WILD TURKEY FEDERATION STATE YOUTH CAMP SEPT. 17-18

Kids learn archery, shotgun shooting, crafts, much more; registration deadline Sept. 5
EMPORIA — The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will hold its 2011 NWTF Kansas State JAKES Camp for youth on Sept. 17-18 at Camp Alexander, near Emporia. This camp will run all day Saturday and end about 2 p.m. Sunday. Participants may choose to tent camp Saturday night (tents not provided) or commute both days.

Saturday’s activities involve archery, fishing, canoeing, air rifles, live shotgun fire, nature hikes, turkey calling, 3-D laser shoot, arts and crafts, primitive living, firearm handling and safety, small game animals, and sporting dogs. The day will consist of several rotating stations, giving each youth the opportunity to pick six — three in the morning and three in the afternoon — with each station lasting approximately 45 to 50 minutes.

Saturday evening, the NWTF State JAKES and Xtreme JAKES Turkey Calling Contest will be held, and adults may participate in a silent auction. After a campfire, night hikes will wrap up the day’s activities.

Sunday’s activities include presentations by the Kansas Fur Harvesters Association, a NWTF turkey biologist, and the David Taylor Zoo from Emporia on animals of Kansas, followed by JAKES certificate presentations and door prizes. The new “JAKES Take Aim” Daisy shooting trailer will also be available both days.

Youth 17 and younger are invited to participate, and adults are encouraged to accompany youth. Meals will be provided both days, and each youth attending will receive a camp T-shirt. Cost for the camp for current NWTF JAKES members is $20. For non-JAKES, the cost is $30, which includes a JAKES membership. The adult fee is $20.

The registration deadline for the camp is Sept. 5, and it will be held regardless of weather. For a registration form or more information, contact Gib Rhodes at 620-437-2012 or emailgib@madtel.net or blewellen@sutv.com.