Butler County Youth Field Day introduces kids to fun in the sun
EAST BUTLER — Viewing bees, snakes, birds of prey, riding in a canoe, shooting clay pigeons ... the options were seemingly endless.
And nearly 300 youths took advantage of them during the 30th Butler County Youth Field Day, hosted by the Butler City Hunting and Fishing Club on Saturday, June 3.
Youths, ages 5 to 18, were organized into groups and took turns visiting 18 stations — each depicting a different element of what’s available to outdoor sportsmen. The youths either participate or receive some information regarding outdoor activities.
The Youth Field Day is organized by the Butler County Sportsmen for Youth. Registration was held in late April through the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
“It’s become a pretty popular event,” said Randy Pilarcik, president of the organization. “We had 325 youths registered in just a couple of days. We have to cut it off at that point.”
The stations include canoeing, archery, trapshooting, air guns and fishing. Snakes, bees and birds of prey displays were also part of the day. The state police had a helicopter on the grounds and Butler County emergency service had its armored task vehicle there for children to experience.
“Besides the outdoor activities, kids get a chance to see the police in a different atmosphere and interact with them,” said Bob Lucas, a director with the Mars Rod and Gun Club. “This is a joint venture that involves a lot of people.
“Our local clubs came up with this idea and approached the Game Commission about it. We had about 200 kids for the first one. Now these Youth Field Days are mandated throughout the state. A lot of dedicated sportsmen help out with this.”
Pilarcik said the budget for the event — which lasts nearly six hours and includes providing lunch to the children — is $10,000. The money comes through donations from local clubs and businesses.
“Without that funding, we couldn’t do this,” he said. “The snakes, bees and bird exhibits are educational things. The other stations are more participation. The idea is to get kids interested in what is outdoors.
“The average youth today is outdoors less than one hour per day. Get kids outside. This day exposes them to a whole different world.”
Kittanning resident John Hancock brought his son, Lukas, to the Youth Field Day for a third successive year.
“It’s been great,” Hancock said. “Get him exposed to different aspects of the outdoors. He likes the canoe and archery. Here, he can experience all of these different things.”
The Butler City Hunting and Fishing Club covers 200 acres, plenty of room to spread out the stations and provide a hiking trail for the youths as well.
Youths were also provided sweatshirts commemorating their day’s experience.
“Kids who were here years ago have come back with their kids,” Lucas said. “We know we’re making an impact.”
Alaina Brandt lives near the Butler City club and brought her 4-year-old daughter, Elyse Ann, out to enjoy the day.
“Just taking time with the kids ... nature can be therapeutic,” she said. “At first, kids don’t want to do this, but they find themselves enjoying the outdoors. It energizes them.
“We get a lot of positive feedback. We have to take an interest in these kids. They’re our future.”
