MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Area youth are invited to take aim at fun, friendship and outdoor adventure Sat., Sept. 7 at Stump Shooters Archery Range north of Mitchell.
Outdoor Adventure Day, sponsored by the James River Chapter of South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Outdoor Campus, in collaboration with Big Friend Little Friend of the Mitchell Area, will allow children ages 7 and up the opportunity to learn about and experience archery and hatchet throwing during the two-hour event. The afternoon kicks off at 1 p.m. Participation is free of charge and does not require pre-registration, but parent permission will be required the day of the event.
“This event offers a commitment-free chance to learn about South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures and the opportunities for young people to connect with nature and develop a lifelong passion for the outdoors,” said Linda McEntee, Executive Director of Big Friend Little Friend.
That organization, which pairs local youth, known in the organization as Little Friends, with adult mentors, or Big Friends, has partnered the Rapid City-based SDYHA program, which follows a similar mentorship model, since 2018. The local organization’s program oversees the James River Valley chapter of SDYHA.
Jason Nelson with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls will lead the educational event, and volunteers will assist children at trying their hands – and their eyes – at the target-based sports. The Outdoor Campus’s outreach program will provide instructors and equipment for the event, and Stump Shooters Archery Club will provide 3-D targets.
“These activities will get kids outdoors, in the fresh air,” McEntee said, adding that “the event is intended to showcase what South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures offers to kids – hunting, fishing, hiking and any outdoor activity to experience and explore the South Dakota landscape.”
Children and adults interested in continued outdoor mentorship experiences will be invited to join the program longer-term.
More information on BFLF, SDYHA or Outdoor Adventure Day is available on the organizations’ Facebook pages, or by calling the BFLF office at 605-996-4444.