KOPA donates to Ky. Fish & Wildlife

GREENUP, Ky. — Members of the Kentucky Outdoor Press Association (KOPA) met at the Greenup County Courthouse April 29, to present a check to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KYDFWR).

The funds donated by KOPA will help send a child to Conversation Camp program this summer. There are three Conservation Camps in Kentucky Camp Currie, Camp Wallace, and Camp Webb in Grayson, Ky. KOPA contribution to the program will send a child from the region for a week to learn outdoor skills. Hunting safety, fishing, and archery just are among the host of outdoors activities which youth camp-goers will have the opportunity to experience.

Tom Clay, president of KOPA, said their goal is to invest in youth, and help them experience the great outdoors.

“KOPA seeks to find ways to support endeavors for youth that promote being active outdoors, experience the beauty of nature, and engage in activities that they can enjoy for a lifetime,” Clay said.

The check of $235.00 was presented to Jessie Nelson of KYDFWR.

“I know first hand that there are many parents that would like to send their kids to Conservation Camp, but unfortunately, do not have the money to do so,” Nelson said. “So this money helps in a very big way.”

Chris Erwin, secretary of KOPA, said their organization has been doing this for a many years.

“We are the Kentucky Outdoor Press Association, and we have been doing this for a few years now. We have kids that write essays, and we have a committee for that then they pick who receives the winning essay, and that person gets a trip to Conservation Camp,” Erwin said.

Redirecting excessive amount of time spent on futile activities to outdoors fun is a better option, according to Erwin.

“What we are trying to do is get them to lay down a video game and pick up a fishing rod, or learn how to paddle a canoe,” Erwin said. “It is a hands-on thing, but most kids today spend most of their time indoors. When I was a kid, my mom and dad made me come in when the streets lights came on, and I was never inside before that. Today it is just the opposite, kids spend so much time indoors. What’s at stake is not just the kids, its the game and the outdoor ability to be able to go out and do these things. Once there’s no interest in it, it will fade away just like everything else fades away.”

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Left to right: Members of Ky. Outdoor Press Association, Sam Piatt, Wanda Claym Chris Erwin Jessie Nelson, Tom Clay.
http://portsmouth-dailytimes.aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2016/05/web1_thumbnail_IMGP5725.jpgLeft to right: Members of Ky. Outdoor Press Association, Sam Piatt, Wanda Claym Chris Erwin Jessie Nelson, Tom Clay.

By Portia Williams

[email protected]

Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.

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