Nevin’s Hunting Friends is still working to provide opportunities for enjoying the outdoors to those who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance.

Nevin’s Hunting Friends is the creation of father and son Daniel and Nevin Burns. In 2013, Nevin had an idea, which he suggested to his father during the car ride home after a hunting trip.

Nevin, 19, has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which prevented him from playing with the other children at a luncheon after the trip. He and all the other children with special needs just sat at a table and watched.

The incident prompted him to think about how to provide opportunities for children like him.

Daniel Burns recently shed light on the origins of the organization and the progress its made during the last decade.

“We’ve come a long way and a lot has changed,” he said. “We started out of our house, but now we have a camp. “In the beginning, we took five kids out for deer and turkey hunting.

“We now take 20 at a time on seven adventures a year.”

The camp in Chicora boasts a 5,000-acre tract of land, which includes a fully handicap accessible campsite.

“Kids must be between the ages of 7 and 17, have a disability and have the correct Pennsylvania hunting licenses,” Daniel said regarding program requirements.

He said the organization also covers the legalities of hunting and teaches children how to use a meat processor.

According to the Burnses, there are times when parents and guardians place limitations on what children can do because they are doubtful of what a child’s disability will allow.

“Oftentimes, the parents say their kids can’t do it because of their condition, but we have proven them wrong. Each individual child has their own life story, and we can help them,” Daniel said. “The word ‘no’ is not in our vocabulary.

“Our goal is to put a smile on the face of every kid we take on. It’s a blessing we’re able to do what we do, especially for those children who are stuck at home.”

Though Nevin’s Hunting Friends is for children, it also takes adults on adventures outside the program.

“Nevin and I have occasions when we take people 18 and older on excursions,” Daniel said. “It’s not through the program. Just like the children, they don’t have to live in Pennsylvania. We take anyone who lives in the United States who is able to come to our property.”

The group focuses on safety. New technologies that enhance that are always beneficial.

“We have a firing unit, which can be activated by mobility. For safety, the parent or I control the position and the main button before a kid pushes their own button,” he said.

The organization has grown to include more outdoor opportunities than deer and turkey hunting. Over the years, it has added pheasant, goose and dove hunting, as well as fishing.

“We have walleye fishing at Lake Erie, and during trout season, we fish in local creeks,” Daniel said. “All year round, there are different types of game.”

The group also hosts events outside of trips.

“We have a family fun day in July, as well as a mid-season picnic. Sponsors and donors and their families are all welcome,” he said.

Burns said he is also thankful for the program’s volunteers, who are always eager to assist.

Aside from an Instagram account and a YouTube channel to spread the word, the organization also broadcasts its own channel, NHF TV, which is available on several streaming platforms.

Burns said the organization requires a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the end.

“There’s a lot of organization involved with the setting up and the legal aspects and funding, but the end result is wonderful,” he said. “Even if kids don’t get a large bounty, they won’t forget the experience.”