ANTHONY W.Va. (WVDN) – The Greenbrier Valley Sportsman’s Alliance will hold its 2nd annual Youth Day on Saturday, October 4, at the Greenbrier County Youth Camp in Anthony. The alliance, comprising roughly 60 members, is entirely composed of volunteers. “Every dollar we raise goes back to the kids,” says member-at-large, Ronnie Snedegar.
The event, which is open and free to children 17 years of age and younger, will begin with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided by The Patriots Motorcycle Club for participating children and their parents. The activities were carefully planned for a range of age groups, including bounce houses, fishing games and a NERF ax-throwing game for smaller children. For the older participants, activities will include slingshots, BB guns, high-power air rifles, .22 rifles, skeet machines, etc.
This year, there will be 3 archery stations, including a bullseye, regular 3D and the unveiling of several enormous targets, including a 6-foot-tall Kodiak grizzly, an 8-foot sasquatch and an 8-foot dinosaur. “I hope children leave this event with a better understanding and more love for the outdoors,” Snedegar said.
In addition to hands-on activities, children will have the opportunity to listen and learn from the experts. A gun safety talk will be provided by WV DNR officers, who will also be present at all shooting stations. “Every child that shows up will get a small backpack with eye and ear protection,” Snedegar says. For fly fishing enthusiasts, Christine Stump will be on hand offering demonstrations and lessons. Tim Flame, national champion muzzle loader, will be present to offer his expertise, along with Chad McCoy of Long Spur Tracking with his game tracking dog.
The inaugural Youth Day, held in 2024, was a success with approximately 200 participants. This year, a crowd of 300-400 is expected, indicating a big jump in attendance from last year’s event. “We will be giving away all kinds of door prizes and everything is completely free,” Snedegar reiterates. “Everything is compliments of Greenbrier Valley Sportsman’s Alliance. We will also be giving away a total of 8 firearms, which will be awarded to one girl and one boy in 4 different age groups.”
The Greenbrier Valley Sportsman’s Alliance awards scholarships to children in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Monroe and Summers counties. Although not required, monetary donations will be accepted and appreciated during this year’s Youth Day event. In addition, shirts and hats will be sold throughout the day with any profits going back to the kids. If you are unable to make a monetary donation, the alliance would greatly appreciate help in setting up and tearing down the event. “We will begin setting up on Friday afternoon at 1 p.m.,” says Snedegar. “We’ll start arriving at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning and begin tearing down at 3 p.m. Anyone who has an extra hour or two and wishes to donate your time, we’ll find something for you to do – believe me.”
For more information, to make a donation or to volunteer, search for ‘Greenbrier Valley Sportsman Alliance’ on Facebook.
