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Youth program brings outdoor sports to hundreds (10/10/2003) Nearly 1,000 Boy Scouts and their families were introduced to a multitude of outdoor activities during the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation's Trailblazer Adventure Day held last Saturday at the Indian Mound Scout Reservation near Milwaukee. The day's events included air rifle shooting, archery, bear hunting and bowhunting education, fishing activities and trapping education. Attendees wishing to take the next step in an outdoor experience were able to sign up for the year-long Trailmaster mentoring program. Activities were designed to be hands-on, including a treestand demonstration by the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association. The Scouts learned treestand safety and bow hunting techniques. All participants were invited to sign up for the Trailmaster Program to continue to learn about the enjoyment of an outdoor lifestyle under the guidance of seasoned sportsmen mentors. Those who complete the year-long mentoring program will be recognized at the 2004 Trailblazer Adventure Day. Boy Scout leaders and event volunteers were pleased with the Trailblazer Adventure Program. "We had a great time at the Trailblazer Event. It was just fantastic," said Steve Clintons, Cub Master for Pack #531. "The boys had fun learning about bear trapping and archery. The volunteers at the different stations were great. The BB gun range, the trappers and the turkey set up were all fantastic." "We had a wonderful experience," said Karen Siewert, administrative secretary for the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association. "Overall, the children were enthusiastic and loved the experience with the bow and arrow. We were glad we were there." Many conservation groups worked in partnership with the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation, Boy Scouts and the Wisconsin DNR to make the Trailblazer Adventure Program a success. The National Wild Turkey Federation, Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Wisconsin Bowhunters Association and Wisconsin Trappers Association demonstrated their commitment to conservation and ensuring America's hunting heritage through their involvement in the program. "We were very excited about the success of the inaugural venture in Wisconsin where hundreds of youth and families were introduced to the excitement of an outdoor lifestyle," said Frank Price, education director for the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation. "A special thanks to the volunteers for all of their hard work. It made for a unique experience that guarantees an increased interest in outdoor activities and sports." Corporate sponsors included businesses such as Beretta USA Corp.; Bushnell Performance Optics; Cabela's, Inc.; Cannon Safe, Inc.; Cap America, Inc.; Charles Daly; Classic Accessories; Hunter's Specialties; KA-BAR Knives/Cutco Cutlery; Licensed Specialty Products; Michaels of Oregon Co.; Winchester Ammunition and Venom Manufacturing. The Trailblazer Adventure Program was developed by the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation and is endorsed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation's STEP OUTSIDE program. The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation is working in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America, the International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and individual state wildlife agencies to make the program a success nationwide. For more information about the Trailblazer Adventure Program or to become a Trailblazer volunteer, contact Frank Price at (614) 888-4868 ext. 202. The Trailblazer website, www.trailblazeradventure.org, explains how Boy Scouts and sportsmen volunteers can get involved in the program, lists dates for future events, shows pictures and videos of past events and even has great games for kids. The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation protects and defends America's wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits - hunting, fishing and trapping - that generate the money to pay for them. The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation and its work, call (614) 888-4868. CopyrightÓ U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance- www.ussportsmen.org
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