members Charlie Gardiner and Doug Hancock. There’s nothing like starting the day with a big delicious breakfast. Then the group enjoyed sessions on turkey calling, fishing, archery, a habitat hay ride, shotgun, .22 rifles and muzzleloaders, a cannon net demonstration, watermelon seed spitting contest and a delicious lunch.

     Saturday afternoon, a prize presentation was held inside the beautiful IWLA meeting hall. NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter President, Bobby Boarman noted that the dedicated efforts and time expended by NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter members, staff from the DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service and the DAR’s Fisheries Staff have continued to provide this special annual outdoor weekend for youth and their families. The added support of the IWLA Southern Maryland Chapter and other conservation minded groups and individuals have made these get togethers that much more successful. Boarman reminded us that, “These kids are our future.” 
This is a great way to spend some quality time with your kids. For information on how you and your family can join the Southern Maryland Chapter of the NWTF, call Bobby Boarman at (301) 259-2830 or Lynne Saunders at (301) 274-0004. Those who are interested in joining the ILA’s Southern Maryland Chapter can call and leave messages at (301) 932-9949 or “email them at jwlasomd@acninc.net.

© 2002 Steve and Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved