KENTON, Tenn. - More than 2,200 young people are expected to enjoy a day of fishing, archery and outdoor education at the West Tennessee Youth Outdoor Jamboree Oct. 21 at Kenton school and city park in Kenton, Tenn.

The Jamboree is part of the JAKES® program and hosted by the National Wild Turkey Federation, Tennessee Wildlife Federation and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

"I had the idea of the Jamboree because I wanted to utilize my love of hunting and fishing to get our area kids interested and off the streets," said Rob Somerville, editor of West Tennessee Outdoors Magazine and co-founder of the Jamboree. "It's time we taught our kids that a buck is a majestic white-tailed deer and not just something to spend at the mall."

Activities include expert speakers on hunting and fishing subjects, hunting and fishing demonstrations, kids casting contest, archery, retriever and turkey netting demonstrations, calling contests, taxidermy displays, live animals, music and more. Thousands of dollars in door prizes will be given away. In addition, more than 100 vendors will be selling their outdoor goods at discounted prices.

JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) is the NWTF's education and outreach program for members 17 and younger. Developed in 1981, the JAKES program is dedicated to informing, educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation and the wise stewardship of our natural resources. Xtreme JAKES, created in 2002, is for teens 13-17 years old, and provides opportunities and challenges more in-line with older JAKES members' abilities and experiences.

"This is a great way for us to introduce the outdoors to a lot of young people," said Dr. Tim Agee, president of the local NWTF chapter, the Bottomland Limbhangers. "There are lots of people who have an interest in wildlife and conservation activities, but don't know where to start. We help teach them about the outdoors."

The Limbhangers began their association with the Jamboree six years ago. Since that time, numerous local chapters have participated. With the growth of the event, not only have NWTF members gotten involved, but this year nearly 200 sponsors will donate time, money and goods.

The first event in 1996 drew 75 participants, and each of the past three years more than 2,000 youth have attended the Jamboree. Due to the outstanding way the event is run, the Tennessee State NWTF chapter earned the 2006 Best NWTF State JAKES® Event award at the NWTF's 30th annual National Convention and Sport Show. This coveted award is given to the single best JAKES event held in the country.

We have people from across Tennessee and out of state attending," said Agee. "With all the activities, this event has a festival atmosphere."

This event is free to all youth age 16 and younger. An adult must accompany those 12 and younger. Registration starts at 7 a.m. The event will kick off at 9 a.m. and the activities will last until 3 p.m. Lunch will be provided. For more information about the West Tennessee Youth Outdoor Jamboree, call Rob Somerville at (731) 446-8052 or e-mail twoww@ocol.net.

"It is a lot of work to put this on," said Somerville. "But when we look out amongst the throng of smiling youngsters blowing duck calls and carrying fishing poles, it is worth every bit of effort we put into it."

For more information about JAKES and Xtreme JAKES, call (800) THE-NWTF.