The Best of 2011

As we all get ready to wrap up yet another year the best always has to include the outdoors.  This post is to get some interaction on the great and almost great of this year.

It was definitely a busy year for us helping Spencer, Mikey and Justin get their first deer. Y.O.U.  www.youthoutdoorsu.org was on a mission to introduce some very amazing youth with disabilities enjoy the outdoors as we do.  What a thrill and we wouldn’t have traded those moments for anything.  Congrats boys and great job.

Of course we tried to squeeze in some hunting time of our own.  This year was thrilling and disappointing.  Interesting with hunting the “almost” keeps you coming back. Learn from your mistakes and prepare for next year.

Here’s some things I learned this year overall.  These are just a few.

1.  “Hunting is not a beauty contest” – Agreed and I understand but there’s nothing better than great looking hunting clothing!

2.  “The more you give, the more you get”  – It doesn’t matter where you give but when you do expecting nothing in return you will be blessed.

3.  “You Find Out Who Your Friends Are” – Throughout this year we definitely found out who are true friends are.  Those that stick by you when you do or say something stupid are a gift.  Those that are there for you when times are tough and don’t judge are also a gift.  Those that are always fun to be with without drama are definitely a gift!

4.  “French Fries or Tator Tots” – This is definitely a New Years Resolution for me.  Make a choice and give it a chance to reward you.  I don’t know how many times in hunting or fishing that I think I should move and sure enough I should have stayed.  Cracks me up and irritates me at the same time.

5.  “Just Do It” – Sometimes the things we don’t achieve are because we spend too much time wondering if it will work.  Sometimes you just have to believe enough to give it a shot and take the shot.

6. “There’s Always Something Good That Comes Out Of Everything” – This wraps up all the things on your list.

7.  “I Am So Thankful For Freedom” – It is awesome that we see all of us appreciate the fact that our freedom is not free.  Thank you to our military and their families who sacrifice so much to keep us free.  They do it willingly and without hesitation.  I AM THANKFUL!

These are just a few of mine.  What about you?  So here’s to a great year in 2011 and 2012 “BRING IT ON”!!

I’d love to hear from you.  Email me at you@youthoutdoorsu.org.

This post dedicated to my daughter who is one of my heros and teaches me every day.

Thanks Erica for your service   in the Navy and opening my eyes to what can be and to never give up.

Love you!

Mom

11 Year Old Boy With One Arm Bags His First Buck

Justin Ristine,
 
Justin came to Youth Outdoors Unlimited in March of 2011 with an interest in being able to hunt with his dad so his parents enrolled him in a hunter’s education class.  His mother, Jennifer, was pretty hesitant about Justin hunting because he only had one arm.  While in the hunter’s ed class, Justin’s family met another disabled youth, Mikey Williamson, who was taking his class; which is the first thing that Youth Outdoors Unlimited asks a youth to do if they have a desire to apply for a hunting trip.  Not only is this a requirement to get your hunting license, but it also helps our directors decide which youth are ready for a hunting adventure and which ones aren’t.  As we all know this is not about age but about the desire and cognitive ability to become a safe and ethical hunter. 
 
After Justin very successfully passed his class, Y.O.U. made arrangements for Justin to come to Central Washington for his first shooting training, one of four.    Well balanced gun rests and modified rifles are key for youth missing limbs or who shoot from a wheelchair as they don’t have the same stability as most youth.  Justin was hesitant at first but with hours of one on one coaching from hunt coordinator, Joe Carpenter, Justin soon became confident in handling the 243 rifle that he would be hunting with.  By the last training Justin was calling out shots and with incredible success in his accuracy.  Justin is a perfectionist and we were very confident in his ability to make a clean shot during his hunt.    
 
