Youth Development

Foreword:

In acknowledgment of the importance of youth development, the Association took a strategic decision last year to create a new and dedicated Youth Portfolio. This new portfolio was tasked with the primary objective of consolidating an approach towards Youth Development Programmes.

The focus would be twofold:

1. Promoting the Association and its ideals to the youth within our neighbourhoods
2. And to nurture an appreciation of the broader principles of biodiversity and conservation through experiential adventure-based wilderness activities.

As a new portfolio, much of the initial quarter of the year has been dedicated toward research and networking. The intention being to formulate a draft Youth Development Programme, consider venues, course material/content and prepare for all the practical and theoretical considerations necessary for running programmes of this nature.

Whilst research and planning continues, enthusiasm grows, with the increased realization of the importance Youth Development Programmes play in ensuring the next generation of adults develop into responsible, considerate, ethical, upstanding and disciplined members of both the Association and it’s wider communities.

Mid year achievements:

Whilst work remains, progress has been made towards formulating a Youth Development Programme:

• Draft guidelines for future Youth Development Programmes are advanced
• Participation in The HCA Youth Wilderness Training Programme.

Draft guidelines for Youth Development Programmes:

As a package, programme guidelines will include notes to the co-ordinator; parent briefing documents, pertinent definitions, course content and examination criteria.  Course content will remain adventure based, practical and most importantly fun, designed not only to impart life skills, but skills and knowledge relating to conservation, stewardship, bush-craft, fishing, hunting, firearm safety and first aid etc.

Whilst the programme will form a foundation for the practical and theoretical components of the CHASA Senior Hunters Course, it is also anticipated to encourage much interest in wilderness conservation and the outdoors.

Participation in The HCA Youth Wilderness Training Programme:

On invitation from one of its’ members, David Padbury, the Association participated in a Youth Wilderness Training Programme for 48 Grade 7 pupils from Hillcrest Christian Academy (HCA) whom is based in the upper highway area. The programme, designed, developed and overseen by David provided vast insight into the varied aspects that contribute toward successful youth programmes.

The Association’s contribution toward the HCA programme took the form of a talk on firearm safety/practical application and included a demonstration on the skinning and dressing of an animal.

From aerial food drops from light aircraft to night raids on “poachers” camps the boys and girls had a fantastic experience, which they will never forget! Whilst all had adventure and fun, the educational content and “life-lessons” learnt were considerable.

Discussions are underway with David to form a strategic partnership to develop an annual Youth Development Programme for The Association.

Other youth activities:

The Association has several other youth activities on the cards. These include the old favourites as well as new initiatives:

• Sponsored Hunts for juniors
• Lads and Dads
• Junior Shooters League.

Sponsored Hunts for juniors:

Preparations are underway to prepare the selected juniors for their sponsored hunts. The juniors have attended a range day to ascertain levels of shooting competency and received instruction on hunting technique and firearm safety.  The preparation and coaching of junior hunters is considered of paramount importance. Necessitating a training progression many months prior to any form of hunting taking place. Future programmes will be structured over a 2-year period, with the first year dedicated solely to training and instruction. Proceedings at Hammond range where overseen by Petrus Scholtz to whom the Association extends its gratitude.

Lads and Dads:

The Association is in the process of restructuring the annual Lads and Dads event, to align with youth development and junior hunter’s programmes. Whilst no Lads and Dads event will be held this year, it is anticipated that future initiatives will become extremely popular and provide an invaluable contribution toward youth development within a broader context.

Junior Shooters League:

Plans are afoot to establish a Junior Shooters League. Investigations into suitable ranges, possible indoor to accommodate Junior League shoots continue. Strategic planning is underway, via the hunting committee, to formulate a procedure for identifying candidates, sourcing suitable weapons, securing medals and prizes etc. It is the intention to include a component of firearm safety within the league and to work towards integration of the league within the broader objectives of the Associations Youth Development Programme.