John Stamper has a vision, a vision that he is driven to carry out. Why? So that somewhere along the way, teenagers around the country are introduced to the outdoors, (hunting and fishing) and become more accountable for their actions as they grow into adulthood.

Stamper is the president and founder of Student Outdoor Experience and has seen first hand the decrease in our great hunting heritage. In the last twelve years while working with this generation, he has also seen the decrease in leadership abilities in our students across the nation.

And guess what? HE IS NOT AFRAID TO USE HUNTING to teach students of this generation how to better utilize all that God has blessed us with.

“I want SOE to teach students leadership and life skills utilizing the outdoors and our hunting heritage as a backdrop. We use hunting, fishing, camping and all the outdoors as a tool for teaching all their leadership conferences, expos and retreat weekends.” John told me during a conversation we had a few days ago.

Next Tuesday, June 26, I have the privilege of traveling to Bass Pro Shops in Orlando, Fla., to speak to more than 200 students on the importance of developing an affection for the outdoors and how they can get the most out of spending more time hunting and fishing.

Believe me, this is not some boring seminar. Stamper makes sure that the teaching sessions are combined with high energy, interactive programming that includes: Live bands, turkey and deer calling contests, archery shoots, fishing, NASCAR games, hunter safety courses, rock wall climbing along with “hands on” sessions.

Next week will be my first time experiencing SOE. I can’t wait. I’ll fill you in how it goes.