Education

Outdoor Adventure Camp

A Summer Treat for  YoungstersOutdoorAdventureCampArcheryGirls

Outdoor  Adventure Camp (OAC) is a six-day summer camp for kids who either enjoy the  outdoors or want to learn more about it. This conservation education program is  co-sponsored by the Kansas Wildlife Federation and KSU Cooperative Extension  Service. This popular camp and educational opportunity has been operating since  1986.

If you are a Kansas  youngster who enjoys the outdoors, now is the time to make plans to attend  Outdoor Adventure Camp from the first Sunday in June through that Friday at the  Camp WaShunGa  area of Rock Springs Ranch, just south of Junction  City. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 10 to 12  that summer.

Mornings will be spent traipsing the  grounds at Camp WaShunGa  with instructors, getting a hands-on feel for how various critters and plants  live together in the ecosystem we call Kansas.  Afternoons are spent learning about several areas of the outdoors, including  mammals, insects, birds, fish and amphibians and reptiles. Ecology, wetlands,  riparian areas and watersheds are some terms you will learn about at this  unique camp.

Since the prairie does not go to  sleep at sundown, neither will you. Depending on the evening, you may be out  and about prowling for owls, stargazing, spotlighting spiders or watching bats  gobble bugs.

Other activities include scavenger  hunts, water sports including swimming and canoeing, fishing, shooting sports  including rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, archery, and pellet gun. You’ll pick  your choices, or participate in all if you like.

The price of the camp includes all  food, instruction and lodging. A swimsuit, sleeping gear and clothes you’ll  wear for a week are about all you need to bring. Sunscreen, insect repellent, a  cap and water bottle also will come in handy. The price for the entire week is  $300. You may want to bring a little extra money for snacks or maybe souvenirs  at the Milford Hatchery and Nature  Center during a field trip.  Space is limited and the registration deadline is May 31.

Send your application and full fee  to Outdoor Adventure Camp, c/o Theresa Berger, 406 S. New  York Ave., Sylvan Grove, KS  67481. Checks should be  made payable to the Kansas Wildlife Federation. If you need more information or  an application, phone 785-526-7466.   Evenings are best, or leave a message on the machine.

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Outdoor Adventure  Camp Application & Brochure

 pdfView Informational Slides

Kansans for Children in Nature

KCNlogo

On April 13, 2009, former Governor Kathleen  Sebelius signed Executive Order 09-02 creating the Kansas Coalition for  Children in Nature (KCCN). The KCCN was formed to foster Kansas youth’s  appreciation of the outdoors. “Kansas is blessed with an abundance of  natural beauty and this coalition will work to make sure Kansas children  experience all that our state has to offer,” Sebelius said.  “Environmental education is the first step toward helping our children  learn to protect and preserve our planet.” The KCCN will promote outdoor learning  experiences and environmental education for the young people of Kansas and  provide ongoing support for these endeavors. Subsequent to the signing of the Executive  Order, Governor Mark Parkinson appointed conveners and outlined the tasks for  the KCCN. The conveners established three work groups to  create plans addressing the outcomes of the identified Executive Order. 1.  Environmental Education – formal  learning experiences for children in a variety of settings.     2.  Outdoor Experiences &  Recreation – experiences including play, recreation, exploration, etc.     3.  Health – time and access to  nature; relationships to children’s health. The Plan was completed in the fall of 2011 and  subsequently endorsed by Governor Sam Brownback.  The name of the  conveners was shortened to the Kansans for Children in Nature (KCN). The KCN Plan may be found at the website for the  Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education, the host site  for the Kansans for Children in Nature information.  At this site the  following documents can be found.  1)  The KCN Executive Order, 2)  The KCN Plan, 3) Governor Brownback’s Endorsement letter, and 4)  The KCN  Endorsement form for organizations. http://www.kacee.org/kansas-coalition-children-nature JOIN the Kansans for Children in Nature Today!   Kansas Kids are Our Future!

Students – Elementary to High School,  College-aged & Young Adults

Elementary aged students

Kansas Wildlife Federation receives Savage Rascal rifles.


