News:
Press Release
May 31, 2019
5th Annual Great Outdoor Picnic, An Invitation to the Outdoors
State College, PA – Do you remember when your mom told you to go out to play on a summer morning and then had to call you in for dinner eight hours later? If you do, you’re probably a Baby Boomer or Generation Xer; on average kids today don’t view going outside as a desirable source of recreation. Indoor and virtual recreation options have trumped nature. The Great Outdoor Picnic offers kids an opportunity to try their hand at the tried-and-true outdoor sports of fly fishing, archery and target shooting. The 5th annual Great Outdoor Picnic will be held on Saturday, June 22 from 11 am to 4 pm at Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park.
According to the DCNR-sponsored PA Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which surveys more than 10,000 residents every five years, the majority of respondents cited mental and physical health as the main benefit derived from being outdoors. Nature is good for our well-being. At a recent WFEF-sponsored clay shoot, youth participants age 17 and under noted that their interest in shooting was rooted in the fun and skill required, as well as the opportunities the sport presents to get outside and be with family.
This family event is designed to introduce kids to the outdoor sports. These skill sets are typically handed down from parent to child in an effort to pass on a tradition from which much enjoyment has been derived. Apart from the hunt outcome or catch, the memories of fishing or hunting with multi-generational relatives and friends who serve as mentors, supporters and teammates, arouse feelings that can’t be replicated in other pursuits. The best part is that these sports have to take place outside, in the beautiful Pennsylvania outdoors.
The Great Outdoor Picnic offers youth the opportunity to experience fly fishing, B B gun shooting and archery. Representatives from state agencies and organizations including the PA Game Commission, PA Fish and Boat Commission, United Bowhunters, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the PA Trappers Association, among others, will be present to assist inexperienced youth (and adults) with valuable tips and information. Hourly drawings will give away a B B gun and starter fly fishing rod to a lucky youth. Other attractions include the opportunity to build a Bluebird nesting box, demonstrations highlighting K9 field skills, wildlife chainsaw carvings, and the chance to see and learn about a red fox and variety of Pennsylvania turtles. An old-fashioned picnic lunch is free to every ticket holder and charge.
Adult admission is $100 and includes 2 adults and an unlimited number of kids age 17 and under. Every adult who purchases a ticket is entered into the Super Raffle for 71 outdoor-themed prizes valued over $37,000! Prizes include an ATV, kayak, Jon Boat, camping gear, handguns, long guns, gift cards to Cabela’s in addition to numerous other items. The drawing will be continuous throughout the afternoon and winning tickets go back into the drawing. Raffles start at noon and food is served from noon-3 pm.
Primitive camping (no hookups) is offered Friday and Saturday night on the grounds of Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park. Interested groups and individuals need to contact the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation office at 814-238-8138. Tickets may be ordered in advance online at https://www.pfsc.org/picnic-signup/ or call 814-238-8138 for more information. The Annual Great Outdoor Picnic is sponsored by the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation and the Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists.
The vision of the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation is to be the leading advocate for wildlife conservation in Pennsylvania. The foundation was formed in 2004 to provide all wildlife enthusiasts with a way to show their commitment through much-needed financial support for wildlife conservation efforts and education. Since its inception, the Foundation has raised millions of dollars to support projects including wildlife and wetland habitat improvements, creek and lake restorations, the Seedlings for Schools program and student educational opportunities. The Foundation’s mission connects all wildlife and nature enthusiasts to the great outdoors, including birders, hunters, anglers, students and everyone with an appreciation for nature’s treasures. For more information, visit www.wildlifeforeveryone.org.
The Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists (PFSC) is one of the oldest and the largest sportsmen’s organizations with close to 70,000 members representing affiliated clubs, individual members and statewide organizations. PFSC has been protecting Pennsylvania’s outdoor heritage, resources and the 2nd amendment rights of its residents since 1932. The PFSC advocates for laws that protect the environment and wildlife, the interests of sportsmen and sportswomen, and promotes youth’s active involvement in our great outdoor heritage. To join the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists, visit https://www.pfsc.org/become-a-member/.
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