On a rainy morning, I had the pleasure of meeting a group of young boys and their mentors from the Kids Outdoor Zone (KOZ) ministries. The gathering took place in Newton County, where I was invited to teach the children about trapping. Despite the persistent rain, the event proceeded as planned, thanks to the thoughtful preparations by KOZ. This organization uses outdoor activities like hunting and fishing to mentor boys, especially those without father figures, fostering resilience and confidence. My session involved practical demonstrations, including checking traps and showing how to handle animals safely. The kids were enthusiastic learners, eager to gain new skills.
Kids Outdoor Zone is an initiative founded by T.J. Greaney in Texas, aiming to provide positive male role models through outdoor adventures. Recognizing the need for fatherless boys to have guidance, KOZ offers training and curriculum to church men who lead these activities. The program includes diverse monthly meetings, focusing on various outdoor skills such as bird hunting, field-dressing deer, and fishing. Pastor Chad Caldwell of Journey Church in Oxford shared his vision of integrating faith with outdoor education, emphasizing spiritual growth alongside physical and mental development. My involvement included teaching trapping basics and concluding with a devotion on heavenly treasures.
The Mission of Kids Outdoor Zone
Kids Outdoor Zone emerged from a vision to use outdoor activities as a means to mentor boys. Founded by T.J. Greaney, it focuses on providing positive male role models, particularly for boys lacking fathers at home. The organization ties chapters to local churches, offering structured training and curriculum. Through diverse monthly activities, KOZ addresses the alarming statistics of fatherlessness and its consequences, promoting healthier lifestyles among boys today.
T.J. Greaney's creation of KOZ stemmed from a profound awareness of the challenges faced by boys without male role models. His initiative has grown into a network of chapters across the U.S., each linked to local churches. These chapters require thorough training for leaders, ensuring they are equipped to guide boys aged 8 to 18 effectively. Activities range from bird hunting and deer processing to fishing trips and camping excursions. Pastor Chad Caldwell highlighted that KOZ not only builds resilience and confidence in boys but also fosters similar growth in the adult mentors. The program emphasizes teaching boys to tackle difficult tasks, instilling values of perseverance and courage. Moreover, every gathering incorporates Gospel teachings, ensuring spiritual nurturing alongside physical and mental development.
A Day of Learning and Inspiration
My visit to the Newton County chapter began with trap checks under challenging weather conditions. Despite the rain, the session proceeded smoothly, thanks to KOZ's thoughtful provisions. Demonstrations included setting dog-proof raccoon traps, handling caught animals safely, and preparing them for consumption. The boys were actively engaged, asking questions and participating in hands-on activities. The session concluded with a meaningful devotion on earthly and heavenly treasures.
Upon arriving at the site, I joined the group to check traps set the previous day. Although the weather was less than ideal, the KOZ team ensured all participants remained comfortable with tarps and ponchos. During our first check, three empty traps provided an opportunity to discuss setting techniques, bait choices, and safety protocols. Excitement grew when we found a large raccoon in the final trap, allowing me to demonstrate safe animal handling and cleaning processes. The boys eagerly participated in discussions about different trap types and tools necessary for trapping. A highlight was firing off a conibear trap on a heavy stick, capturing the children's fascination. The session culminated in a hands-on activity where boys set their own foot-hold traps, gaining invaluable experience. Concluding with a devotion based on Matthew 6:19-21, I emphasized balancing earthly passions with heavenly treasures. This message resonated deeply with the group, reinforcing the importance of spiritual growth alongside physical and mental development. The day exemplified KOZ's mission to inspire and educate boys, equipping them with essential life skills while nurturing their spirits.