Tomorrow's Hunters. Today's Teachers.
Hunting doesn’t survive without the people who replace us. That’s why youth hunter education comes first for our chapter. We fund two programs that put that work front and center. In addition, we sponsor youth shooting and conservation activities throughout our region.
Why Education Comes First
Every survey of new hunter recruitment tells the same story: the kids who get into hunting are the kids who had someone show them how. The teachers who defend hunting in the classroom are the teachers who’ve seen it for themselves. Our chapter funds two programs aimed at exactly those two audiences — the next generation of hunters, and the educators who shape what they learn about hunting.
Teacher Impact
"Read past attendees' stories to see how AWLS transformed their classroom teaching approach."
American Wilderness Leadership School
AWLS is the flagship education program of the SCI Foundation. It’s located at Granite Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The immersive, multi-day program is built primarily for teachers. For example, they get hands-on instruction in wildlife management, shooting sports, conservation policy, hunting ethics and outdoor skills.
The teachers come back changed. Then they take what they’ve learned into classrooms across Ohio, Pennsylvania and the rest of the country. As a result, students hear a fuller story about hunting, conservation and the people who do both. Our chapter sponsors AWLS scholarships every year, sending educators from our region to Wyoming on the chapter’s dime. It’s one of the highest-leverage investments we make.
Millcreek Marksmen 4-H Club
The Millcreek Marksmen 4-H Club teaches kids the fundamentals of shooting sports —
- firearm safety, marksmanship,
- range etiquette,
- and the discipline that comes with handling a rifle.
Our chapter has been a primary sponsor for years.
Like all good youth hunter education, 4-H shooting sports does more than turn out kids who can shoot. It produces young adults who understand what’s behind the trigger —
- the responsibility,
- the legal framework,
- the ethics,
- the conservation context.
For most members of this chapter, that’s exactly the kind of recruitment we want to see.
50+
ACTIVE MEMBERS
100%
SAFETY RECORD
Youth hunter education events across the region
Beyond AWLS and 4-H, the chapter sponsors youth event days throughout the year — youth hunts, range days, conservation outings, and school-based programs. However, our goal isn’t to manufacture trophy hunters. It’s to make sure the next generation knows what hunting really is before someone else tells them.
Support youth hunter education
Become a Member
Your SCI membership through our chapter is the year-round funding base for everything on this page.
Donate to Education
Designate your donation to AWLS scholarships, 4-H sponsorship, or general youth education.
Volunteer at a Youth Day
Range officers, mentors, and helpers are needed at every youth event. If you can shoot, score, or talk to a kid, we need you.