ESPN Youth

BASS announced today that BASS Youth and the United States Sportsmen's Alliance, in conjunction with Trailblazer Adventure Program, have formalized a relationship to further outdoor education among youth at Boy Scout of America Camps and other organizations nationwide.

BASS Federation Nation members and local Federation Nation clubs will set up education stations at the camps, including BASS CastingKids elements such as casting techniques, baiting and lure selection, fish identification, game and fish regulations, sportsmanship, boating safety, conservation and outdoor ethics, as part of the Trailblazer Adventure Program.

"We are looking to augment the reach of our Trailblazer Adventure Program and working with BASS is just a natural fit," said Bud Pidgeon, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance. "Introducing youth to the fun associated with the outdoors is critical, and this relationship serves as an effective way to reach new audiences."

The Trailblazer Adventure Program is the largest scale outdoor program of its kind, having brought the thrill of outdoor sports to more than 700,000 youth and families since 2001. In 2008, the Trailblazer Adventure Program hosted 75 events in 34 states and hosted more than 179,000 participants.

Since 1983, BASS has provided programs through the BASS Federation Nation for children to learn about conservation, natural resources, fishing and competition through the Junior Bassmasters, including the introduction of CastingKids in 1991.

"It's exciting to collaborate and expand on each organization's capacity to positively impact the well-being of our children and the environment," said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS. "With the generous contribution of their personal time, BASS Federation Nation members will foster this partnership's immediate nationwide impact, connecting more children to some of our most traditional pastimes."

About United States Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation
The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation developed the Trailblazer Adventure Program in 2001. The Trailblazer Adventure Program provides an introduction to outdoor sports using a hands-on approach under supervision of local sportsmen, wildlife officials and local conservation organizations.

Trailblazer involves families through partnerships with Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, and state wildlife agencies and local conservation clubs. Events are held at youth camps, sportsmen's clubs, state parks and similar facilities. In 2007, approximately 170,000 youth and their families were introduced and learned more about America's outdoor heritage through the Trailblazer Adventure Program.

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