LIFESTYLE
WILDLIFE ACTION INC. With A Goal "To Put Back More Than We Take" In recent years, it seems like many of us have taken an extra interest in our natural environment. It’s the place we find solace while fishing, hunting, reading, playing with our kids, and so many more activities that connect us with each other and our surroundings. In 1977, a group of seven hunters sat on the banks of the Great Pee Dee River discussing the diminishing number of ducks in South Carolina. They realized it was their ethical responsibility to help take care of our local environment, wildlife, and natural resources. This group went on to form Wildlife Action, Inc. that operates out of Mullins, South Carolina with a goal “To put back more than we take.” The original seven were M. Gault “Bunny” Beeson, David Harrelson, Ed White, Mike Brown, Terry Jordan, Kenny McDaniel, and Jack Privett. Bunny, who served four years in the U.S. Air Force and operated a variety of business enterprises dealing in retail and real estate, gave up his other careers in 1986 to work full-time for Wildlife Action (WLA). Today, WLA membership stands at over 14,000 nationwide. Members include a diverse group of men, women, and children who share a mutual concern for the earth and its inhabitants and work together for the common cause. An important element in continuing to foster the growth of WLA and groups alike is by educating our children on the importance of caring for the environment. WLA is considered a “conservation organization that focuses on putting children and families in the woods and on the waters to understand, appreciate and therefore protect our natural resources.” Part of that education comes in the form of summer camps hosted at Fork Retch Wildlife Refuge in Mullins. Each summer, children ages 6 to 16 are invited to experience a variety of Adventure Camps with WLA. Day camps, referred to as “Pioneer Camps” are for boys and girls ages 6 to 11. Kids enjoy activities like fishing and canoeing; they learn gun safety and archery; they sing songs, and most importantly, learn how to appreciate nature. Other camps include a “Pathfinder Overnight Camp” for ages 9 to 12 and a “Teen Overnight Camp” for ages 13 to 16. Both boys and girls are encouraged to attend the overnight camps. In addition to becoming more aware of our environment, the
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June2021 2021 June
