Boyer Valley outdoor program helps kids discover
By Jill Schaben, DCDC
For the Harrison County Times-Reporter
A new youth organization is introducing area children to the outdoors through fishing, camping, kayaking and community service while teaching practical skills and encouraging leadership along the way.
Founded by Kevin Feige and Josh Meggers, Boyer Valley Youth Outdoors was created after the pair decided to step away from leading a cub scout group in Dow City.
“I was talking with Josh about getting more kids outdoors,” Feige said. “We love being outdoors and trying to incorporate some of their friends with it.”
The two led Cub Scouts for about a year and a half before deciding to create a program with fewer restrictions and more flexibility.
“One of the big reasons we went our own way was the ability to do our own stuff,” Feige said. “We do trapping, take the kids out, set traps and show them all that.”
Since becoming independent in December 2025, Boyer Valley Youth Outdoors has welcomed youth through eighth grade and currently charges no membership fee.
The organization has also obtained a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), allowing it to accept donations.
“Luckily, the Legion in Dow City has continued to let us use their building,” Feige said.
Instead of focusing on badges or advancement, the organization centers on hands-on outdoor experiences. Activities have included fishing, camping, kayaking, night hikes, trapping, knot tying, BB gun safety and archery.
The group has explored Whiterock Conservancy, Nelson Park, Pleasant View Park and Schaben Park, where members have fished, camped and hiked local trails.
Community service is also an important part of the program. Members have picked up litter in Dow City, placed flags at local cemeteries, and partnered with the American Legion during Dow City Days by operating a booth with popcorn and games.
For Feige, the greatest reward is introducing children to experiences they might never have otherwise.
“The goal would be to get some more kids, keep doing activities and work with the counties around us and their conservation boards to get more involved in parks and get kids outside,” he said. “We have kids that have never camped in a tent before, never caught a fish, never been in a kayak or canoe, and never shot archery or a BB gun.”
He said parents often tell him they never would have attempted those activities on their own.
“We have families that have never been ice fishing,” Feige said. “After they went with us, they were going to go buy an ice shack.”
The outings also create opportunities for older children to mentor younger participants. Feige’s son, Jason, regularly helps teach first-time anglers how to bait a hook and catch fish.
“It’s good leadership skills and gets older kids involved with younger kids,” Feige said. “Jason’s helping kids that have never been fishing.”
Feige hopes that mentorship continues to grow as the organization expands.
“Maybe someday it could go a little older and become kids mentoring kids,” he said. “If we go camping, older kids can split wood and tend a fire.”
The organization currently averages about 10 children at each activity and is looking to grow. Feige said additional adult volunteers are needed, though outdoor experience isn’t required.
“We need more adults to come along,” he said. “They don’t even have to know anything about the outdoors. It’s helpful to keep the kids under control, especially with
the younger ages.”
Looking ahead, Feige hopes to take members to Ponca State Park and Missouri River Outdoor Expo in Nebraska, where children can try activities ranging from kayaking and canoeing to archery and spear throwing.
It’s awesome,” he said. “It’s got everything you could want.”
Boyer Valley Youth Outdoors typically meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. in Dow City, gathering at the city park during warmer months and the American Legion building when the weather turns colder.
During the summer, meetings are often replaced with outdoor adventures, including a recent trip to the Buck Skinners exhibit at the Pioneer Rendezvous at the Dow House.
Those interested in participating, volunteering or making a donation can contact
Kevin Feige at 712-592-3455.
