Area 5th graders celebrate nature at Cold Brook for JAKES Day

  • A ranger with Wind Cave National Park works with Edgemont students as he demonstrates how the park is able to keep track of the park’s elk herd through the use of sonar equipment. Photos by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star
    A ranger with Wind Cave National Park works with Edgemont students as he demonstrates how the park is able to keep track of the park’s elk herd through the use of sonar equipment. Photos by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star
  • Edgemont students check out the archery range at JAKES Day. (Photo by Michelle Van Eaton)
    Edgemont students check out the archery range at JAKES Day. (Photo by Michelle Van Eaton)
  • Hot Springs students try out the electric boats under the supervision of personnel with the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks.
    Hot Springs students try out the electric boats under the supervision of personnel with the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks.
  • Randy Gaskins with the NWTF helps some Hot Springs students learn how to use a turkey call.
    Randy Gaskins with the NWTF helps some Hot Springs students learn how to use a turkey call.

    Fall River Chapter of NWTF hosting 30th annual banquet on Oct. 12

    HOTSPRINGS–Thefifth-gradestudents from Hot Springs, Edgemont and Oelrichs had an unforgettable day of adventure last month on Wednesday, Sept. 18, learning, and outdoor fun as they participated in the annual JAKES Day event at Cold Brook Reservoir. Sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Jake’s Day aims to connect children with nature, foster a love for wildlife conservation, and inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

    The event is named after the NWTF’s JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship) program, which teaches youth the importance of wildlife conservation and outdoor skills. Through Jake’s Day, the Wild Turkey Federation hopes to instill a deep respect for the environment and equip students with the knowledge and skills to be good stewards of the land.

    This year’s event was a huge success, with students rotating through various activities combining hands-on learning and fun. The day included an archery session, where students learned about safety and technique under the guidance of trained instructors. Many children, some of whom had never handled a bow before, were thrilled to hit their targets.

    Students took to the water for a boating experience. With life jackets on, they cruised around Cold Brook Reservoir, soaking in the peaceful surroundings and learning about water safety. For many, it was a chance to practice teamwork as they maneuvered their boats around the scenic lake.

    The day continued with a group hike along the trails surrounding the reservoir. Walking through the woods, students observed wildlife, explored local flora, and learned about the region’s rich biodiversity. Teachers and volunteers encouraged the young hikers to consider their role in protecting these natural spaces for future generations.

    In addition to these activities, students had the opportunity to practice wildlife identification and participate in other outdoor games designed to foster a connection with nature.

    “The kids are always so excited to be outside and, in doing so, expand their knowledge in things they may otherwise not get the opportunity to experience,” said Ms. Van Eaton, the fifth-grade teacher from Edgemont.

    Later this month, on Saturday, Oct. 12, the National Wild Turkey Federation is celebrating the Fall River Chapter’s 30th Anniversary this year and invites the public to join them for at the American Legion.

    “This is the chapter’s 30th year hosting a banquet, and every year is better than the one before,” said Randy Gaskins, the NWTF Senior Regional Director. “It’s the best opportunity in town to meet other people who care about conservation while enjoying good food, fun raffles and games, and a great Live and Silent Auction filled with NWTF and local items.

    Dinner starts at 7 p.m., but arrive at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy a social hour before the banquet begins.

    Families can play games and enter raffles to win guns and other prizes, including some special NWTF firearms. There also will be silent and live auctions for exclusive framed art, guns, collectibles, sculptures, knives, jewelry, camping gear, record player, Turtlebox, hunting and fishing trips, and other unique items. There will also be lots of great firearms to win!

    The banquet sold out last year, so register and buy your tickets early to guarantee that you get a place at the Fall River Chapter’s 30th Anniversary event! Call Ted Wick for tickets or more information, or go to https://events.nwtf.org/410030-2024 and look at all the ticket details and auction items, and purchase your tickets online. Check out the great Sponsor and Raffle Ticket packages!

    Local and state NWTF chapters host thousands of similar events nationwide each year to raise funds that help conserve wildlife and habitat, and introduce new people to the outdoors. Many families enjoy hunting together and pass traditions on from one generation to another. Hunting also is important for the health of our nation’s wildlife and habitat because hunters fund conservation.

    For information about the Fall River Chapter’s 30th Annual Hunting Heritage Banquet, contact Ted Wick at 605-8909828 or email wick@gwtc.net. Join us to celebrate Chapter’s 30 years of wildlife conservation!