Castlewood Native Shares His Love For The Outdoors With Kids Group

Just call Kenny Wampler the memory-maker.

For the past few years, the 35-year-old Castlewood, Va.,-resident has introduced kids to the many wonders of the outdoors.

From the simple magic of a sunrise on a frosty winter morning to the overwhelming emotion of harvesting a trophy buck, Wampler eagerly opens portals to adventure.

“Nothing compares to watching the face of a kid light up after they have seen their first deer in the woods,” Wampler said.
Wampler took his interest to another level this summer when he helped form the Tri-Cities chapter of Hunters Helping Kids. The non-profit organization, based in Harrisburg, N.C., seeks to inspire and educate youth in wildlife conservation and management.

“I was contacted by a mutual friend [Mike Murphy] from an Alabama-based television show called ‘Kids in the Outdoors,’” Wampler said. “Mike knew I wanted to get a program going for kids, and he told me about Hunters Helping Kids.
“That really got me interested in helping young people that might not have the opportunity to go hunting for whatever reason.”

Forty people attended the meeting where the groundwork was laid for the Tri-Cities chapter of HHK.
Wampler’s group, which features a six-person committee, now includes 15 girls and boys from age 9 to 15 throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.

On their first outing in Sullivan County, four kids harvested their first deer.

Like many veteran outdoorsmen, Wampler is a strong advocate of preserving a tradition that has been gradually fading. The obstacles to keeping interest in the outdoors alive include video games, stick-and-ball sports and computers.

“An increasing number of kids are involved in AAU [Amateur Athletic Union] basketball and travel baseball teams,” Wampler said. “Our group is like a deer hunting club for kids.”

Ricky Ward, a 13-year-old resident of Bristol, Tenn., is a happy member of the club.

“I like everything about it,” Ward said. “I’ve learned a lot, and already killed two deer. It’s just fun to get outside and do things.”

Wampler and a merry gang of five ventured to the mountains of Russell County this past Saturday.

From the 4 a.m. wakeup call to the frigid vigil in the tree stand, the club members accepted the challenge.

Every hunter in the group saw a deer. Aaron Carr, who shot a doe, was the only member to harvest a deer.

“We will take anybody that wants to go hunting, no matter their age or handicap,” Wampler said. “This projects is really close to my heart. I’ll do anything it takes to make it a success.”

Wampler’s interest in youth hunting has been spurred by the activities of his 11-year-old daughter, Chelsey.
Despite battling juvenile diabetes, Chelsey is an accomplished hunter. In fact, the Wallace Middle School student has harvested six deer in just the past two years and has been featured on various outdoor-themed syndicated television programs including “Women in the Wild.”

Last September, Chelsey harvested a 13-point deer while participating in a hunt sponsored by the Mississippi-based Catch-A-Dream organization. Catch-A-Dream provides outdoor adventures for children 18 years and younger who face life-threatening illnesses.

“I’ve had so much fun spending time with Chelsey in the outdoors,” Wampler said. “She’s hunted in 10 states, shot her first deer at age seven in Alabama, and even killed a wild boar.

“People have been so nice to Chelsey. Starting this Hunters Helping Kids chapter is kind of my way of giving back because I realize that not all kids are as fortunate as my daughter.”

While many kids opt for the simulated reality of video games, Chelsey prefers the real thing.

“I love being outside,” Wampler said. “Deer hunting is my favorite, and my dad has taught me everything I need to know.”

Harvesting a deer is the goal, yet adventure is key for Chelsey.

“I really enjoy just seeing deer and being around them,” Wampler said.

Kenny Wampler is anxious to spread the fun through the local chapter of Hunters Helping Kids. Mike Jones of Bristol, Va., serves as the chapter vice president.

“Our biggest challenge so far is just convincing parents to let their kids become involved in our club,” Wampler said. “We will even take the parents if they want to come along.”

The opportunity to create memories is worth the effort, according to Wampler.

“Many kids never get the chance to see a deer right in front of them,” Wampler said. “That type of memory is priceless.”

agregory@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2544

Who: Kenny Wampler

What: Tri-Cities chapter of Hunters Helping Kids

Where: Bristol, Va.

Fast Facts: Wampler was a standout wrestler and football player at Castlewood High School

Note: A banquet for the local chapter of Hunters Helping Kids is planned for March at The Outdoorsmen building in Sullivan County

Contacts: (276) 591-7332 or www.huntershelpingkids.com