The outdoors, to many today in our urbanized world, is a brief encounter with air and sun or air and rain between buildings or a building and a vehicle. A recent survey by “The Outdoor Foundation” found that outdoor participation of youth aged 6 to 17 dropped 16.7 percent in 2008. The most staggering was kids aged 6 to 12 at 9 percent.

The Kids Outdoor Zone Youth Outdoor Adventure Program for schools introduces kids, both boys and girls, to hunting, fishing, hiking, archery, outdoor safety, outdoor cooking, survival skills and much more. It also creates mentors in the lives of the kids who participate. These mentors are seasoned outdoor enthusiasts who also have a heart for kids and teaching them the waning traditions of the outdoors.

“I love this stuff,” explained James, one of the first KOZ members at Paredes.  “I never get outside. My brothers and sisters just like to sit around.”

“I have never been hunting and only fishing once, but it was fun!” chimed in Haley as the group sat in a circle under the warm afternoon sun.

“The kids are so hungry for so many different parts of what KOZ offers,” explained T.J. Greaney, KOZ founder. “The outdoors is crucial, but they also crave adults who will participate in their lives. Adults who listen, teach and listen some more. Not all the kids are green horns when it comes to the outdoors; some of the boys in our group have a lot of hunting experience and they are more than happy to share their adventures with the others. It is a lot of fun!”

The program may be available in your area contact the office below for details.

To donate or get information on the KOZ School program please contact TJ @ 512-789-3838, or tj@kidsoutdoorzone.com