Recently I have started a new non-profit organization called Youth Outdoor Connection. I, along with
the Board of Directors and many volunteers, dedicate our time to educating children about wildlife, the
outdoors, hunting, and fishing. Our goal is to reach as many kids as possible and give them a chance to
explore their interest in the outdoors. Since starting this organization we have had some success stories
with hunts and many success stories with fishing. However, the true success stories lie within the children
themselves. The excitement these children possess for the outdoors is overwhelming. They wanted to
know everything and at times ask more questions in one sentence than I had time to answer in an entire
day.
Our biggest event thus far was our first ever Youth Catfish Tournament, which was held at a local private
pond. We took reservations for twenty children ages five to fourteen and had eighteen participate. Several
catfish were caught and a twelve year old girl named Kaitlin won first place with a 13.4 pound flathead.
More pictures can be found at our website: www.youthoutside.org
First, second, and third place received trophies and all who attended won medals. This event sparked a
great fire in everyone who helped out and we are feverishly planning the next fishing adventure.
I have learned, however, that such an organization is hard to find money for. I have reached out to many
hunting and fishing companies for support, and several have donated small items to give away as prizes and
such, but thus far none have became sponsors. This actually baffles me. Do the companies not realize
that without the education of children in regards to hunting and fishing, that they will not have a great
consumer base in the future? I was under the impression that such companies were started and ran by true
hunters and fishermen and therefore would be willing to reach out and help ensure their heritage. Perhaps I
was wrong. Or, perhaps, our organization is just too new and they are waiting to see what becomes of us.
I have also learned that there is no greater joy than to help coach a child along and have them catch their
first fish or harvest their first animal. Especially when you know that without an organization, like Youth
Outdoor Connection that child would never have the chance. More to come as the fishing season
progresses.
the Board of Directors and many volunteers, dedicate our time to educating children about wildlife, the
outdoors, hunting, and fishing. Our goal is to reach as many kids as possible and give them a chance to
explore their interest in the outdoors. Since starting this organization we have had some success stories
with hunts and many success stories with fishing. However, the true success stories lie within the children
themselves. The excitement these children possess for the outdoors is overwhelming. They wanted to
know everything and at times ask more questions in one sentence than I had time to answer in an entire
day.
Our biggest event thus far was our first ever Youth Catfish Tournament, which was held at a local private
pond. We took reservations for twenty children ages five to fourteen and had eighteen participate. Several
catfish were caught and a twelve year old girl named Kaitlin won first place with a 13.4 pound flathead.
More pictures can be found at our website: www.youthoutside.org
First, second, and third place received trophies and all who attended won medals. This event sparked a
great fire in everyone who helped out and we are feverishly planning the next fishing adventure.
I have learned, however, that such an organization is hard to find money for. I have reached out to many
hunting and fishing companies for support, and several have donated small items to give away as prizes and
such, but thus far none have became sponsors. This actually baffles me. Do the companies not realize
that without the education of children in regards to hunting and fishing, that they will not have a great
consumer base in the future? I was under the impression that such companies were started and ran by true
hunters and fishermen and therefore would be willing to reach out and help ensure their heritage. Perhaps I
was wrong. Or, perhaps, our organization is just too new and they are waiting to see what becomes of us.
I have also learned that there is no greater joy than to help coach a child along and have them catch their
first fish or harvest their first animal. Especially when you know that without an organization, like Youth
Outdoor Connection that child would never have the chance. More to come as the fishing season
progresses.
KEITH
| Youth Outdoor Connection |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
