Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) Blue Bag ProgramAre you traveling to Africa, South America or some other out-of-country destination for your upcoming hunt? If so "SCI's Blue Bag Program" may be right for you.
This humanitarian program operates on a simple premise. When traveling you are already taking luggage so why not take an extra bag; an "SCI Blue Bag". Tell us where and when you are going. The chapter will help in filling the "Blue Bag" with school supplies, clothing, etc. which are so desperately needed within the region to which you will be traveling. We will help make arrangement for you to meet the recipients at a convenient location where you will be rewarded with their smiles and joy by receiving the supplies. Last year, "SCI Blue Bag Program" shipped nearly 26 tons of needed materials to third world nations. Make a difference when you hunt and support the "SCI Blue Bag Program". If you are interested in helping with this worth while project we need donations of school supplies (paper, pencils and crayons), medical supplies (tooth brushes, first aid kits), small toys (soccer balls, slinkys, etc.) along with hunters traveling to less fortunate areas of the world to deliver our Blue Bags. Contact local Sables members Vicki Swan and Kathy Watson for help with your SCIF Blue Bag project. 
Tennessee Valley SCI member Buster Snyder of PA delivered a SCIF blue bag to a boarding school in Argentina. Buster is pictured in the back left wearing a ballcap and shorts. March 2014
Buster writes,
"As far as the school, it is called Escuela Hogar Nº 56. It is located in the small town of Loventuel. This is a boarding school where all of the children are orphans. My group included Julio Suaya Demaria (host of Alejandro), John P. O'Brien of O'Brien Electric of Masury, Ohio , Robert Multari, D.O., of Farrell, PA and myself. We were met by the principal Monica, who was very nice and very happy to see us. As you are aware we had the blue bag full of toys and supplies and a cash donation from some of the other hunters in the lodge who heard about our trip. Julio arranged for an account to be established at the local store for the school as there was a concern that the cash would not make it to the children. Monica took us to the playground in the rear of the school where she brought the children ranging in age from 5 to 12 to meet us. This was hands down the most rewarding part of our trip. We passed out toys to the children individually and then played with the soccer balls and spoke with the children who were very appreciative but also inquisitive as to our names and where we were from. Each child hugged us and thanked each of us for the supplies. We would have loved to stay longer. I would recommend and I will do this if I return to the area, that anyone who stops by the school in the future, plan on spending more time with the children, like bringing lunch and getting to know them. Thank you for the opportunity to do this as it was an unexpected surprise which was extremely enjoyable. I would love the opportunity to participate in this program again in the future." |
The Pathfinder Award
When an individual is faced with overcoming a physical challenge or disability that it capable of blocking the "routine" way forward through life, (including hunting and shooting)' he or she must discover previously unexplored regions of self-esteem, self-worth, courage, persistence, and determination. Through trial and error, success and failure, the pathfinder, with a "never quit" attitude, worlds hard to discover his or her own way through life. Annually, the world's
most accomplished hunters recognize this individual as an ambassador for other "pathfinders" seeking leadership and promise when faced with similar challenges. There is no common path; each individual's journey is unique and sacred. Tommy Clark, 2015 Pathfinder Recipient
It was our pleasure to present the Pathfinder Award to Tommy Clack a triple amputee at the International 2015 SCI Convention. Tommy will be at our Hunting Gala March 14! Tommy will be treated to a full expense paid hunting trip to Namibia courtesty of Olefsee Safaris! Taxidermy will be donated by Highveld Taxidermy.
Lacey Criswell from Arkansas, our 2014 Pathfinder Youth winner
Born with Spinal Bifada, Lacy has had several surgeries related to her spine and even though her life has been filled with physical challenges and is confined to a wheelchair, at age 14, she never ever stops smiling. With one exception - when she took her first shot at a stag, she was all business and focused. She later admitted she was nervous - the great feeling every hunter gets when he/she is faced with the challenge of shooting an animal in the wild.
With a HD camera pointed at her and the stag, she took a 340 Red Deer. Congratulations Lacy. You’re an inspiration. I asked her about her biggest challenge and she responded by telling me about a friend who had even worse physical challenges - then teared up when she told me that her friend had passed away. That’s Lacy - more concerned about others than herself. Post by Greg Criswell. |