This organization strives to create lasting outdoor memories for kids with disabilities
This is a fictitious story of two young boys. We’ll call one Billy; the other Tommy. First, here’s Billy’s story. He grew up in a family that loved to hunt and naturally, he became interested in hunting at a young age.
Billy’s dad is a serious deer hunter who has a nice hunting lease with food plots, feeders out and several comfortable box stands from which to hunt.
Billy grew into the hunting scene naturally and has been successful in taking several deer, including a nice buck or two.
Tommy, on the other hand, is also interested in hunting but was born with a handicap that necessitates the use of a wheelchair or braces to help him move around. No one in his family is in the hunting scene, so although Tommy would really like to have the chance to hunt, all he can do is wish and hope that an opportunity arrives.
This is where Beyond the Blind enters the picture. Jake Slocum talked with five friends about what could be done in order to allow handicapped youngsters to enjoy the thrill of hunting deer. This group of guys formed an organization with the goal of accomplishing just that.
According to their website, their mission is “empowering children with disabilities and facing challenging circumstances by providing transformative outdoor experiences that promote personal growth and connection with nature.”
An opportunity for success
Beyond the Blind envisions a world where every child, regardless of disability or circumstance, is given the opportunity to experience the freedom and empowerment of outdoor adventures.
“Last year was our first year and we had 17 youngsters we took hunting and they enjoyed a 100% success rate,” Slocum said. “All our stands are handicapped accessible and able to accommodate wheelchairs. Each child has at least one guide in the stand with them. For those unable to correctly handle a gun, we attach a trigger device to the gun. Our guide aims the gun, and once the child is ready, he presses a button which fires the gun.
“For those unable to use their arms, they place a tube between their lips and instead of pressing a button, they blow on the tube, which fires the gun.”
The parents of kids who are interested have gotten in contact with Slocum through the Beyond the Blind website or know about the organization by word of mouth.
“Last year, of the 17 youngsters we took hunting, many were from this area (Ruston), one was from South Louisiana and another from Texas,” he said.
Jake Slocum and his group of guys are to be commended for having such a far-reaching vision to allow just about any kid to hunt who wants to give it a try, regardless of their circumstances.
This is a local non-profit group that relies on donations to function. Visit BeyondtheBlind.org to learn how you can help.
If they are not privileged to have been born a “Billy,” Beyond the Blind is giving each “Tommy” an even chance at success.
