• BJ LEWIS - Victoria Advocate
• Originally published May 23, 2008 at 12:48 a.m., updated May 23, 2008 at 12:48 a.m.

Opportunities for fun, learning and scholarships await area youth through participation in 4-H or Future Farmers of America activities. On Thursday night representatives from the National Wildlife Federation, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Blue Quail Taxidermy took time to present those opportunities to area youth.

The Victoria County 4-H hosted the event which was open to kindergarten through 12th graders, at the South Texas Electrical Co-op park.

Denise Andrews brought her home-schooled children, whose ages range from 1 to 6, to the presentation.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for them to learn about wild life,” she said. “It broadens the kids’ experiences and it’s helpful for them to get out and see the different projects or activities available.”

The local presentation was based on a regional effort to attract more participation in wildlife activities, Henry Wood, Victoria County 4-H Wildlife Project leader, said.

“The activities give them goals, mentors, it’s just a fun opportunity, whether they wear a blue jacket or a green jacket,” Wood said. “The programs teach character and good stewardship.”

The activities present parents with opportunities to spend time with their children dren whose parents may not be with them or able to join them, Wood said.

“And if the kids are here experiencing fun, they don’t think of learning, we kind of sneak it in.”

From his own participation in wildlife activities as a student, Wood said it provided him the need to give back to the community.

Thursday’s presenters included Scott Mitchell from the National Wild Turkey Federation. Mitchell gave a power point presentation on scholarship opportunities with the organization.

“It’s not just an organization of turkey hunters,” he told those gathered for the meeting.

Brian Pnacek from Blue Quail Taxidermy discussing preserving trophies and the members of the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Project hosting learning activities were among the other presentations.

Listening along with the other youths was Megan Lesak, a nine-year participant of 4-H. The 17-year-old Goliad High School junior plans to be a youth wildlife guide and has enjoyed her time in 4-H.

“I hope the youth learn about wildlife and have fun,” she said as the kids gathered around the tables for the start of the first presentation.

Bj Lewis is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact him at 361-580-6535 or bjlewis@vicad.com.

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