Group seeks youngster to be part of special hunt
For some hunters, the experience exceeds the thrill of the harvest.
A group called Outdoor Experience 4 All is partnering with the Butler County Sheriff's Department to bring one county child on the adventure of a lifetime on a big-game hunt in Arizona.
Deputy Walter Widenhofer said a local group of volunteers is actively seeking a child with a life-threatening illness — preferably the child of a first responder, wounded warrior or a fallen hero. He said the child doesn't have to be an experienced hunter, but having an interest in the outdoors and hunting would be a bonus.
Widenhofer said he is thankful to Sheriff Mike Slupe for his support and willingness to help with the program. He said the sheriff's department plans to help raise funds for travel costs to Arizona while the hunting organization covers the cost of everything else once the hunting party arrives there.
Widenhofer has been actively searching the county, but has yet to meet a child that fits Outdoor 4 All's requirements. However, he feels certain there is someone in the community. Local organizers simply haven't met the youngster yet.
“There's certainly somebody out there that will fit our criteria,” Widenhofer said.
Widenhofer pointed out how life-threatening illnesses impact the lives of children and their families — shifting daily routines far away from normal. He said there is so much concern about preserving the child's life or health that normal life simply ceases to exist.
“When you're dealing with life-threatening illnesses on a regular basis, just getting out and acting normal and being able to experience an adventure that's not involving this treatment or that treatment or a hospital room, it changes your perspective,” said Widenhofer, who has a special connection with the group.
Widenhofer's late son, Tom, was part of group's first hunting trip in 2008. Tom Widenhofer passed away in July 2012 at the age of 19 following a six-year battle against brain cancer. Even when Tom Widenhofer was really sick, someone from Outdoor Experience 4 All came to visit him.
Widenhofer said he has been with the organization since its inception and volunteers with the hunts every other year.
“Ten years ago, Tom started it all, and last year, we took 300 kids on a hunt of a lifetime to experience an adventure in the wilderness of Arizona,” Widenhofer said.
The Arizona-based nonprofit offers outdoor experiences to youths diagnosed with life threatening illnesses, children of fallen heroes and children with disabilities. Armed with a mission of changing lives one adventure at a time, the organization started in 2007. Because of the group's nonprofit status, the Arizona Game and Fish Department allows unused hunting permits to be transferred to the organization. The permits are then given to children between ages 10 to 18 who are participating in the program. If the child is younger than 14, they also need to pass a hunter's safety course.
“Our program is not only about the child, but also about the family dynamic,” said Eddy Corona, president of Outdoor Experience 4 All.
Corona said the group also tries to get other family members involved, including siblings. He said this helps siblings feel important as oftentimes families focus on the struggling child. He said brothers and sisters of program participants actively volunteer and help their sibling during hunts.
Parents are also encouraged to participate and hunt with their child.
Butler Township residents Mark Kalafut and his son, Josh, joined the Widenhofers on that first hunt back in 2008 as volunteers. He said through something as simple as a hunting trip that first group became connected for life.
“A lot of people came together who never knew each other, and we've maintained those connections over the years,” Mark Kalafut said.
Josh Kalafut volunteered on a second hunt with the organization during which he helped a father and son. He remembers the father had never hunted before, and the son was eager and excited for the experience.
“It was great just to see them enjoy that hunt and the camaraderie,” said Josh Kalafut, adding how bonding with participants makes the trip that much more special. “Memories aren't always the game that's taken, it's other things.”
Widenhofer agreed, and said the bonds are formed subtlety but with lasting strength.
“The hunt is great. The harvest is the exclamation point, but the adventure is being in camp together and enjoying each other's camaraderie and companionship,” Widenhofer said.
Widenhofer said he hopes the sheriff's department will be able to find a child by the June 1 deadline. He wants to continue to support the organization run by his friends that started with his son all those years ago. He said if he can support a local child, one like Tom, then all the better.
“Tom was big on paying it forward,” Widenhofer said. “I think with this hunt, we're keeping his legacy moving forward.”