Justin’s hunt took place in Colfax, WA on private property offered up to Youth Outdoors Unlimited for one of our disabled youth.  Tom and Cheryl Kammerzell, owners of Maple K Farms, LLC were incredible.  Their instant love and connection with Justin was heart warming and showed through their hard work of preparation and communication to Youth Outdoors Hunt Coordinator, Joe Carpenter.  We enjoyed a great dinner and conversation around the campfire the night before Justin’s hunt as we talked about how incredible this young man was. 

Opening day the guys all headed to the blind that had been built and set on this property for months before Justin’s Hunt and the spotting crew Curt and Cindy headed to the hillside behind the hunting area to spot and prepare Justin for what deer movement was taking place.    These blinds (lumber donated by ProBuild)  are critical for a youth with a disability.  Not only comfort but for the extended equipment necessary for stability.  Hunt team in the blind  including Justin, was his dad Roy, his hunting guide Joe and his cameraman Jeff Burnworth.  The wait was on!  We all know the patience needed in hunting and Justin soon learned the hours of waiting and watching that would be necessary to become a successful hunter.  It would not be about the harvest of the animal but the hours of conversation with his hunting mates, the hours around the campfire and the excitement of that elusive buck.  Day one was filled with excitement and as they guys left the blind at the end of the day they talked about what tomorrow might bring. 

First day brought excitement and the opportunity to see lots of deer movement but no opportunity to get that buck that Justin had been dreaming of all year.  It was all good!  The time with his parents in deer camp and hanging out with his new hunting family (Youth Outdoors Unlimited) taught Justin what hunting is all about. 

Day two and the last day of Justin’s hunt brought another day of excitement.  We were all tired and the early morning heading for the blind is all about the experience.  This morning had some weather not necessarily prime for hunting.  The fog set in and as Justin and his hunt team sat in the blind for the morning they saw no deer movement.  They took a break after 6 hours of watching to head back to camp and get some much needed breakfast.  Joe talked with Justin again about the fact that hunting is not about a kill but had he had the trip of a lifetime.  Justin was excited and prepared for the fact that he may not get that opportunity all hunters hope for.  He was now a lifelong hunter and would look forward to the hunting season each year from now on. 

Day two, afternoon in the blind.  The weather had cleared up and the guys visited recounting the weekend and how great it was.   The deer weren’t moving and as we all waited for shooting hours to end, Wait!!!  On the hillside out the front blind window a buck walks out.  Justin didn’t have a clear shot so they waited to see if he’d move out to a shootable position.  Joe asked me if I could see this buck.  I had to move my position across the hillside to get a different view.  Yes, I had the buck in my binoculars and a second buck appears.  Now the hearts are pounding!!!!  Justin was ready and waiting for the OK from Joe that this buck was legal and he could take the shot.  Doing just like Joe had taught him:  Don’t look at the deer, pick the vital spot and get ready.  Like a lifelong experienced hunter Joe gave Justin the OK that this yes was the buck he could shoot and Boom….  That deer dropped!  Justin had made a clean shot through the heart  and as the congratulations rang and the tears from his Y.O.U. family fell we all got to the hillside where this 11 year old boy with one arm had completed the hunt of a lifetime. 

Youth Outdoors Unlimited, Y.O.U. is so incredibly proud to be a part of Justin’s first hunting experience.  He is the perfect example of the possibilities inspit of the disabilities.  We have other youth like Justin that we are honored to introduce to the great world of hunting and fishing.  Y.O.U. is a Central Washington based 501(c)3 non-profit corporation which takes youth diagnosed with a life threatening illness or physical disability on DREAM outdoor adventures. 

