PARKER — Seven youths played between trips to the woods on the second day of their two-day hunting event Oct. 23 and 24 at the Six Points Pavilion playground.

The group came to the pavilion for lunch and a gun safety lecture and planned to return to the woods near Six Points, where residents encouraged and aided in the hunting on their properties.

The children played on the swings and the merry-go-round, dressed in camouflage and neon orange vests and caps.

Next to the seesaw lay doe carcuses with tags attached to their ears, ready for the butcher.

As the hunters returned, they dropped to their knees and held their kill by the ears to show its face to Nevin's Hunting Friends organizer Daniel Burns of Chicora, who snapped their photographs and posted them to the organization's Facebook page.

Before food arrived, Burns stood with a few adults around two doe, both killed that morning. One was shot by his son, Nevin, who struggles with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

The other doe belonged to Danner Sweeney whose father, Jeffrey Sweeney of Chicora, and his brother, Jason Sweeney of East Brady, looked at the deer as Denner and Nevin played in the playground.

Jeffrey Sweeney rattled with emotion. Sweeney said he was in shock that Danner harvested his first deer, a feat that he thought at one time he would never see.

“It's just unbelievable,” Sweeney said. “First shot. He knocked him right down.”

Occasionally Danner would scurry back to the deer to examine it.

“I got a doe. I shot it right here,” Danner said, pointing to small entry wound. “I'm gonna eat it.”

The group around him joked that he'll eat the whole thing, and they laughed harder when Danner agreed.

“I really like jerky,” Danner said.

Because of Goldenhar Syndrome, skeletal deformities and reconstructive surgery, Danner can't compete in many activities like other children.

“He can't play any sports or recess with the other kids, and that bothers him,” Sweeney said.

Sweeney said his son's health problems have confused Danner's doctors, including the peculiar placement of the boy's heart, which is in the middle of the chest rather than slightly to the left.

“He usually has 12 doctor visits a year,” he said. “(The doctor) can't tell what bones go where.”

Sweeney said he was thankful to Burns and the community for putting the event together.

“It gives hope to these kids,” Sweeney said. “Danner is a miracle. I'll never forget today.”

Burns started Nevin's Hunting Friends this year after similar hunting groups, which catered to the needs of physically challenged children, disbanded or changed their programs.

By the event's end, five of the seven children harvested does, taking home meat and proud smiles to their families. Burns said he hoped all the children made lasting memories and new friends.

“To me, it was a success,” he said. “I am so excited for these kids.”

Burns said he will continue the event twice a year, planning for a time during turkey season as well.

“We're hoping to double each year with more participants, more volunteers and more sponsors,” he said.

Burns said organizing the event was easier with the help of this year's volunteers and with Six Points residents. Burns said the experience opened his eyes to the power a community wields.

“People I don't even know helped out,” Burns said. “It's exciting, and it's even better when they get a deer.”

Burns said he is already planning fundraisers for the youth turkey hunt, which is set April 23 at the same location.

Those interested in participating as either a hunter or volunteer may contact Burns through his Facebook group or by e-mail at djburns40@yahoo.com.

Nevin said he was excited to harvest a doe, although, he has been hunting before.

Nevin had attended events like this in other counties, but this one felt special because his father was doing it for him.

“I feel thankful,” Nevin said.

“It's not just about getting a deer,” Nevin said. “It's about me and every other kid that comes.”