Outdoor Skills Day: Youth and Families JAKES Program

The JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship) Program is for youth and families interested in learning new skills and being outdoors. A wide range of activities allow participants to try their hand at something new and explore at their own pace. The beautiful grounds of the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine's Outdoors Education Center provides the perfect backdrop with fields and forest, two trout ponds, and plenty of natural areas to explore. Join us for the day, enjoy a picnic lunch, and spend quality time outdoors!

What to Expect:

Upon arrival participants will park at the front of the facility and check in at the gate for registration. From the gate, participants will be directed onto the property where signs will indicate where each station is located. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

Choose the skills building sessions that most interest you! Sessions marked with ** begin at certain times, all other sessions are drop in, drop out at your leisure. Sessions are subject to change.

• Rifle Range: Learn to Shoot (air rifles, .22 rimfires, bolt and lever guns)
• Shotgun Range: Sporting Clays
• Introduction to Fly Fishing
• Intro to Archery Shooting and Bowhunting
• Intro to Turkey Hunting
• Introduction to Trapping
• Explore Maine Wildlife (pelts, skulls, tracks)
• Shoot Don't Shoot Trail
• Wilderness Survival
• Boating Safely
• Upland Bird Hunting with Dogs

What You'll Learn:

Participants will leave with a better understanding and increased confidence in a variety of outdoor skills in Maine. They will also have expanded their connection with the outdoor recreational community and know how to get started in a variety of activities.

What to Bring:

• All gear will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own gear.
• Fishing license for fly fishing session (license can be printed or on your phone)
• Hydration - there is no running water on site
• Lunch, no food will be provided
• Optional camp chair
• We will be outside all day, so please dress for the weather, rain or shine.
• Bug spray
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and you may want a hat

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Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and our partners are fully committed to providing an engaging event for all. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact Jaime Berard at [email protected]. or 207-287-5220 prior to the event. If you have any other questions or concerns, please reach out! We are here to help and look forward to talking with you.

About Maine Outdoor Programs

Maine Outdoor Programs, an initiative of Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, provides hands-on learning experiences for people of all ages and skill levels to connect with the outdoors. Whether you're looking to build new skills or strengthen existing ones, our programs offer opportunities to explore hunting, fishing, trapping, outdoor preparedness, and wildlife viewing in a welcoming environment. Learn more at mefishwildlife.com/outdoorprograms.

About JAKES Programs

Maine Outdoor Programs is partnering with National Wild Turkey Federation to bring JAKES Programs to Maine. JAKES events help pass on the traditions of responsible, safe and ethical hunting, and teach the principles of habitat management. Established in 1981, the JAKES Program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth 17 and younger in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. Learn more at https://www.nwtf.org/programs/jakes-program