The Blue Creek Springtime Monarchs and the Red Cedar Chapter of the Izaak Walton League hosted their annual event on Saturday May 16 at the Ike's facility north of Vinton. 65-70 kids and adults participated in the event to promote and introduce new outdoor activities in a safe environment. Everyone was given the opportunity to learn or explore six stations set up around the grounds. The six stations included an archery range, trap shooting, a spread of decoys and BB gun shooting sponsored by the Benton County Ducks Unlimited team, camping including starting fires and s'mores, trapping sponsored by Benton County Conservation, and shooting metal targets with .22's on the rifle range. The kids were busy all day!

The event was free for everyone. Benton County Cattlemen's Association provided the meat and grilling (thanks Drew Fish!).

Each year this outdoor day is held, an average of 10-20% of the participants indicate having never shot a bow or firearm before. This year was no exception. It is exciting to see the kids (and even adults) eyes light up when they get their first chance to try each activity. At the end of the day, there were a wide variety of opinions on which station was their favorite. More than anything, it teaches kids about the other opportunities to do outdoors.

None of this would be available without the groups who help us. Thank you Red Cedar Chapter (Izaak Walton League), Benton County Ducks Unlimited, Benton County Cattlemen's Association, and Benton County Conservation for making the day a huge success!

Randy Scheel
President
Blue Creek Springtime Monarchs