.png)
“Taking one kid hunting isn’t going to change the world, but it can change the world for one kid.”
In 1990, brothers Kevin and Mike Pritchett volunteered at a kids' fishing day for special needs children at Payson Lake. They invited 16 children with disabilities and special needs to fish and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Watching the children learn to fish and develop an appreciation for nature turned out to be one of the most fulfilling days of Kevin and Mike’s lives. Inspired by this experience, they partnered with the Forest Service and the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to make the event an annual tradition. Today, the event has grown tremendously, with over 1,600 participants taking part in the most recent Kids Fishing Day.
As the event's success grew, Kevin and Mike wanted to do even more. As avid hunters, they realized that an all-inclusive turkey hunt could provide another meaningful way for children to create memorable outdoor experiences. They founded Kids With Disabilities Adventures (KWD Adventures), with Mike currently serving as president. Their first hunt, hosted alongside the iconic Doug Miller Outdoor Show (now Outdoors with Adam Eakle), laid the foundation for this new chapter.
Through connections made at Kids Fishing Day, Mike invites children and their parents to join a turkey hunt. The response is always an enthusiastic, “Yes!” Once a child and their family agree, Mike, Kevin, and their team handle everything. The children are fully outfitted in camo, trained in gun safety, and guided through a safe and unforgettable hunting experience.
Since its inception, KWD Adventures has helped hundreds of children through fishing, hunting, and wildlife mentoring programs. These efforts foster a sense of community, independence, and joy for children with special needs. As Mike puts it: “If you ever get the opportunity to know a child with special needs, you’ll quickly realize they are the most loving, caring, and thankful people alive.”
KWD is an organization that is funded by donations. They are committed to ensuring that 100% of donations are used directly to support youth outdoor experiences, providing necessary tools, resources, and opportunities to participate in life-enhancing adventures for children with disabilities. Interested in donating? Click here.