These youngsters are shooting the Savage Rascal rifles that the “Kansas Wildlife Federation” recieved from a grant from the Friends of the  N.R.A. at the Lake Afton Hunter Education Clinic in Wichita Kansas.  The Lake Afton Clnic this year enrolled 760 students and tested 720 on Sunday.  The kids really liked the Rascal rifles.  They commented that they liked the peep sight better than the open sights on the other rifles. The instructors said it is easyer to explain a peep sight than it is open sights.  The K.W.F. is making these rifles available for Hunter Education, plus they will be used at the Outdoor Adventure Camp the first week of June. 


2013 NWTF Kansas State JAKES Camp September 14 & 15

The National Wild Turkey Federation will hold their 2013 NWTF Kansas State JAKES Camp September 14th & 15th at White Memorial Camp, located 6 miles north of Council Grove, just off highway 177. Youth 17 years of age and younger get to select 6 activities to participate in on Saturday which includes fishing, arts & crafts, deer hunting 101, trap & still target shooting, archery, canoeing, quail in Kansas presented by the Quail & Upland Game Federation Chapter from Council Grove, the World of Sporting Dogs presented by KVOE radio host Phil Taunton, and Turkey Talk with turkey hunting legend, author, outdoor TV personality, and Grand National turkey calling champion Ray Eye.

Saturday evening JAKES members can participate in the annual NWTF Kansas State JAKES (youth aged 12 and under) and Xtreme JAKES (youth aged 13 to 17) Turkey Calling contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in both divisions. Later, around the campfire, Ray Eye will entertain everyone with his award winning turkey hunting stories and adventures.

            On Sunday, Pastor Gary Cargill will start the day with a sunrise service. Activities on Sunday morning include Predator Calling with Knight & Hale Pro Staff member Mick Bowman, Turkey Biology & Management by NWTF biologist Brandon Houck, and a presentation by the MilfordNature Center.

            The cost of the event is $20 for JAKES members, $30 for non-JAKES members (which includes a JAKES membership), and $20 for adults. Attendees may chose to tent camp (bring your own tent) Saturday night or may elect to commute both days. New this year, you have the option (for an additional fee) to stay in a resident cabin (bunk beds & shared bath). Boys and girls will have separate cabins. There are also a few RV hookups. The cost includes lunch and supper on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Meals will be prepared by the White Memorial Camp kitchen staff. All youth 17 and younger will receive a commemorative tee shirt and win a prize in a drawing at the end of the event on Sunday.

            The NWTF Kansas State JAKES Camp was awarded the “Best State JAKES Event” in 2012 and the “Best Special JAKES Event” in 2013 at the NWTF National Convention in NashvilleTN.

            For more information or a registration form, contact Gib Rhodes at 620-437-2012.

Turn the Family Cookout into a Campout for this Year’s Great American Backyard Campout

As the summer season kicks off, what better way to enjoy the great outdoors and family time than cooking and camping out in the backyard? As part of National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement, the 9th annual Great American Backyard Campout on June 22, 2013 is the perfect opportunity to head outside for some great food and family fun this summer.

From cookout recipes to campfire songs to games to wildlife watching tips, NWF gives families the resources they need to take the summer cookout to the next level by making it a summer campout. No yard or grill? No problem. NWF has everything to have a memorable night. Check out these sample recipe ideas for inspiration:

Camp Cuisine

It’s no secret that camping and s’mores go together like baseball and hotdogs (another excellent campfire food), but there is so much more to camp cuisine.

Here are just a couple examples of what you can serve up at your Campout.

• Pigs in a Sleeping Blanket: For an easy twist on the classic campfire hotdog take an 11 ounce can of breadstick dough, slice each dough strip in half and wrap each strip around a hotdog leaving a small area uncovered for the face. Roast over the fire until the hotdog and bread are cooked, let cool, then use ketchup and mustard to make fun faces.

