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Take our word for it

JAKES volunteers talk about what the program means to them and the future of hunting and the outdoors.

“Just knowing we are personally responsible for introducing thousands of kids to the sport that we all love so much is, like what’s said in the credit card commercials, priceless.”
Adam Clark,
Buffalo River Spurs Chapter President, Tennessee

“Our youth are the future hunters and leaders of this country, and they need the proper instruction for enjoying the great outdoors.”
Lynn Worwood,
Salt Creek Gobblers Chapter, Utah

“For the last 10 or so years, every month or two I get stopped in some public place and thanked by the parents of a JAKES member for what the chapter has done for the community. But in the last couple of years, about half of these [comments] have come from young men and women about 20 to 25 years of age, thanking me for what I did for them.”
Bill Eddins,
senior JAKES coordinator, Elk Valley Chapter, Tennessee

“[Our JAKES event] has brought new members to our chapter and made local businesses aware of our chapter and what the NWTF is all about.”
Ken Fernburg,
Central Pennsylvania Limbhangers

You will be able to write a book of memories and quotes and all the stories you have to tell. People hate for me to get started; I go on and on and on.

Cindy Davis, JAKES coordinator Rock Hill Chapter, South Carolina

Checklist for a successful JAKES event

• Register your event with the NWTF, which ensures you are covered under our insurance policy. Plus, we’ll post your event on www.nwtf.org.
• Visit the facility to make sure it can safely accommodate your group.
• Start planning early, no later than two months before the scheduled event.
• Involve local businesses and community volunteers. Ask them to donate supplies, food, etc., and ask them to share their time and expertise.
• Invite kids who might not know about the outdoors. Recruit participants from youth groups, churches or boys and girls clubs.
• Stay legal. Check state/local requirements for fishing or hunting licenses.
• Ask your local media to help publicize the event.
• Take pictures. Send them to your local newspaper and to the NWTF for possible publication.
• Involve state and federal agencies. Your local wildlife agency or U.S. Forest Service branch are usually happy to help.
• Send thank you cards to sponsors, instructors, volunteers and members of the media who attended and/or covered your event.
• After the event, discuss strengths and areas that need improvement with committee members. Use the notes to help your next event run more smoothly.
• Make the event fun!