Outdoor adventures offer learning experiences to kids
C.Mo’s Kids is gaining popularity in Polk County.
The program, founded by Winston Barlow of Kingsland, Georgia, is designed to involve special needs kids and others in outdoor adventures like hunting, fishing and camping.
The idea was born several years ago when C. Mo Bucks met a young man who would speak of nothing but his desire to go hunting.
He had cerebral palsy and even though his father is a hunter, the logistics of getting this child into a hunter’s blind and providing necessary specialized equipment was beyond the means of his family. C. Mo arranged a hog hunt for the youth. He then realized the adventure made all the extra time and effort worthwhile by helping someone achieve a dream.
C.Mo’s Kids is a nonprofit organization designed to introduce these children to the natural wonders of their world.
This is accomplished by inviting kids to participate in outdoor adventures like hunting, fishing and camping.
Aaron Wood of Aragon is director of the Northwest Georgia area and Jamie Shuler is president.
Wood said he enjoys the outdoors and wants to pass it on to children and youth.
Local members plan to attend the Homespun Festival in Rockmart July 18-19.
“Our mission
is
to enrich the lives of kids by providing life-changing outdoor experiences,” Wood said. “Events are planned to help each individual gain self-confidence and self-reliance.”
He said activities are planned a minimum of three times each month. Examples of recent local adventures are a visit to a mud bog in February, camping trips to Lake Weiss during April and May and fishing trips to area waterways in June.
“We work with parents when a trip is planned,” Wood said. “They are notified of our schedule and can decide whether or not they wish to attend with their child.”
Volunteers are trained and committed to help each child fully enjoy activities, while creating a thrilling environment to mentor them through life changing experiences.
There is no fee and parents are encouraged to become volunteers by filling out an information sheet available at www. Cmoskids.org or call Wood at 770-560-6940.