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Kootaga District Fun Day held

Chad Corliss, a parent shoots with scout Kimber Packard, 8, at the BB Gun range.

WALKER — Over 60 Cub Scouts, kids who want to be Cub Scouts and Adults attended the Kootaga District Fun Day at Camp Kootaga Saturday.

Director Michael Cidor said that the “Fun Day” is a traditional fall one day activity for kids, that gets them outdoors learning and having fun.

This year the kids got to learn fire building, where they could then make s’mores; how to use a compass and map; about the area nature, which included animals and plants native to West Virginia and how they could harm or help you; and about how to properly and safely shoot a gun (bb gun) and bow and arrows.

Cidor said these were all activities parents could join in and do with the kids.

“With COVID-19 spiking we are trying to minimize exposure while still getting together,” said Cidor.

Andrew with Pack 12, shoots a straw rocket that he made at camp.

Cidor said one of the ways they are doing this is to do activities outside and by wearing masks and social distancing inside.

“I am just so glad we could be together this year and that the kids are having a great time,” he said.

Kids were indeed having a good time, and could be found playing and learning all over thecamp.

Tod Ridenour, Scout Master of Troup 152 in Riply and the Cub Range Master was in charge of teaching the scouts how to properly shoot a gun, an activity that was a favorite among all.

Although they were only shooting a BB Gun, Ridenour took the opportunity to instill lifelong gun lessons into the kids and to remind the adults present of the rules, especially with hunting season.

Cooper Ward, 8 tries to get past Blaze Buffington, 7, and make it to base in a game of tag during the lunch hour.

“When using a gun, always follow these rules: Know your target and what is beyond; make sure the down-range area is unoccupied; be sure the gun is safe to operate; be thoroughly familiar with how the gun operates; use only the correct ammunition for your gun; wear appropriate ear & eye protection; never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting; unattended guns should not be accessible to unauthorized persons; remember: TREAT EVERY GUN AS A LOADED GUN and to be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additiona safety precautions.”

The Fundamental NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling Are: Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction; always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot and to always keep the gun unloaded until ready to shoot.

Other than learning activities, the camp also set up pool noodle tag, Ga Ga Ball and other games that the kids could enjoy.

Madeline Scarborough can be reached at mscarborough@newsandsentinel.com

Kootaga

From left, Owen Karr, 11; Spencer Karr, 5 and Clayton Karr, 7 listen as Jerry Stober, a Master Naturalist through WVDNR, educates them on region specific nature.

District

∫ The Kootaga District includes Wood, Wirt, Jackson, Roane, Ritchie, Calhoun Counties as well as Belpre and Coolville in Washington County.

∫ Throughout the year the Kootaga District takes part in many events such as scouting activities, the Pinewood Derby, service projects, summer camps, pack camping and a family camp.

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