• Silver Turtles: This hearty option is a simple way to fill your campers’ stomachs. Simply place a hamburger patty in a piece of aluminum foil and top it with potatoes, carrots, onions, salt, pepper and a pad of butter. Fold the foil tightly around the turtle and cook over the coals for 20 minutes or until cooked thoroughly, then let cool and enjoy. For a side dish, try wrapping corn on the cob or whole potatoes in foil for delicious grilled corn or baked potatoes. Remember to let them cool then add your favorite toppings.

• Gourmet Lasagna: If you’re up for some Italian, try this easy Dutch oven recipe for lasagna. Start by pouring a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the Dutch oven and add a little water. Then cover with lasagna noodles and a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese and chopped spinach and add another layer of sauce to top it off and repeat the layering until you reach the top of your pot. Top your lasagna off with sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese, cover and let bake for 30 minutes. If you are looking for a more meaty dish try adding pepperoni or ground beef between the layers.

There’s always room for dessert…

• Dipped Strawberries: Dip strawberries in Marshmallow Fluff and roast over the fire.

• Orange-Chocolate Cake: Hollow out oranges, fill (about half way) with chocolate cake mix, wrap in foil and heat in the hot coals for about 20 minutes.

• Singing Apples: Place an apple on a cooking stick and roast over hot coals until the peel starts to split and “sing.” Carefully remove the peel and roll apple in cinnamon-sugar.

Register Today

Whether it’s in the backyard, together with neighbors, with friends at a local park, or at a large community event, NWF encourages parents and kids alike to trade screen time for green time by spending a night under the stars.

Studies show that outdoor time helps children grow lean and strong, enhances creativity and attention spans, decreases aggression, and boosts classroom performance. Through NWF’s Be Out There movement with special events like Campout and practical resources, tips and tools, NWF is helping parents turn inside kids out.

So gather the family and friends and bring an appetite for a great night under the stars June 22, 2013. Fun and adventure are only as far as the backyard, so go camping!

Visit www.backyardcampout.org for more information, to register or to find a public event around the country.

Be Out There™ is NWF’s movement to reconnect families with the outdoors. NWF’s practical tools and information help make being outside a fun, healthy and automatic part of everyday life.. For other helpful resources and to learn more about NWF’s goal to get 10 million more kids spending regular time in the great outdoors, visit: www.BeOutThere.org.

The Coleman Company joins Bass Pro Shop and QUWF to help sponsor the KWF Day Camp at TimberRidge

The Coleman Company joins Bass Pro Shop and the Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation to help sponsor the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s Day Camp for boys & girls (10-12 years old) at TimberRidge on June 12th, 2013.

The Application, the Johnson County Liability Waiver and the Health & Participation forms below must be signed and mailed to Ted Beringer (cell 913-484-0109) at the address below no later than Friday, June 7th or brought to TimberRidge on June 12th.

Application for the Kansas Wildlife Federation Day Camp
       at TimberRidge Adventure Center, June 12th, 2013,
                      for boys & girls (10-12 years old)
The application fee is $25.00.   Please return this form with a check made payable to
 “Ted Beringer, Kansas Wildlife Federation” to the following address:
Ted Beringer, Kansas Wildlife Federation
15313 W. 80th Terrace
Lenexa, KS 66219
Please send the application fee no later than May 21st.  A receipt will be sent to your email address. A full refund will be returned to you if I receive your notice of cancellation on June 10th or before. However, the fee will not be reduced if your child is late for the event or must depart early. The Day Camp begins promptly at 9 am.
Please provide the following information:
Name of parent or guardian attesting that the boy or girl is 10-12 years old: ­­­­­­­­­________________________________________________________________
Phone number(s) of parent or guardian: ________________________________________________________________
Name of boy: ________________________________________________________________
Name of girl: ________________________________________________________________

The TimberRidge Adventure Center is located at:

