Kids have fun outdoors at Tosanak Recreation Area
Students build bluebird houses at Tosanak Recreation Area on Saturday. Press Photo By Kelly Terpstra
John Schneckloth teaches a student the proper form in shooting his bow on Saturday at Tosanak Recreation Area. Press Photo by Kelly Terpstra
Bret Van Ausdall (left) and John Schneckloth instruct youth in the proper techniques at an archery class on Saturday at Tosanak Recreation Area. Press Photo by Kelly Terpstra
An inflatable tent allowed kids to practice target shooting with B-B guns at Tosanak Recreation on Area Saturday. Press Photo by Kelly Terpstra
Kids grab a bite to eat during a lunch break at Tosanak Recreation Area on Saturday. Press Photo by Kelly Terpstra
Participants and instructors in the fourth annual Free Youth Education and Fun Day on Saturday at Tosanak Recreation Area pose for a group photo. Press Photo by Kelly Terpstra
By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com
A chance to get outdoors and become one with nature — that’s what kids were able to do Saturday at the fourth annual Free Youth Education and Fun Day at the Tosanak Recreation Area at Marble Rock.
Kids 9-14 years of age had a host of fun activities to take part in, including casting, bluebird house building, dog training, archery, simulated hunting and firing B-B guns.
Floyd County Pheasants Forever President Dave Van Waus was glad to see 31 kids come out on Saturday and experience all the benefits the educational day had to offer.
“This youth event started because, simply put, to get more kids involved. We’re trying to reach out to the youngsters who don’t have parents or grandparents who are active fisherman, hunters, trappers, campers or anything – or even bird watching,” said Van Waus.
Each session was about 45 minutes minutes long and kids could take a 5 or 10-minute break between sessions. Kids and instructors also ate a meal prepared by various staff members.
Two of Van Waus’ main objectives are to promote wildlife habitat and youth education.
“If they learn to appreciate it, then as adults they learn to support it and pay attention to it because it is critical to recreation and relaxation,” said Van Waus.
An large inflatable tent was set up so kids could practice B-B gun shooting at targets. Kids were also able to take home the bluebird houses they made.
“The kids get a chance to be kids,” said Van Waus. “They get to do things that they don’t get to do at home.”
Members of the Floyd County Ikes, Cedar River Archery Club, Floyd County Conservation and the Iowa Wild Turkey Federation all helped out on the fun day teaching the kids.
“The goal is to get that next generation outside and doing something — enjoying Mother Nature,” said Van Waus.
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