Sunday, June 16, 2002
Trying to capture the attention of the young is a tough task in a world with so many competing interests -- video games, sports and computers to name a few.
Area outdoors clubs have been doing their best in the face of mounting odds to grab youthful minds and bodies through activities and special events. It is an effort that is necessary if there is to be a future for outdoors activities such as hunting and fishing.
Saturday, another group offered a well-attended and executed event that touched upon participation, safety, fun and family togetherness.
The NRA Youthfest, sponsored by the Mahoning County Federation of Sportsmens Clubs, was held for the first time and attracted 95 area youths for a day outdoors.
Soggy day
On a soggy day at the Lowellville Rod & amp; Gun Club in Lowellville, nearly 100 children and their parents got a good dose of what the outdoors world is all about.
"People come here because they care about hunting and fishing in Ohio," said Reno Reda, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.
Reda, the DOW's wildlife officer in Geauga County, added: "Hats off to the parents who brought their kids here today. If we don't care about hunting and fishing in Ohio, then there won't be any."
Those who attended the event were able to get a sample of a number of outdoor activities, from muzzleloader shooting to archery, canoeing and fishing.
"I thought it would be good exposure for my children," said Elaine Baird of Salem. "It was great for something to do together."
A friend, Dawn Fender, agreed, adding: "My son is going to take a hunter education course, and it's very important to learn safety."
Thomas Phillips, 8, of Austintown, was impressed after his crack at muzzleloader shooting. "That was awesome," he said.
Safety lessons
His dad, Andy, said he brought his son there to instill safety lessons.
"I wanted him to know gun safety and to respect weapons," he said. "That's a good thing to know in today's society."
Phillips said he's taken his son to similar club events such as one held annually at the Salem Hunt Club.
Dean Suchora brought his four sons, Keith, Tristan, Brandon and Cameron. "You can't get enough practice," he said. Suchora said he would continue a tradition of hunting in his family, adding, "We have three generations that hunt together."
Jennifer Williams, 15, of North Lima, thought the event was pretty cool. "I like target shooting," she said. The Ursuline High School student recently got involved with a shooting club offered by the Mill Creek Mighty Mites 4H Club.
Jim Denny, one of the event's organizers, said events such as this were important for area youths.
"It's a healthy activity to do with your parents. It beats sitting at home playing video games," he said.
Also contributing to the event was the local chapter of Whitetails Unlimited and the Ohio Division of Watercraft
braun@vindy.com