12300 S. Homestead Ln, Olathe, KS 66061
Johnson County Park and Recreation Waiver Statement
WAIVER STATEMENT: The undersigned states that he/she understands that the Johnson County Park and Recreation District is not and shall not be responsible for or liable for any illness, or injury to person or damage to property resulting from the program in which the undersigned is enrolling or being enrolled or from his/her participating in said program, and the participant and the undersigned, if the participant is a minor or under other legal disability, hereby forever releases and holds harmless the said Johnson County Park and Recreation District, it’s employees, agents and representatives from any and all claims of any kind that the participant, or the undersigned or their respective heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns may have or claim to have resulting from participation in said program. NOTICE: By enrolling in this program you hereby acknowledge the Johnson County Park and Recreation District can and may photograph and/or video tape program participants and then use such images, without payment or any other consideration, for purposes of publicizing District parks, facilities, programs or services, or for any other lawful purpose. (Registration is invalid without signature.)
I have read and I understand the Waiver Statement
X ___________________________________________________             X ___________________________________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian                                                                        Participant Name

This Waiver Statement is for the summer of 2013, 5/28/2013-8/2/2013

Health and Participation Form 
Group: Kansas Wildlife Federation Day Camp at TimberRidge Date: 6/12/2013
Attendee’s Name: _______________________________________________
Health
List below any physical condition the doctor, EMT, nurse, TimberRidge staff or Kansas Wildlife Federation staff should be aware of. (All information will be kept confidential.) Check conditions present and list any pertinent information.
__ insect stings__ diabetes__ heart condition__ ear infection
__ fainting spells__ headaches__ allergies (explain)___________________________
__ asthma
______________________________________________________________________________________________
allergic to any drugs (please list) ____________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
prescribed medicines presently taking ________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
date of last tetanus immunization ____________________________________________________________________
other conditions __________________________________________________________________________________
Participation
TimberRidge Adventure Center staff is trained to provide the safest activities possible. I understand the campers will be closely supervised and agree that the supervisors, the Kansas Wildlife Federation and its representatives are not responsible in case of injury or illness. I further understand that first aid will be available and that should a serious injury or illness occur, medical or hospital care will be provided. I realize the supervisors will notify me in case of serious injury or illness. However, should they be unable to contact me, Thereby grant my permission and consent for emergency medical or surgical care to be given, as determined necessary by a licensed physician.
Parent or Guardian’s Signature ______________________________________  Date ______________________
I specifically agree to hold the Kansas Wildlife Federation and its representatives harmless as to any claim for damages for any accident or injury of any kind resulting from the participation of my minor ward in the Kansas Wildlife Federation Day Camp activities at TimberRidge, and this “hold harmless guarantee” is specifically granted in consideration of the services by TimberRidge Adventure Center.
Parent or Guardian’s Signature ______________________________________ Date______________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________
In case of an Emergency please notify: ___________________________________________________________________
Day Phone #-________________________________________________________
Evening Phone #- ________________________________________________________________
Registration is complete after form is signed.


Kansas State Parks Offer Multitude of Events this June

Visiting a local state park this summer can be fun and easy on the wallet

It’s summertime and Kansas state parks are gearing up with events for everybody under the sun. From fishing tournaments to music festivals, and Kids Days galore, Kansans are sure to find something fun and exciting to do this June at a Kansas state park.

Listed below are a variety of events being held this June at Kansas state parks. For more information on a specific event, please contact the respective state park. State park contact information can be found atwww.ksoutdoors.com by clicking “State Parks / Locations.”

June 1

National Trail Day

Free Fishing Day – Statewide

Kids Free Fishing Derby – Pomona State Park (Boat Ramp #2)

Hillsdale Music Festival (May 31 and June 1) ­– Hillsdale State Park

USD 365 Endowment Association Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk – Prairie Spirit Trail State Park

OK Kids Day – Prairie Dog State Park (Keith Sebelius Reservoir)

OK Kids Day – Meade State Park

Trail Clean Up – Clinton State Park

9th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament – Glen Elder State Park

Governor’s Flint Hills Freedom Ride and Motorcycle Show – Starts at Capital in Topeka, Ends at Council Grove

Catfish Chasers Fishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park (Melvern Reservoir)

Youth Archery Day – Eisenhower State Park

June 2

Free Fishing Day – Statewide

Kids Fishing Derby – Lovewell State Park

JUNE 8

National “Get Outdoors” Day

OK Kids Day – Lake Scott State Park (South of Beach House)

Kids Ironman (Kids triathlon) – Clinton State Park

Kansas Draft Horse & Mule Association Driving Clinic – Boulder Bluff Arena, El Dorado State Park. (Open to public).

