One of the most extraordinary youth programs to have ever evolved in Ontario has been awarded one of the highest national conservation awards in Canada.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Doug Clarke Memorial Award is presented to the individual, group or program that best promotes youth conservation, and last week’s presentation independently confirmed that Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters’ Get Outdoors is, indeed, one of the best youth programs going.
“This award is a fantastic boost for the Get Outdoors program. The award recognizes just how important our youth are in the conservation of our natural resources, and we accept this honor with pride and humility, knowing we’ve got a lot of expectations to meet and exceed,” said O.F.A.H. Get Outdoors Program coordinator Robert Pye.
O.F.A.H. Get Outdoors was launched just over a year ago, and its growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. Over 25 clubs have been established across the province from Dryden in the northwest to Brockville in the southeast and points in between. As well, over a dozen more clubs are in the process of being inaugurated.
From left to right are Get Outdoors coordinator and Youth Services Representative Robert Pye, Get Outdoors liaison Jessica Lindeman and O.F.A.H. Executive Director Mike Reader.
The Get Outdoors program is all about healthy, wholesome, educational outdoor activities. Leadership, teamwork and personal development are focal points of the program that has readily been adopted by schools, conservation clubs and community service groups.
Although adult mentors assist in the Get Outdoors experience, the essence of the program is youth leading youth in the discovery of the great outdoors. Participants eight to 18 years-old earn merit badges for a variety of activities including volunteer community service, hands on conservation work and skills development in disciplines such as archery, orienteering, wilderness survival, wildlife identification and firearms safety.
“Get Outdoors is about respect for ourselves and our environment. It’s about finding common ground among the various outdoor interests. Whether youth want to fish, take photographs, hike, hunt or canoe, Get Outdoors has something for everyone and the Canadian Wildlife Federation has recognized this important effort,” Pye added.
For more information on the Get Outdoors program Click Here or contact Youth Services Representative Robert Pye at 705-748-6324.