The alarm clock rings long before sunrise.
Boots are laced. Gear is gathered. Nervous excitement fills the air as young hunters quietly make their way into the woods, many unsure of what the next few hours will bring.
For 27 young people this spring, that early morning walk marked the beginning of something much bigger than a turkey hunt.
Over two weekends, students participated in the Light Foundation’s Youth Wild Turkey Hunt programs in Ohio and Rhode Island. While the hunts provided opportunities to learn outdoor skills and experience the excitement of the spring turkey season, the true purpose of the program goes much deeper.
The Youth Wild Turkey Hunt is designed to help young people develop confidence, responsibility, leadership skills, and an appreciation for the outdoors through mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.
This year, 17 students participated in the 17th Annual Ohio Youth Wild Turkey Hunt at Chenoweth Trails, while 10 students took part in the 6th Annual Rhode Island Youth Wild Turkey Hunt through a partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).
For many participants, the weekend included first-time experiences—from entering the woods before daylight to calling in a turkey, learning hunting ethics, and spending meaningful time with mentors who were eager to share their knowledge and encouragement.
But success wasn’t measured by the number of turkeys harvested.
It was measured in the confidence gained by trying something new.
It was measured in the patience learned while waiting quietly in the woods.
It was measured in the friendships formed and the conversations shared between mentors and students throughout the weekend.
In Ohio, students spent time challenging themselves both in the field and through leadership-focused activities. They learned that leadership often means stepping outside their comfort zone, making responsible decisions, and persevering when things don’t go according to plan.
In Rhode Island, the partnership with DEM helped provide young people with opportunities to connect with experienced outdoorsmen and women while learning about conservation, wildlife management, and the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.
Across both programs, one lesson remained constant: growth happens when young people are given opportunities, guidance, and support.
The mentors, volunteers, landowners, sponsors, and partners who make these weekends possible play a critical role in that growth. Their willingness to invest their time, knowledge, and resources helps create an environment where young people can learn valuable life lessons that extend far beyond a weekend in the woods.
What began 17 years ago as a simple idea—connecting youth with strong mentors through the outdoors—has become a tradition that continues to impact lives year after year.
The memories made during these hunts will last a lifetime. More importantly, the lessons learned will continue to shape thecharacter, confidence, and leadership abilities of the young people who participated.
To everyone who supports the Youth Wild Turkey Hunt program, thank you.
Because of your generosity, 27 young people experienced more than a hunt this spring. They experienced mentorship. They experienced personal growth. And they experienced what can happen when a community comes together to invest in the next generation.
