The great outdoors has lots to offer this month including the annual JAKES event put on by the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Southern Maryland Chapter. All are invited to attend this free, day of fun and learning which takes place on Saturday, June 26, 2004. An optional overnight camp out takes place Friday evening, on June 25. All activities take place at the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) Southern Maryland Chapter home and “Outdoor Education Center”. The NWTF Juniors Achieving Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship (JAKES) is a membership-wide effort that provides youth up to the age of 17 the cost free opportunity to learn and enjoy outdoor activities. Many different events will be available on June 26 which provide fun and education. Attending the June 26 JAKES day and/or the optional June 25 camp out is free of charge. Equipment, supplies, food, and drink are provided. Those attending the Friday night camp out must bring their own tent, bedding and related gear. All youth attending must be accompanied by an adult.

     The optional Friday evening camp out begins with registration at 6-6:30 p.m. Chefs will prepare delicious food at the campfire prior to an exciting night hike in the Jordan and Zekiah swamps Those who camp out Friday evening will also enjoy a morning breakfast. Events on Saturday get underway with registration from 8:00-8:15 a.m. The day’s events begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue through 3:00 p.m., with scheduled breaks for lunch. All food and beverages are provided for those attending the JAKES day on either Friday evening, June 25 and/or Saturday, June 26. There are several activities for youngsters up to age 17 to enjoy and the IWLA Southern Maryland’s “Outdoor Education Center” Property is one of the best ways to experience this. The location for the June 25 & 26 JAKEs day is just a short drive from Waldorf, a few miles from the intersection of Mattawoman-Beantown and Popular Hill Roads, on the IWLA property, at the end of Gardiner Road. Directions are available via the IWLA Southern Maryland Chapter website at; http://www.iwlasomd.org/iwlamap.htm

     All youth attending either the Friday evening or Saturday JAKES events must be registered before or by June 18, by providing the following information: Name, Address, Contact Phone Number, Age, Confirmation as to whether they are attending the NWTF-JAKES overnight camp out on Friday, June 25 and/or the Saturday events on June 26. Mail the information to; Myrtle Grove WMA, 5625 Myrtle Grove Road, LaPlata, Maryland, 20646. This can also be “faxed” to Myrtle Grove via (301) 743-7317. Myrtle Grove WMA can be reached by phone at (301) 743-5161.

     On Sunday, June 6, 2004, the Southern Maryland Chapter of the (IWLA) invites all to enjoy a day in the outdoors by attending a free Youth Fishing Derby. The fun takes place at their beautiful “Outdoor Education Center” and fishing pond. Activities start 9:00 a.m. at the Southern Maryland Chapter home, located at the end of Gardiner Road, in Waldorf, Maryland. Youngsters are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear if they have it, but some tackle will be onsite to loan. Bait will be available. Those over the age of 16 must have a fishing license. All who participate will be provided a certificate and trophies will be awarded to young anglers for the most fish, biggest fish and smallest fish. Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the June 6 fishing day. Call to register at, (301) 932-9949. Registration can also be done via “E” mail to president@iwlasomd.org.

© 2004 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved