Summertime is when families get together and begin the seasonal enjoyment which celebrates time between the school years. While the months of June, July and August are a welcomed relief from “book learnin’ and the formalities of indoor education, the great outdoors can provide the ultimate classroom. Being outside is the reward for youngsters completing the school year and it is only natural to expect them to focus on fun and entertainment. So, when a positive outdoor experience slips in lots of positive learning time all in the name of outdoor fun, it is a welcomed surprise. The National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Juniors Achieving Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship (JAKES) program is one of those unique summertime experiences in our region which couples outdoor fun, learning and quality time with the family. Last month, the NWTF’s Southern Maryland Chapter held a well attended two day event that showed local youth how much the outdoors has to offer.

     Sixty youngsters and their families attended the June 21-22 event which was free of charge and took place at the Izaak Walton League’s Southern Maryland Chapter ”Outdoor Education Center”. The rolling multi-habitat acreage also includes modern indoor facilities near the property entrance, all within a few miles of Waldorf, Maryland. This was not the first collaboration between the NWTF and Izaak Walton League Southern Maryland Chapters as previous year efforts resulted in great successes. Last month’s (JAKES) Program mixed in family fun with outdoor activities and learning focusing on wildlife environments. After an optional family camp out on June 21 complete with evening meal and a night hike along the edge of the Zekiah Swamp, the “overnighter JAKES were joined by a group which totaled over 140 kids and adults for Saturday morning breakfast. Four separate groups of JAKES youth enjoyed turkey calling demonstrations and instruction, fishing, stream ecology, wildlife habitat hayrides, opportunities to shoot shotgun, .22 rifle and muzzleloaders. Prizes were also awarded. 

     The volunteers of the NWTF who donated their time and energy on June 21-22, 2003 to help youth learn about the outdoors deserve recognition, They include, Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries, DNR Staff from Myrtle Grove WMA including Danny Estevez, Dennis Hammett, Ronnie Gilroy and Dan Eversberg, Black Beards’ Hunting & Fishing, Mirant Corporation, Steve Riah, Coca Cola Co. of Laplata Md.- Ronnie Hancock, Aqua Land Marina & Camp Grounds, Lynn & Retigo Saunders. Danny & Gari Mislead, Maurice Scott, Bobby & Susan Boarman, Pearson Seafood, Joe Sobnobsky, Randy Wilkerson and Steve Edelen. The instructors for the JAKES day were David Gates, Greg Johnson, Ken Thompson, Tim Groves, Ross Williams, Tom "Dutch" Kuchen, Terry Prajsner, Erika Conner, Randy Wilkerson and Chelly Scala. Camp chefs for the 2003 Southern Maryland JAKES Day made delicious meals of dinner, breakfast and lunch. The hard working cooks included Charlie Garner, Doug & Mary Hancock, and their daughter Ginger. To find out more about the JAKES Program and other NWTF events in Southern Maryland, call Bobby or Susan Boarman at (301) 259-2830. 

     Among the longstanding supporters of the NWTF and other conservation minded organizations is Danny Estevez. A week after the June 21-22, 2003 JAKES event, Danny retired from his career as a Wildlife Management Biologist. He has given much to Maryland as a dedicated and gifted wildlife biologist and manager within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Division. Danny has routinely given endless hours and shared with many, some of the best natural resource management his 30 plus years experience could provide. We first met him as he drove a tractor plowing up ground for wildlife food plots at The Elms Property in Southeastern St. Marys County. In later years, we would talk to him at public information meetings, requests for information and shared activities including the NWTF JAKES, Quail Unlimited “Covey Kids” and managed youth hunts for deer. Danny is known for taking the lead in providing maximum effort on behalf of youth and outdoor activities. If you see Danny Estevez thank him for the dedicated, long hours he has put into Maryland wildlife management. His efforts and accomplishments will be realized for many years. DNR has some big shoes to fill and a vital torch to pass, as Danny Estevez enters retirement. 

© 2003 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved

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