Nebraskaland Magazine
[May Report Submitted by Mark Clymer]
I worked with the 2013 State High School Trap Shoot at Doniphan on May 2-3-4. The weather could not have been worse, as it was very COLD and WINDY. Despite the conditions, we did have about 2300 shooters during the three day event. It is amazing to witness the disciplined attitudes that these fine young men and women display. It is one of the most enjoyable events that we help with.
The Fort Kearny Outdoor Discovery Program was held on May 9-10-11. Saturday the 11th was open to the public with the other two days being for area 4th and 5th graders. I’ve included several pictures taken in the parks section.
Maryann Gamble, Parks Division, worked with a group of 5th graders talking about building and 
maintaining a safe campfire. After the discussion, they split into groups and built their own campfires.
Lynn Hartog and Alette Hain showed their class of students the ease and fun of cooking with Dutch ovens. They prepared several great cobblers over the three day event. On Saturday they also prepared breakfast casseroles in the morning, pizzas at noon, and berry cobblers during the late afternoon. Needless to say, this was a popular stop at the Outdoor Discovery Program.
Also located in this same area was our Blacksmith who captivated students and adults his storytelling and by blacksmithing several items. Some of the items were wall hooks, steak turners, and horseshoes.
The Blacksmith also made several small “good luck” horseshoes that he presented to several of the Nebraska National Guard volunteers. All of the students were very interested in the stories told by these volunteers. The 2013 Outdoor Discovery Program was a great success.
Memorial Day Week-End was a capacity crowd. We did have 1.5” of rain on Friday night, but that was welcomed by all. We hosted our annual Memorial Day Fish Clinic on Saturday and had about 25 youth and adults attend.
This young man didn’t have much luck catching the “fish” but did manage to snag a nice bull frog.
We also had the Husker Divers using the War Axe SRA area for diving instructions and practice. They like this lake because of the clarity of the water. We look forward to seeing them a few more times in 2013.
And finally, just a picture of a HUGE snapping turtle moving from one lake to another about mid-May.
