Discovering a whole new world

There are so many benefits to being outside. From reducing stress and fighting issues like obesity to developing skills or improving mental health, outdoor activities can do so much for everyone, especially children.

The members of the Knox County Chapter of Pheasants Forever believe there is nothing better than doing things outside and they proved it to a large group of kids and families this past weekend. The group, partnering with a long list of other outdoor activity organizations, held their 18th annual Youth Day on Saturday at Campbell’s Farm & Sportsman Club, just outside of Howard.

“it’s a different world today, but there’s still a whole lot of good things from our world to be shared,” said Althea Dye, secretary of the Knox County Pheasants Forever chapter. “That includes getting outside, getting a little dirty, learning to put a fish worm on a hook or take a fish off the hook.

“The passion is we understand in our day and age that technology is here and that’s great. But the question is what can we do to build that bridge between this world of outdoors where there is no technology?”

Youth Day sprung from a national Pheasants Forever project called “No Child Left Indoors.” It started in 2008 after studies revealed that kids spent more than six hours a day with an electronic device. The local chapter brought together several other outdoor organizations to create an opportunity for youths to learn about the outdoors – from fishing and shooting a gun to learning about honeybees and building their own birdhouse.

The event has grown over the years and this year approximately 200 kids spent the day learning about the great things to do outdoors. A large tent full of people and organizations shared information about a variety of topics, including animals and insects that are found in nature.

Kids got to see bugs and ticks and learned how to protect themselves; build a birdhouse; make a bird feeder out of a pine cone; discover what can be done or seen at a local park; create their own leather craft item; see a real honeycomb; and got to pet a snake or a turtle shell, among other things at the tent.

Rosie, an albino black rat snake, was a huge hit with the kids, even though some were reluctant to touch her.

“It’s a learned fear. Humans are not initially afraid of something; someone has to teach us, unless they are bitten by it,” said Brandon Good, a staff member at BFEC. “If you are calm, they are calm, too.”

From there, children could pet Chance the lamb and learn with a wool demonstration; go fishing for trout; learn to throw a tomahawk or shoot a rifle or bow and arrow; hear stories from a mountain man about living life in the outdoors; play putt-putt; or even work off some energy in the bounce house.

Between 50 and 100 volunteers helped share their love of outdoor activities during the event. Some of them grew up coming to the event and wanted to share something special to another youth.

“I’ve talked with several individuals who commented they are repeats coming back and helping us,” Dye said. “Then there were those like Anthony (Gilmore), running the tomahawk throwing event. Anthony is one of our young adults that grew up in our program and comes back and helps us out. Andrea Smith is another one. She was doing double and triple duty throughout the day.

“Of course, John Campbell, Craig’s son. He set up the miniature golf course for us. We have them all now as young adults keeping things going.”

The laughter and shrieks of delight continued throughout the day as kids of all ages discovered the incredible world that awaits them outside the house and away from their electronic devices.