Field Coursing Dog Run –?Clinton State Park

JUNE 9

Ironman Triathlon – Clinton State Park

Fishstix Bowfishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park (Arrow Rock Boat Ramp)

JUNE 10

Fishstix Bowfishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park (Arrow Rock Boat Ramp)

JUNE 15

Youth Fishing Derby – Cedar Bluff State Park

Youth Scavenger Hunt – Cedar Bluff State Park

Kansas Bass Nation Fishing Tournament –?Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Kids Outdoor Adventure and Free Park Entrance Day – Cedar Bluff State Park. (Camping and utility permits still apply).

Vango Fundraiser – Clinton State Park

OK Kids Day/Free Park Entrance – Wilson State Park

JUNE 16

Kansas Bass Nation Fishing Tournament –?Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Kansas Walleye Association Fishing Tournament – Eisenhower State Park

Wild Within You 5K and 15K Hell Creek on Heels Trail Run?– Wilson State Park (Switchgrass Trail)

June 23

Triathlon Race?– El Dorado State Park (Walnut River Area)

June 27

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

June 28

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

June 29

Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament?– Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

Water Safety Event/Jet ski Simulator – Kanopolis State Park

June 30

Rocky Mountain Team Series Fishing Tournament?– Wilson State Park (Hell Creek Boat Ramp)

Country Stampede Music Festival – Tuttle Creek State Park

Bass Pro Shops Donating Canteens to Kids at the TimberRidge Day Camp

Bass Pro Shops in Olathe has donated canteen bottles with carabiner clips to each of the kids attending the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s Day Camp at TimberRidge on June 12th. Bass Pro has also donated two fishing poles to be given away in a drawing at the end of the day. The Day Camp is for boys & girls 10-12 years old. The kids will enjoy boating, fishing, archery & other activities for a $25 fee. TimberRidge is located next to Kill Creek Park in Olathe, Kansas. To get the application and full details of the schedule visit
http://kwfnews.blogspot.com/2013/04/kansas-wildlife-federation-day-camp-set.html.
Or email Ted Beringer at [email protected] for questions.

Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation joins KWF in sponsoring the TimberRidge DayCamp

The Kansas Wildlife Federation (KWF) is proud to announce that the Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF) has joined KWF to sponsor of the June 12th Day Camp at TimberRidge for boys & girls (10-12 years old). QUWF is a major force in the recovery and restoration of quail and other upland species through critical habitat management.

For the Day Camp schedule and an application, visit:
http://kwfnews.blogspot.com/2013/04/kansas-wildlife-federation-day-camp-set.html>.
You can print off the application and mail it to the address shown on the application or email Ted Beringer for information at [email protected].
maximize the recovery and restoration of the wild quail and other upland species through critical habitat management using sound science, with technology, and old fashioned sweat equity. Applying exceptional care and professional oversight to manage every penny raised for habitat and wildlife population recovery.

Outdoor Writers Auction Benefits Youth Outdoor Education

Public auction of outdoor gear to raise money for youth programs

Looking for some good deals on hunting, fishing and other outdoor equipment? If so, plan on attending the Outdoor Writers of Kansas (OWK) auction on May 6 at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 

410 S. 3rd St.Manhattan

.

The event will auction off a variety of outdoor gear to raise money for youth outdoor education programs. Feature items include tickets for the Symphony in the Flint Hills, float trip gift certificate from the Friends of the Kaw, Remington 30-06 rifle, Crossman Pumpmaster pellet gun, tent and foldable cooking station from Coleman Co., Bushnell laser range finder, Bass Pro Shops fly fishing outfit, Brinkman smoker, high-quality rods and reels, hundreds of fishing lures, tackle boxes, waterfowl art prints, books and more.

Proceeds from the event will go to OWK’s annual mission of sending underprivileged children to the Kansas Wildlife Federation’s week-long Outdoor Adventure Camp.

For more information, contact OWK president Brent Frazee at (816) 587-2774 or email[email protected].