Cabela's program teaches local students

Local kids got a taste of the outdoors lifestyle at the Cabela's retail store on Wednesday.

As part of a community service project, participants in a Cabela's developing leaders program instructed members of the Cool Kids Club in various activities. Those taking part in the Sidney Schools program from 4th grade and older were invited to attend.

Kids practiced shooting BB guns at paper targets inside an inflatable shooting range. They tried their hands at casting into the grass outside the Cabela's store to catch "fish" placed on the lawn. Participants used GPS to take part in a geocaching game, wherein they located objects such as small toys. Geocaching means hunting for hidden items using GPS as a guide. Kids tried out bow shooting, aiming at turkey targets and attempting to pop balloons.

The participants also took part in a dog training exercise.

"It was amazing," said Phil Leibensperger, a Cabela's employee. "The kids just loved that."

Most of those involved in the leadership program are Cabela's workers in Sidney. However some traveled here to take part in the event. Most of the equipment for the activities was provided by Cabela's vendors who helped to sponsor the program.

Anne Belieu, a second grade teacher who volunteered to help supervise the event praised those teaching archery.

"These guys are great, they're so patient," she said.

Student Lexee Butts said that shooting was her favorite part of the event because it was new to her.

"I haven't shot before," she said.

Emillee McCarron said she enjoyed learning archery.

"My favorite part was the bows because I hit the turkey," she said.

The kids were quick learners and were all very excited about archery said Ryan Shutts, Cabela's category manager in the archery department.

"It was good, I think they all had fun," he said.

Those working in the leadership program plan to make a playbook for other leadership program participants to follow in Cabela's stores across the country.

After eating lunch at the store, participating kids worked to put together school supplies and backpacks to ship to students affected by the tornadoes in Pilger.