CENTRE HALL — Although the attendance in May at the Schuylkill County Sportsmen’s Association Youth Field Day held at Friedensburg Fish and Game would indicate otherwise, surveys based on research done by various outdoors-related organizations indicate that on average kids today don’t view going outside as a desirable source of recreation.
Indoor and virtual recreation options continue to battle nature, which is why the family-themed Great Outdoor Picnic is such an important event in exposing kids to the outdoors. Kids have an opportunity to try their hand at the tried-and-true outdoor sports of fly fishing, archery and target shooting — as well as being exposed to the natural wonder that is Penn’s Cave and touring Wildlife Park.
Last year, what would have been the fifth annual Great Outdoor Picnic fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year the event is back Saturday, June 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, 222 Penn’s Café Road, Centre Hall. Sponsored by the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation, the Great Outdoor Picnic offers youth the opportunity to experience fly fishing, BB gun shooting and archery.
Representatives from state agencies and organizations, including the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania, National Wild Turkey Federation and the Pennsylvania Trappers Association will be present to assist inexperienced youth and adults with valuable tips and information.
Hourly drawings will give away a BB gun and starter fly fishing rod to a lucky youth. Other attractions include the opportunity to build a bluebird nesting box, demonstrations highlighting K9 field skills, wildlife chainsaw carvings and the chance to see and learn about a variety mammals and reptiles. A picnic lunch is free to every adult ticket holder and is free for youth.
Adult admission is $100 and includes two adults and an unlimited number of kids ages 17 and younger. Every adult who purchases a ticket is entered into the Super Raffle for 71 outdoors-themed prizes valued at more than $37,000. Prizes include an ATV, kayak, Jon boat, camping gear, handguns, long guns, gift cards to Cabela’s and numerous other items.
Drawings will be continuous throughout the afternoon, and winning tickets go back into the drawing. Raffles start at noon and food is served from noon to 3 p.m.
Primitive camping with no hookups is offered Friday and Saturday night on the grounds of Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park. Interested groups and individuals need to contact the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation office at 814-238-8138, and tickets may be ordered by calling that number or going to www.pfsc.org/picnic-signup.
According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-sponsored Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which surveys more than 10,000 residents every five years, the majority of respondents cited mental and physical health as the main benefit derived from being outdoors. Nature is good for our well-being, and at a WFEF-sponsored clay shoot, youth participants ages 17 and younger said that their interest in shooting was rooted in the fun and skill required, as well as the opportunities the sport presents to get outside and be with family.
This family event is designed to introduce kids to the outdoor sports. These skill sets are typically handed down from parent to child in an effort to pass on a tradition from which much enjoyment has been derived.
Since its formation in 2004, it has been the vision of the WFEF to be the leading advocate for wildlife conservation in Pennsylvania by providing all wildlife enthusiasts with a way to show their commitment through much-needed financial support for wildlife conservation efforts and education. Since its inception, it has raised millions of dollars to support projects including wildlife and wetland habitat improvements, creek and lake restorations, the Seedlings for Schools program and student educational opportunities.
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