the COOL outdoors

Justin Ristine, 11, wanted to go hunting like his father. Mikey Williamson, 8, also wants to experience the joys of hunting. The only obstacle standing in Justin's way was that he was born with only one arm and Mikey has only two fingers and uses a wheelchair due to complications from spina bifida. Thanks to Youth Outdoors Unlimited Justin was able to go hunting and get his first deer while Mikey is planning to go in November.

Youth Outdoors Unlimited, a Moses Lake, WA based organization founded by Cindy Carpenter, helps children with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses, who have an interest in outdoor sports, go on hunting and fishing trips. The organization runs totally on donations and it supplies everything to include hunting safety classes, the equipment, the trip, the food, and carries liability insurance.

Justin's mother, Jennifer, is ecstatic about the program, "You're not out anything. It's a wonderful program for the kids." Justin fired one shot and bagged a three-point buck about 120 yards away. Youth Unlimited donated the $500 Remington 700 rifle that went through a $6,500 renovation donated by Aaron Davidson of Gunwerks in Wyoming which made it easier for him to shoot. Justin explains, "There was no kick, it was like shooting a BB gun. I was very, very happy." A butcher shop in Ephrata is processing the meat and Justin's parents are having the deer's head mounted. Both services are being done free of charge.

Jennifer Ristine did have her reservations about Justin going hunting, "I was scared to death. "I thought, 'My kid with a gun?" However, after meeting Cindy she agreed with her husband, Roy, to sign him up, "I just felt comfortable with her."

Here's to you Youth Outdoors Unlimited and Cindy Carpenter for helping kids dealing with disabilities experience the great outdoors-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

For more information bout Youth Outdoors Unlimited visit them at www.youthoutdoorsu.org or call Cindy Carpenter directly at 509-431-1604

What do you think of the Youth Outdoors Unlimited program?