Thank you’s are a must for those companies that support Youth Outdoors Unlimited and our Youth.  Wholesale Sports in Burlington Washington outfitted Justing from head to toe.  Thank you Jay and your crew for providing a coat, bibs, boots, gloves, hats and a gear bag for Justin for his hunt.  He loved it and your company makes it easier for us to help more youth.  Also thank you to Bob Kenner, taxidermist in Moses Lake, WA who is doing a shoulder mount for Justin.   A big thank you to the Mule Deer Foundation who donated the 243 rifle to Youth Outdoors and to Aaron Davidson of Gunwerks and Paul Neese of Vortex Optics for the extensive gun modification which was done to make this rifle comfortable and safe for Justin to hunt with.  This rifle will remain in the Y.O.U. organization for future youth like Justin to hunt with.  Thank you again to Tom and Cheryl Kammerzell, property owners in Colfax, WA for opening your hearts and your property to our youth.  You are amazing and we are so honored to consider you both part of the Y.O.U. family!  Youth Outdoors Unlimited has funded the processing of Justin’s deer meat for the family to enjoy. 

If you would like more information or would like to make a financial contribution to help us on our mission to introduce these differently-abled youth to the outdoors please either visit our website at www.youthoutdoorsu.org or email us at you@youthoutdoors.com.  Wish It, Dream It, Do It!!!

Let the outdoor adventures begin…

If God Brings You To It, He Will See You Through It!

When we first started Youth Outdoors Unlimited, Y.O.U.  it was a passion for hunting and fishing and a desire to share this great outdoor world with youth that we considered less fortunate.  This shortly became so far from the truth as these families and kids quickly taught us.   These kids and their families do not consider themselves less fortunate but very fortunate and they have a real desire to help others who are less fortunate then them.  Boy were we surprised at what we would learn over the coming year.
 
Shortly before our late archery hunting season I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Mike Macko with A Hunt Above.  The youth that I first read about from Mike and his group was a boy named Nick who was born with no legs, one arm and on the one arm he had one finger.  One finger was enough to pull the trigger on his rifle which harvested a beautiful 3 pt buck.  I was so touched by this story and with my new found passion for big game hunting I let my husband and hunting partners know that I wanted to start an organization to take youth like Nick on hunting and fishing trips.  These so inspiring kids should be able to experience the ultimate thrill of hunting (regardless of a harvest) as I was experiencing.  Of course my husband Joe, Don and Chris and Curt were all in.  Immediately we started contacting Private Land Owners for permission to bring our youth hunting on their property.  We have been blessed thanks to Wilson Creek residents, Tom and Cheryl Kammerzell of Maple K Farms and landowners in Spokane, WA
 
 I consulted with Mike when we got home from deer camp and he gave me our list of things we would need to do.  We would need an attorney and become incorporated and get our 501(c)3 status.  So that’s exactly what we did.    Of course we didn’t have any money so we had to get all of our services donated.  We gathered a group of directors, established a mission and moved forward.  Thanks to the donated services of our attorney and our website designers Heidi and Jason Backus we started looking for our first youth.  And then we were blessed.  Don called us and told us he’d found our first youth! First thing, we got him enrolled in Hunter’s Ed.  What an incredible blessing Spencer and his family have been to our organization.  He teaches us everyday that it’s ok to ask about his condition, it is what it is!  But guess what and more important.  He’s going on his first deer hunt October 15th and that’s all you need to know.
 
This is Spencer Kimbro.  Spencer was born with Spina Bifida and so many other medical challenges too numerous to mention.  He was also born with a lower limb deficiency which caused him to be missing the lower portion of his left leg.  Spencer turned 11 this year and has had over 15 surgeries.  Although the doctors never thought Spencer would survive to delivery let alone beyond he continues to prove them wrong.  He is strong, a character and a leader in this organization.  He has a passion for the outdoors and doesn’t let any physical disability keep him from being just like any other boy.  He is so upper body strong and if he can’t get somewhere in his wheel chair he is out of it and traveling on his hands. He is excited and well prepared for his hunt. 

 
Because of Spencer’s Spina Bifada we immediately contacted the Seattle Spina Bifida Association to let them know we were looking for more kids. 

