EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Washington NWTF State Chapter could not have asked for a better day to host its 2025 JAKES Day; with blue skies overhead and excitement in the air, 36 enthusiastic kids and their families joined 37 passionate volunteers for a day filled with outdoor adventure, education and a whole lot of fun.
Held at the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club, the annual event was a hands-on celebration of conservation and the great outdoors. Designed to engage youth and families, the JAKES Day featured fifteen interactive stations hosted in collaboration with numerous partners, each offering unique opportunities for kids to connect with nature and learn about the wild world around them.
From building birdhouses and exploring rock and gem collections to mastering compass navigation and identifying wild turkeys, the activities sparked curiosity and built skills. Kids also had the opportunity to meet Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Law Enforcement and R3 staff, deepening their understanding of wildlife management and the role of conservation law enforcement.
But the highlight of the day? A surprise visit from the Mount Baker–Snoqualmie USDA Forest Service fire crew — and none other than Smokey Bear himself. The iconic ambassador of wildfire prevention brought big smiles and unforgettable memories to the event.
Each child received a passport book to track their journey through the stations. Once they’d collected a full set of stamps, they were awarded a raffle ticket. But no one went home empty-handed — every child received a prize, a small token of a big day spent learning and growing in the outdoors.
“The heart of Jake’s Day lies in giving kids a chance to step outside and dive into new adventures,” said Michelle McDonald, NWTF state outreach coordinator. “Our hope is to spark their curiosity about the natural world, encouraging a lasting interest in outdoor exploration. And maybe, just maybe, that excitement will lead them to learn more about the rich traditions of hunting. At the very least, we aim to open their eyes to the wonder of the outdoors and all it has to offer.”
A special thank-you goes out to the incredible partners who helped make the event a success: NWTF volunteers, Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club, Nisqually Land Trust, Pierce Conservation District, BHA – Armed Forces Initiative, Puyallup Valley Rock and Gem, PNW Hawk Hunters, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement and R3 staff, Pacific Northwest Safari Club International, Mount Baker–Snoqualmie Forest Service Fire Crew and Delta Waterfowl.
Established in 1981, the NWTF’s JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youths 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. JAKES events help pass on the traditions of responsible hunting, teach the principles of habitat management, hunting ethics and safety.
For $10 a year, JAKES receive a year subscription to JAKES Country magazine (four issues), a chance to win a hunt of a lifetime and a membership card.
In addition to JAKES Day events, NWTF chapters across the country host various events that engage youth in the outdoors, including mentored hunts for a variety of game species.
Learn how you can get involved as a volunteer with the NWTF, or look for an upcoming JAKES event in your area.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
