ADA Youth Camps for 2004

As summer draws to a close and the fall hunts approach, all hunters begin to feel that itch to get into the outdoors and experience the feeling we live for all year.  It is no different for me, although this year brings an added level of anticipation.  The reason for this extra excitement is that this year I have the added challenge of organizing the annual ADA Youth Hunter Camps to my responsibilities. 

In years past (click here to read about our 2003 camps), the ADA Youth Camps have been instrumental in providing the young hunters of Arizona a warm and friendly reception during their fall hunts.  This fall will be no different, with three Youth Camps planned for the 2004 season.  We hope to repeat the success of previous Youth Camps by holding well organized camps during the three largest youth hunts.  Following tradition, these camps will offer free food, current information on animal activity and sightings, assistance with field dressing and with tracking, and much more.   

Youth Camp Schedule for 2004

As mentioned, we will be hosting three camps this fall.  Each one will be strategically located within the unit to allow for the greatest participation by the young hunters taking to the field.  The details of each camp are as follows: 

• Unit 27 during the weekend of October 15-17.  This camp will be co-sponsored by the Arizona Elk Society, since there is a youth elk hunt occurring in units 27, 1, and 2C during this same weekend. 
   

• Unit 12AW during the weekend of October 22-24.  This is the Kaibab hunt, with 500 young people taking to the field during this weekend.  This camp will be coordinated with the help of the ADA Buckskin Chapter. We look forward to lots of participation from our members to help make this camp the success it has been in past years.  Directions to camp in 12AW
   
• Units 36A and 36C during the weekend of November 19-21.  This camp will be held on the border between the two units, and we will be looking for folks from the southeastern part of our state for help with this camp.  Directions to camp in unit 36
  Letter to Youth for the Unit 36 camp

Volunteers Needed

The Youth Camps cannot succeed without plenty of help from the ADA and otherrs.  We will be dependant upon the generosity of many individuals to ensure the kids get access to the information and hospitality they deserve.  Feedback from past Youth Camps has indicated there is a huge benefit to having a variety of volunteer assistance, specifically in the area of game spotting, field dressing, and assistance with tracking.  We encourage all ADA members to get involved in this worthy cause to help make it a success.  Please e-mail Stan Johnsen, or call me at home at 602-331-1533 if you can provide assistance!  Remember, the future of our hunting tradition depends on the youth of today.  Keeping youngsters involved in the tradition we love so much, teaching them honest ethical practices, as well as showing them the importance of volunteering and giving back, are critical to keeping our pastime alive!

Finally, our deepest thanks and gratitude to all who have built the ADA Youth Program into the success it is today.  I would like to particularly single out Bill Hill and Steve Cheuvront, who with the help of a few good friends and ADA members, started this program and transformed it into what it is today. 

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