Set for April 11-13, 2025, in Darke County, Ohio
Greenville, Ohio – The Light Foundation, a nonprofit established by three-time Super Bowl Champion and New England Patriot, Matt Light, and his wife, Susie, is excited to announce the opening of applications for the 16th Annual Youth Wild Turkey Hunt. This immersive, two-day outdoor camp invites young hunters, ages 12-17, to apply for an unforgettable weekend of adventure, mentorship, and leadership. The event will take place from April 11-13, 2025, at the Foundation’s Chenoweth Trails facility in Greenville, Ohio. Applications are open now through March 10, 2025, at mattlight72.com.
The event will begin with a Kick-Off dinner on the evening of Friday, April 11, where participants will meet their mentors and landowners, learn about hunting safety, and hear more about the Light Foundation. On Saturday, April 12, youth hunters will partner with experienced mentors for a wild turkey hunt across the 400+ acre Chenoweth Trails property and additional land in Darke County and surrounding areas cleared for hunting. The hunt will also include a curriculum focused on leadership development and responsible hunting practices.
This year, only 16 spots are available, and the Foundation encourages all interested youth hunters to apply through the Foundation’s website. Applicants must provide a 500-word essay based on “A conversation with a hunter.” Additionally, selected participants must have a current Ohio hunting license, Spring turkey tag, and have completed a hunter safety course.
“We’re thrilled to offer this incredible opportunity once again,” said Matt Light, Co-Founder of the Light Foundation. “This event is about more than just hunting—it’s about fostering responsibility, leadership, and an appreciation for conservation. Our goal is to give these young people the skills and mindset to become thoughtful, responsible hunters and leaders in their communities.”
Matt Light, along with 20 experienced mentors, will be on hand throughout the weekend, offering guidance and support to participants. The event also serves as a platform for young people to learn about leadership, teamwork, and the importance of stewardship outdoors.
The Light Foundation continues its mission to provide young people with unique, hands-on outdoor learning experiences. The Youth Wild Turkey Hunt is one of many initiatives designed to inspire and empower the next generation of responsible hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and community leaders. The Foundation is seeking sponsors and donors to support this event and other youth programs. For sponsorship information, please email brandi@mattlight72.com, or call the Light Foundation office at 937-316-6352. Follow the Light Foundation on Facebook at facebook.com/lightfoundation and on Instagram at @lightfoundation for updates and more information on upcoming programs.
About the Light Foundation: Founded in 2001 by Matt Light, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and his wife, Susie, the Light Foundation is committed to providing youth with transformative outdoor learning experiences that instill values of responsibility, accountability, and hard work. The Foundation’s mission is to inspire young people to become leaders who give back to their communities and continue a legacy of achievement. Matt Light, drafted by the New England Patriots in 2001 out of Purdue University, anchored the team’s offensive line for more than a decade before retiring in 2012. His community efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Ron Burton Community Service Award in 2005, the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2008, and the Pop Warner Humanitarian of the Year award in 2012. He also received the All-Sports United Humanitarian Award in 2014 and the Man of the Year Award from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s New England chapter in 2015. In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Light was named to the Boston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” in 2018 and the “Power 50” list in 2019. That same year, he was inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, a testament to both his athletic accomplishments and his lasting impact off the field. Learn more at mattlight72.com.