Read
Press Release about Bassmaster Elite Pro and our Cause
HERE!
As seen in June/July 2011 Issue
We are
asked daily just what is 100,000 Kids In The Outdoors™
all about.
Inspirethrough awareness! Let's face it -
between work, family, social functions and hunting and
fishing most people don't have extra time anymore.
However, everyone would like to do more to help others.
Our cause is simply about helping to inspire people to invite
at least one child to enjoy the outdoors with who does not have
someone in their life to
take them! That could include something simple like
fishing at a farm pond, or inviting them to come over to
shoot a bow with your family. Take them fishing on a
pond and let them catch perch, crappie, or bass. Shoot a
bow or a BB gun with them! It could even be as
easy as taking them on boat ride through a winding
creek, or on a four wheeler ride. Whatever...just let them
experience the outdoors for the first time.
Here's a thought, what if all it was letting them sit in
a ground blind with you to just watch deer? Or
what about sitting in the duck blind and watching
mallards pour into the decoys? If the thrill of
the kill is why you hunt, may we suggest a little soul
searching on that one?
Encourage others to get
involved! Through Facebook alone
people from all over the world are now encouraging their friends to
help our cause. It is amazing how many comments we
get everyday that state "I sure am glad my friend told
me about ya'll because I had never thought of this on a
bigger stage like you are doing. I take kids
hunting and fishing all of the time, but I thought it
was just me...good to know how many people out there do
what I do for kids!"
Take action! This is cause IS NOT for
marketing reasons, nor is it to make us feel better
about ourselves for "doing the right thing"! It's
about taking massive immediate action. All we are
asking for from 100,000 people who love the outdoors is
to devote 2-3 hours a year to taking a kid
hunting/fishing that doesn't have someone to take
them...THAT'S IT! We are well
on our way to our goal, and our cause has now reached
around the world, but we are not attached to
a number despite our name! However, can you
imagine what will happen when 100,000 kids are
introduced to the outdoors for the first time by someone
like you! Do you think that they will appreciate
the fact that someone cared about them?
THINK BACK TO YOUR FIRST
EXPERIENCE HUNTING OR FISHING! Was it on a guided trip? Probably not! It was more than
likely doing something simple with your Dad or Grandpa,
or maybe your Mother. Regardless, to you it was one of the greatest memories you still
have! As an adult a one pound crappie or perch is not
exciting, but to a child that has never been fishing it
will be a thrill they have never experienced. As an
adult, shooting a bow at a target is done for practice,
but to a child that has never done it...well you get the
point!
Regardless, far too often as adults we forget what it
was that first ignited our passion for the outdoors.
FIRST THINGS FIRST! We must start at the basics and remember that the
children we are focusing on have usually NEVER experienced the
outdoors, so their perspective will be just as yours was
when you were younger. The fact is these children will
never know what they are missing until someone like you
comes along to care enough to invite them. Get your kids
involved, and start asking them if they know kids at
school who do not have a dad in their life to take them
fishing.
A GREAT PROBELM TO HAVE We have heard "What if that child wants to go with us
all of the time after the first time? I honestly don't
have time to always take them, but I want to help where
and when I can!" Isn't this a much better challenge to
work with as opposed to dealing with kids without a dad
in their life to provide them direction? Aren't these
kids worth trying to pull away from trouble and/or
playing video games in their spare time?
We are compiling a nationwide Safe Haven Directory™,
which will contain contact information for reputable
hunting and fishing guides, as well as other
organizations that focus on helping kids in the
outdoors. Our goal is to provide a resource for any
child who has the desire to take their newfound outdoor
passion to the next level if they do not have a dad in
their life to help them.
AWARENESS IS NOT ENOUGH It is an important piece, but we have to do more. Our
vision also includes being able to purchase fishing
rods/reels and bow equipment for churches, schools and
other like minded organizations that will allow all
children a safe place to learn about and participate in
the outdoor lifestyle. Single events are an important
part of the puzzle, but we believe that this is more
long-term value when someone takes the time to spend
one-on-one time with a child, AND it must be
simple for all involved to participate in.
THERE IS POWER NUMBERS
Unfortnately, most of us know of far too many children
that do not have someone in their life to help them enjoy
the outdoors, and we will be diligent in trying to find
someone to come along to help them! However, all of us
must start where we are! This year, some people will take
out many children fishing, shooting and hunting, while
others may only be able to take out a few, and some only
one. Regardless of what you are able to do, can you
imagine what will happen if we all work together towards
our 100,000 goal? Will this world be a better place if
100,000 children have someone who cared enough
about them to invest a little time? OF COURSE!
HIS SPIRIT IS OUR
INSPIRATION!
I first learned of Zac and his Dad, Phil, from Joe
Nighswonger in Michigan. Joe suggested I contact Phil
and I was blown away by this wonderful man and how
freely he offered to help with our Mission because of
Zac! After our phone conversation I decided to dedicate
our Mission in honor of Zac with Phil's permission. Phil
stated that every kid should have the opportunity to be
in the outdoors like Zac was, and he is right! God bless
you Phil and your family! You are now a part of our
family! You are right Phil - THE HUNT IS NOT OVER!
Thank you so much for your
support, AND for helping to make a difference in a child
through the outdoors! I am also proud to
officially announce that a portion of every sale of THE
Back Brace™ goes directly to help further our Cause!
Shannon
Founder,
100,000 Kids In The Outdoors™ Foundation
President, Verve Outdoors, Inc.