 What a thrill to get a call from Nicole Williamson and her son.  Mikey had a real interest in hunting from watching the Outdoor Channel and his mom was looking for an organization to guide him through the process.  She was thrilled to hear of us and we were thrilled for our next youth.  Of course we asked them to immediately enroll Mikey in Hunters Ed.  This really lets us know which kids are capable and ready for hunting and which ones aren’t.  Mikey is smart as a whip and also passed his Hunter’s Ed test with flying colors.  Mikey is not 100% restricted to his wheelchair and walks with the aid of crutches.  He plays Quad Rugby, Skis and any other sport he can get his hands on.  He does have a unique challenge because he is missing parts of his fingers on each hand.  (Again, part of the side effects of youth born with Spina Bifida).  With the creativeness from the team of guys at Red Dawn Tactical we began a gun stock modification specifically fit for Mikey’s hands.  Chad and his crew measured, sketched and went back to their shop with this specific mission in mind.  With a 9 inch gun stock and a specially built thumb rest Mikey was very successful at our last training session.  We so enjoy Mikey’s humor and his desire to be the best.  Because of Mikey’s Hunter’s Ed class we met Justin! 
 
 Justin is a healthy 12 year old boy who was born without his right arm.  His dad and grandpa have always had a passion for hunting and were excited to have our help to teach him how to handle a firearm safely and confidently in spite of the missing of a limb.  Justin is a perfectionist!  Since he has never had a right arm he has learned to do everything without it including playing Guitar Hero on expert with his left hand and right foot!  Do you think that’s weird – we think its AWESOME!!!  If you’ve ever played Guitar Hero it’s not easy and he Rocks, literally. 
 
Have these kids inspired you yet?  We’re not done.  We just accepted our next youth from Eolia, MO.  Zack Winkle is a 13 year old boy born with Muscular Dystrophy.  Although Zack is confined to his wheelchair he is a straight A student and let us know that if he gets his deer next year that he would like to donate the meat to someone less fortunate than him.  Wow!  We will be flying Zack and his two parents to WA for the next fall buck hunting season.  
 
People are trying to be encouraging and tell us what a great job we are doing.  Although we appreciate the encouragement we are not doing anything special, we are the blessed ones.  The fact that these families would share their amazing gifts with us and all of you will change our lives forever and hopefully yours.  Please look past a person’s disability or an illness, get to know them, ask their story.  These kids are not Disabled but Differently Abled.  When you find out what they can do it will definitely put perspective in your life. 
 
Thanks for letting us share and we can’t wait to share more.  Follow Spencer, Mikey and Justin’s fall hunts on our website.   You can also follow us on facebook where we post lots of pictures.  Spencer’s mom has been doing special blog posting from a mom’s point of view.  It is a must read!
 
Want to help?  Shoot me an email anytime at you@youthoutdoorsu.org – there are lots of ways to help and it doesn’t all revolve around giving money.  Since we started this journey we have been blessed to connect with additional landowners  who have since offered land for Turkey hunts, guided hunts  from Alan Fowles of TrophyCreek.com, guided fishing trips and it contues to grow.
 
Mission Statement – Youth Outdoors Unlimited, Y.O.U. is a Central Washington based 501(c)3 non-profit corporation organized to take youth who have been diagnosed with a life threatening illness or physical disability and who have a DREAM WISH to hunt or fish on their own outdoor adventure. 
 
Y.O.U. Fully funds all expenses associated with these trips including getting our kids outfitted from head to toe, cutting and wrapping of any meat harvested on a hunt, taxidermy, if desired, and video and pictures associated with their trips.  We do not want these families to have to spend a dime for their youth to enjoy the great world of hunting and fishing as most of them already have enough medical expenses.  All trips include travel, food and lodging for a youth and two parents or guardians.  More information available on our website.
 
Thanks for listening.  We love to brag about these kids and can’t wait for the next gift.  We are their voice to the world!  Look past their disability and let their incredible spirits touch you.  You will be forever changed.
 
  Cindy

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