DRAKE GOES TO SUMMER CAMP!

There's one thing Drake Waterfowl likes better than duck hunting and that's kids. That's the reason we started Drake Young Guns Hunt Club™ and that's why we decided to drive over 600 miles to Pinewood, South Carolina to check out Camp Woodie International Youth Waterfowl Education Center. Along for the ride were Drake co-founder Tate Wood with 9 year old son Wil, Drake Creative Director Mike Womack and 8 year old son Noah, and Drake Marketing/PR Director, Clay White.

With the launch of Young Guns Hunt Club, Drake's goal is to build a community of young hunters through education and entertainment utilizing the web, workshops and hunting events. With the website firmly in place, we wanted to experience one of the countries leading youth events. Camp Woodie is a 5 day camp offered throughout the summer by the South Carolina Wildfowl Association. It's main purpose is to introduce kids to hunting and fishing through education and firearm safety but the main goal is to create a positive outdoor experience. Each day is packed with shooting skeet, archery, rifle range, swimming, and canoeing, as well as activities such as mudwrestling, capture-the-flag, campfire skits, and just good ol' horsing around the bunkhouses, equipped with foosball and pool tables. The lakes on the property are stocked with thousands of greenheads creating the perfect ambience for a waterfowl camp.

The log-style dining hall and bunkhouses created a great atmosphere but the World-Class facility, gear, and equipment was only a part of Camp Woodie's charm and success. The young, energetic staff is why we believe the kids keep coming back year after year. They did a great job of walking that fine line between "buddy" and "mentor" to keep the kids happy and safe. One of the highlights of our trips was to watch timid kids who have never handled a firearm loose their fear and build confidence on the range. Just to fire the weapon was a big accomplishment for some and to see the faces when they hit a skeet for the first time was absolutely priceless. And whether they hit or missed, counselor was standing there every time to give them a high-five and tell them what a great job they had done. They were perfect role models for young boys on the journey to becoming outdoorsmen.

Wil WoodNoah WomackOur kids had a blast and have already asked to return next year. Within a few short days, Wil made huge progress on the skeet range while Noah became a dead-eye with the .22. We saw each kid build knowledge and confidence throughout the week. Drake gives Camp Woody 2 big "thumbs-up" and are proud to have sponsored such a fine camp. And if you plan on taking a vacation in the area, you should consider signing the kids up for a week. In a few short days, they will build memories to last a lifetime. to learn more, click on CAMP WOODIE at scwa.org.