4 minute read
Wildlife Action Inc
from June 2021
by VIP Magazine
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
overnight camps work to instill character values like responsibility, integrity, pride, teamwork, and leadership. They get involved in gardening and pottery while also searching for critters and learning about Native American History. Frank Oliver has worked with WLA for 15 years now and describes the camps as lifechanging experiences. “A number of these kids have never had the opportunity to push their boundaries and accomplish goals that perhaps they did not think they were Frank Oliver capable of, all while under our umbrella of safety and experience to catch them if they fall,” he explains. In addition to the activities, campers have the opportunity to meet other kids from all over the southeast. Frank describes these new friendships as a learning ground where “they are exposed to different ideas, different dialects, different mannerisms, and realize it is okay to not be the same.” If you are interested in learning more about WLA, visit www.wildlifeaction.com or by calling 843-4640635. There may still be space for your child to sign up for camp to have these amazing experiences. The WLA team is eager to share the great outdoors and the traditions they enjoy and together work to protect for future generations!
