To: Mark Spangler – Executive Director/CEO Illinois Conservation Foundation One Natural Resources Way Springfield, IL 62702

THANK YOU !! --- for the Jakes program at Torstenson Center

Dear Mr. Spangler, ICF, NWTF, and all associated employees, volunteers, mentors, sponsors, and others who make the Jakes Youth Turkey Hunt possible.

“Thank You” for the wonderful Youth Turkey Hunt I just shared with my son Greg at the Torstenson Center. Marcia and Ken Polhamus orchestrated a weekend of relaxation, learning, adventure, and fun. We had a blast and my son and I came away with a special bond that I treasure above all else. I want to share a few bits to help you understand what this mean to us:

Who we are: I come from a non-hunting family but had the good fortune of spending my youth in the fields and woods with my buddies and our BB guns. This allowed the little hunter to develop and to connect with nature and the outdoors. In high school, we moved to a big city and I lost my connections with the outdoor life. Today, work travel and family responsibilities leave time for little else. All of a sudden I’m 49 yrs old, a father of 3 boys aged 13,14 and 22, living in the Chicago suburbs, and painfully aware that my kids have not grown up with the wonders of nature in their backyards.

I never developed hunting skills beyond the BB gun days and though we’ve gone fishing on occasion, my boys are typical suburban kids who play sports, have no clue how to hunt, and are content to spend beautiful days playing videogames in the basement. Grateful for what I have, but knowing what they’re missing, sometimes makes me want to cry.

My desperate plan: Last year I made a commitment to extend their appreciation of nature and the outdoors through hunting. This includes doing what I can to learn how to hunt and to expose my boys while they are still youth. We took Hunter Safety as a family and then bought shotguns. A huge challenge is finding places to hunt close to home and finding ways to “learn”, “practice”, and develop skills. We can’t just step in the backyard like I could as a boy in North Carolina.

Youth Program: My hopes skyrocketed when I came across the Illinois State Jakes Hunt application on the internet. Just what I needed: something to hunt, a place to do it, designed for youth, mentoring, a safe environment, and all in support of conservation. You cannot imagine the JOY! My two youngest agreed to have their names put in the drawing for a spot. Yippee, Greg’s name was pulled!

Marcia and Ken Polhamus: Soon after Marcia informed us Greg’s name was drawn, we learned my eldest would be graduating from college on the same weekend. Marcia helped us swap weekends and everything worked out. When we arrived at the lodge, they were masters at getting everyone settled in, introduced, and comfortable. They quickly won the trust and respect of my shy son and made everyone feel like family. I cannot emphasize enough how gracious Marcia and Ken were with the kids & parents … they selflessly worked their tails off to provide an ultimate experience. The lodge is a beautiful facility and gave the kids space to relax and like billiards to get to know each other.

Ken was our hunting mentor and let Greg know that this hunt was for him and really made him feel special. Greg learned a few life lessons about patience, persistence, focus, practice, and teamwork.

In the blind, Ken put on a real clinic. He was a tireless caller, a perpetual optimist, and did a great job showing us how to work the possibilities through 7 hours of sitting on a stool. Amazingly, my son stuck it out and was eager to return day 2 for another go. Due again to Ken’s optimism and perseverance, Greg was able to harvest a Turkey on that fine Mother’s Day. The kid that never likes his picture taken sports a winner’s happy grin in every shot. First in the family to get a turkey and he won’t let his older brother or Dad forget it! As thrilled as I’ve ever seen him.

In life we give everything we’ve got for our kids and sometimes it’s still hard to connect. This Youth Hunt getaway weekend provided a unique experience that allow Greg and I to share something special that we’ll smile back upon and cherish forever. Thank you.

Sincerely,        Hichem  and  Greg  Bouraoui          (Arlington  Heights,  IL)  

 

Thank  You  Illinois  Conservation  Foundation  for  the  Jakes  Youth  Turkey  Hunt  !!