Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Hosts 3rd Annual Richard L. Trumka Memorial Get Youth Outdoors Day
New England youths and their families joined the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and AFL-CIO on Saturday, June 29 for the 3rd Annual Richard L. Trumka Get Youth Outdoors Day at the Point at Pintail in Queenstown, Maryland.
This free community event provided local youths with a hands-on introduction to outdoor sporting activities including fishing, clays shooting, archery and more. Local union volunteers and outdoors enthusiasts were on-site to provide participants with assistance, instruction, safety demonstrations and encouragement.
USA Staff and volunteers trained in firearm safety provided hands-on assistance and safety demonstrations for young shooters.
“I believe from the depths of my heart that the great outdoors, in all its splendor, is an essential equalizer in all walks of life. Regardless of race, age or gender identity, the innate joy of being in natural settings outdoors is an undeniable counterbalance to the day-to-day challenges many face,” said AFL-CIO Assistant to the President Isaac Gobern, who volunteered at the event. “It’s extremely important to ensure youths are exposed to the countless benefits of engaging with all facets of nature and its beauty. I am beyond grateful for the intentionality the USA prioritizes to ensure good, safe experiences and that memories are created for all who wish to partake.”
(L-R) AFL-CIO volunteers Victoria Hardey, Isaac Gobern, Andre Philemon and Noelle Philemon assisted families, provided safety instruction and ensured a positive experience for all participants.
According to USA Events Manager Chris Piltz, the 3rd annual event drew more than 100 attendees to experience a variety of outdoor activities.
“During lunch, the kids were asked to raise their hands if they had been to this event in the past or if this was their first time. It was so exciting to see it almost split right down the middle,” Piltz said. “It shows that not only are USA youth events introducing new kids to the outdoors, but participants are looking forward to coming back for more, year after year.”
Archery was a popular choice for many youths. Every child had an opportunity to shoot a bow and arrow, fish in the nearby pond, or safely experience clay target shooting.
This annual event is titled in honor of passionate outdoorsman and labor leader, late AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka, who had an incredibly strong connection to the outdoors. Even stronger was his passion for sharing that with others and ensuring a continued connection to our outdoor heritage.
