Club investing in next generation of sportsmen
The Old Town Sportsmen’s Association in Clearfield will be holding a Youth Field Day on Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at their location on 317 Mann Road in Clearfield. — Courtesy photo
Youth Field Day slated for Aug. 8
By Andy Stine
astine@altoonamirror.com
The Old Town Sportsmen’s Association in Clearfield will be holding a Youth Field Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 at their location on 317 Mann Road in Clearfield.
The association, which offers rimfire shoots, trap shoots, steel shoots, member activities and various community events throughout the year is also making it a point to get youth involved.
“Youth programs are one of the most important things we do as an association,” said Dan Stilson, OTSA youth coordinator.
While the group has done youth field days in the past, this year’s event is a follow-up to four other events throughout the year in archery basics, bird day (birdhouse building and hawk demo), being ready on the water (reel casting and water safety), and rimfire ready (safety and rimfire shooting).
During the Aug. 8 field day, participants will rotate through different stations — archery, BB gun, rimfire, shotgun, reel casting, wilderness response, trapping: skills, history and conservation, and pheasants forever: bird dogs and conservation.
Stilson said the club has been encouraged by the participation and the positive feedback from the youth and their parents.
“Families seem to appreciate that the events are hands-on, welcoming to beginner friendly kids, and focus on learning in a safe environment,” Stilson said. “Seeing kids leave excited to come back is the best measure of success for us.”
The club is introducing young people to outdoor skills, conservation and responsible firearm safety in these events. They also are hoping to create positive experiences kids can share with their families.
“We believe the future of hunting, fishing, shooting sports and conservation depends on giving the next generation opportunities to learn from experienced mentors,” Stilson said.
“If we want these traditions to continue, we have to invest in today’s youth. Our goal isn’t just to teach outdoor skills for a day. It’s to help young people build confidence, develop respect for the outdoors, and create memories that encourage them to come back for years to come. Whether a child grows up to become a hunter, an angler, a competitive shooter, or simply someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, we’re helping build a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and conservation.”
Every participant in the youth field day will be provided breakfast, lunch, goodie bags and prizes, and it will all be at no cost. The club is holding pre-registration on their website at oldtownclearfield.com or on their Facebook page.
An adult needs to stay at the event with their children, but an adult may bring more than one child.
“We’re continuing to expand our youth programming because we believe introducing young people to the outdoors is one of the best investments we can make in our community and in the future of outdoor recreation,” Stilson said.