Held April 14-16, 2023, at Chenoweth Trails in Greenville
The Light Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2001 by three-time Super Bowl Champion and New England Patriot, Matt Light and his wife, Susie, are inviting young people between the ages of 12-17 to apply for the annual Youth Wild Turkey Hunt! This two-day overnight camp from April 14-16 is open to first time hunters or gobbler pros. All interested youth must apply on mattlight72.com by March 10th.
The event kicks off with a welcome dinner on Friday, April 14th, at Chenoweth Trails in Greenville, Ohio. During the welcome dinner, youth hunters will meet and spend time with their mentors and take part in an orientation that covers topics like firearm safety and hunting rules and regulations. On Saturday, April 15, youth hunters, paired with their experienced mentors, will partake in a wild turkey hunt on the grounds of the Foundation’s 450-plus acre facility, Chenoweth Trails, as well as on land all over Darke County cleared for access by local landowners for the duration of the weekend. The hunt will also include a curriculum based on leadership.
Only 16 young people between the ages of 12-17 will be accepted to join the weekend hunt. They invite those interested in participating to apply on the Light Foundation website (mattlight72.com) by March 10th. Applicants are required to submit a 500-word writing assignment on how they remain focused and tune out distractions to heighten their overall success and productivity. A current Ohio hunting license, Spring turkey tag, and successful completion of a hunter safety course are also required for participation if accepted.
“This is a terrific opportunity for young people who have always had an interest in the outdoors but are looking for a mentor to take them through the next step,” says Co-Founder, Matt Light. “Mentored hunts teach responsibility and stewardship for natural resources. We’re committed to empowering young people to experience and enjoy the outdoors and inspiring the next generation of the responsible hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and leaders.”
The Light Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people develop the skills, values, and mindset they need to create a meaningful and productive future. Matt Light will be on hand for the event and welcome dinner, plus he will serve as a mentor during the youth hunt. This youth program strives towards their commitment to build opportunities for young people to experience and enjoy the outdoors and inspire the next generation of the responsible hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and leaders.
This youth program is in line with the Light Foundation’s commitment to build opportunities for young people to experience and enjoy the outdoors and inspire the next generation of responsible hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and leaders. If this is something you, your company, or Foundation would like to support, the Foundation is seeking sponsors and donors to help make the weekend event possible. Email brandi@mattlight72.com to obtain sponsorship details. You may also call the Light Foundation office – Chenoweth Trails – at 937-316-6352 to get more information. Of course, follow the Light Foundation on social media (Facebook: facebook.com/lightfoundation and Instagram: @lightfoundation) and sign up for its newsletter (mattlight72.com) to learn about more outdoor youth programs offered in Darke County.
About the Light Foundation:
The Light Foundation (www.mattlight72.com) was established in 2001 by three-time Super Bowl Champion and three-time Pro-Bowler Matt Light, and his wife, Susie. The Light Foundation strives to instill and augment the values of responsibility, accountability, and hard work by providing youth with unique outdoor learning experiences that assist them in reaching their highest potential. Its goal is to lead young people down a path to becoming responsible members of their communities who can pass on the torch of leadership and achievement to their friends and families. Light was drafted in 2001 out of Purdue University and was the anchor for the Patriots offensive line for more than a decade, before retiring in 2012. He received the third New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2005, and in 2008, was presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his outstanding work in the community by the Bush administration. In 2012, Light was named Pop Warner’s Humanitarian of the Year, in 2014, was honored with All Sports United’s Humanitarian Award, and in 2015 received the Man of the Year award from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s New England chapter. In 2018, Light was named to the Boston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list, and in 2019, was also named to the publication’s “Power 50” lineup. Matt Light was also inducted into to the New England Patriots Hall of Fame in 2018. Since its inception in 2001, the Light Foundation has raised more than $7 million for various programs and initiatives.