'Links to the Future' youth outdoors festival May 18 at Wolf Creek State Park

[April 20, 2013]  WINDSOR -- The annual "Links to the Future" youth outdoors festival will take place on May 18 at Wolf Creek State Park at Lake Shelbyville, and it is not too late for youth organizations and individuals from throughout central Illinois to plan to participate.

The youth festival, in its 12th year, features fishing, trapshooting, archery, slingshot shooting and other skills competitions, along with instruction on hunting, trapping, habitat enhancement, wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation safety.

"The festival -- free of charge to participating youth -- is a great event for promoting our outdoors heritage to the next generation," said Richard Glazebrook, site superintendent at Eagle Creek State Recreation Area and Wolf Creek State Park. "Many of us who enjoy hunting, fishing, camping and the outdoors want to share the excitement of outdoor activities with kids who might not have other chances to get outside. This festival links central Illinois youth to activities they can enjoy for years to come."

Activities are scheduled from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on May 18.

As a part of the festival, 26 youth will participate in the popular "Top Gun" competition involving six challenges testing their outdoors skills to determine the award-winner. Half of the competitors will represent the Lincoln Trails Boy Scout Council, while the rest of the participants in the competition can be sponsored by sporting and conservation organizations and clubs.

Organizations interested in registering youth for the Top Gun competition, or in otherwise assisting in sponsorship of the festival, can contact the Eagle Creek State Recreation Area.

The youth festival is sponsored in part by Scheels, Delta Waterfowl, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the NRA.

For more information, call the Eagle Creek/Wolf Creek site office at 217-756-8260 or email [e-mail].

[Text from Illinois Department of Natural Resources file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]