Whats your advice? Helping young hunter??

[GAGalHunter]

When I moved up to WA I was required to get my hunter's ed cert. In my class there was this little fella, about 12 years old. Well he just kept trying to talk my ear off the whole time and I kept looking for his Dad...no Dad. Mom...no Mom. I asked where his parents were, and he said his Aunt had been dropping him off. Felt sorry for him. On the last day I introduced myself to the aunt and told her she may want to tell the boy to be a little careful of talking to strangers (some bad folks out there these days you know). She said Oh! Youre the lady he told me about! and then said how her nephew now wanted to get into bow hunting after seeing my bow (Id brought in my bow for demonstration, the kids got a kick out of it).

So, she gave me the story- no dad, his mother has like 7 kids and he's the youngest. Wanders around alone a lot and really loves to fish and wants to hunt. The Aunt feels sorry for him because his brothers dont do much with him, so she tries to help. Most of the older family is from Laos/Vietnam so there is a language barrier, but the kid speaks perfect English, carries around a little compass, a little thing of fishing tackle, and pocket knife- typical all American boy.

Now shes asking if I can take him hunting, or fishing, or if I can maybe teach him how to shoot a bow and arrow. I work a lot with disadvantaged youth, and I advocate strongly for everyday folks being mentors- because a mentor can make all the difference at that age. But Im hesitant to help out because I dont know, so many crazies in the world these days!! And if it were with school work or tutoring Id not think twice but when you add in bows and targets and stuff like that, I feel wary helping this little guy. But I also know how it feels to have a dead-beat dad.  My step-dad was the real man in my life.

If someone came up to you, asking for that kind of help with a kid, what would you do?? Bless his heart sounds like he's got it kinda rough.

[pianoman9701]

First of all, do you have the time? He's gonna latch on and hold. Secondly, can you get a note signed by his mom saying it's OK for you to teach him about archery? That'll cover your butt in case auntie and mom aren't talking much. Sounds to me like a kid who could use a mentor if you're able, but it'll likely be a life-long relationship. Just my 

[GAGalHunter]

That is exactly what I was thinking. I have the time- I go to the archery range anywhere from 5 to 6 times a month. I also have a little brother at home his age (well, he's my half brother, but to me we're thick as thieves) so I know what you mean about latching on! And it sounded like the aunt gets frustrated because she has do to EVERYTHING with him.

I know every family has their own issues, but with that many brothers and sisters, just sad no one has time to spend with him. I guess that happens sometimes.

But you know they say to payback the good bestowed on you, and Lord knows I had some folks help me along coming up. Actually I wish I could find some sort of youth archery group he could join. I think that would be better for him.

[pianoman9701]

Here's a link that might help:
http://www.nfaa-archery.org/programs/asap/asap.cfm
You're a nice person to care about this kid.

[gaddy]

the youth archery thing sounds like a good idea. I wonder if any of the archery clubs have youth programs ?? sounds like this kid needs to bond with kids with simular interests. might keep him out of trouble & give him some role models in the people overseeing a youth program.?
And good on you for being concerned about him, most anymore would just blow it off.

[GAGalHunter]

Well I guess Im nice enough...thing is I see all these kids joining gangs and getting into trouble- and so many of them repeatedly say they join b/c they liked having a family around. I feel like if I crossed paths with this little youngun and he ended up in some trouble, Id have a hard time knowing I might couldve helped in some small way. He told me he thought game wardens were cool because they hunt and protect the animals- now who doesnt want to help a little hunter like that? As the old sayin goes you cant harvest the field without tending the crop. 

Thanks for that link, I think I might try to contact them and see what programs they might have   

[pianoman9701]

I just wrote to the NFAA to see if there are any of the after school programs in Seattle. I'll let you know if they respond, GAGal.

[firefighter4607]

I would help out for sure if I was in your shoes. You are doing a great thing. Some things to remember when doing this, do you have the proper equipment for him? Will his anut pay for his license and tags? It is one thing to help out others in need and a completely different thing for the family to pay for his hunters ed then pass off him to you. I wound hope the anut is supporting his hunting hobby 100%. I wish the best to you and once again I like your stance on taking him under your wing.

[runamuk]

Well I guess Im nice enough...thing is I see all these kids joining gangs and getting into trouble- and so many of them repeatedly say they join b/c they liked having a family around. I feel like if I crossed paths with this little youngun and he ended up in some trouble, Id have a hard time knowing I might couldve helped in some small way. He told me he thought game wardens were cool because they hunt and protect the animals- now who doesnt want to help a little hunter like that? As the old sayin goes you cant harvest the field without tending the crop. 

Thanks for that link, I think I might try to contact them and see what programs they might have 

you might check into big brothers and big sisters programs often you can use these groups to aid with the legal issues of mentoring...also 4-h even though it is typically a more rural notion these days they do operate over the us and an archery group if say you had a couple kids could easily be formed...call the extension office for your area...if seattle look up king county extension or 4-h extension......http://county.wsu.edu/king/Pages/default.aspx there saved you the hassle click that link and lots of info and if nothing seems close just fire an email to someone they usually are darn helpful...

[GAGalHunter]

Am I familiar with 4-H? LOL Heck I won the BB competition for my county, placed 2nd in state for K-9 Care, and won "Most Creative Muffin Recipe" in the baking contest (notice they didnt tell me it tasted good, just that it was creative LOL)    Hands, Head, Heart and Health! Great suggestion on the 4-H.

And good suggestion on Big Brothers- I actually thought of that myself. I need to call or email them because I think they set the boys with guys and the girls with other ladies, but that'd be great if he could get placed with a big brother, sounds like he has no male role models in the family.

Wow why didnt I ask yall earlier? 

[dannysdaddy]

i think it would be awesome for you to do if you are ready to commit 100% to this kid.  from what you have described i would say he has some serious separation issues and you leaving might not be too good for him.  i dont think there would be any trying it would be yes or no.  i would look into the big brother big sister type programs so that there is some coverage for you.

[Boss .300 winmag]

Being an asst. scout master in my community, I would try and find him a scout troop in his town. That would reap him great benefits for his future, and quite possibly kids he comes in contact with him as an adult.

[Forrestrover]

In the Washington Waterfowl and upland regs. there is info about Youth Mentor Hunts. They list a phone #- (360)-902-2515. I'm also involved with Boy Scouts and I would also recomend that he look into joining the scouts.

[lokidog]

Gaga, sounds like you have the perfect opportunity to do a two-fer with your half brother and this kid.  I would say if you have the time, go for it.  You can have an attorney write up some kind of liability type agreement, maybe even someone on here.

I did Big Bro, Big Sis for a few years and made a difference for a kid with a no-show dad and mostly worthless mom who was living with his grandmother.  I helped him get through, his mom got cleaned up and now he is a well-adjusted decent young man.

Good luck!

[boneaddict]

I see lots of opportunities in this young lads future.   Let me do some inquiries with some generous folks on here that have done things for youth in the past.   We might be able to help you out with some new gear or something.   THANK YOU for stepping up for this young man.