Weatherby Foundation International’s Outdoor Expo Program Continues Rapid Expansion Across the U.S.
Weatherby Foundation International (WFI) continues to see tremendous growth in its outdoor expo program, encouraging increasing numbers of youth and families to enjoy nature by hunting, fishing and taking part in other activities.
WFI-sponsored expos are scheduled for 28 locations in 19 states this year, with an estimated 280,000 people expected to attend. In 1998, the first year of the program, WFI sponsored two expos in Wyoming and Texas. Over the years, more than one million people have participated in WFI-sponsored expos. About 450,000 were less than 18 years old.
States receiving expo grants and other support from WFI in 2008: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
In addition, WFI was a sponsor of the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) Program tournament in May. Held in Louisville, Ky., it was the largest archery tournament in U.S. history with more than 3,000 entrants representing 175 schools from 22 states.
Through WFI’s outdoor expo program, state wildlife agencies and other non-profit organizations receive grants and other support for planning, developing and conducting expos. Expo Program Coordinator Dave Lockman is available for one-on-one support, to conduct group workshops or pass along a comprehensive planning guide.
Outdoor expos are free events providing hands-on introductory experiences for youth and families in a wide range of pastimes including shooting, fishing, canoeing, camping and wildlife observation. Conservation education is a key offering at most expos.
Since 1998, WFI has provided nearly $1 million for start-up and maintenance grants, as well as planning assistance and other support. Because of this growth and success, WFI welcomes donations to continue support of the program.
“Taking part in outdoor activities is a great way for families to spend time together, but if you don’t know how to fish or get ready for a hunting or camping trip, it can be difficult to get started,” said WFI President Craig Boddington. “The outdoor expo helps youth and families learn the basics so they can begin enjoying the outdoors. It is also a focal point for outdoor organizations to rally around and work together in the common cause of promoting outdoor education and participation.”
For more information about the outdoor expo program, contact Dave Lockman at wyodave@qwestoffice.net or (307) 635-3865. Or visit www.weatherby-foundation.org.
Weatherby Foundation International was established in 1988 in memory of Roy E. Weatherby (founder of Weatherby, Inc.). For more information or to make a contribution, write the foundation at 145 N. Westhaven Drive, Suite BB204, Oshkosh, Wis. 54904; or call 920-385-7252. The foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are deductible.
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