Who We Are
The Arkansas Waterfowl Association is a faith based nonprofit dedicated to introducing youth and families to the outdoors through hands on experiences, education, and conservation. Based in Lonoke, Arkansas, we provide year round opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and build confidence in a safe, structured, and encouraging environment. Our programs are built to connect the next generation with the outdoors while teaching responsibility, respect, and appreciation for wildlife and natural resources.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational activities to youth while facilitating education, preservation, and conservation of our wildlife and natural resources. This mission guides everything we do, from youth camps and fishing activities to archery, outdoor learning, and community events. We believe the outdoors is one of the best places to teach life lessons, strengthen character, and create lasting memories for families and young people.
Why We Do What We Do
Our why is simple. We want to inspire the next generation to appreciate, respect, and protect the outdoors while building character, confidence, and lifelong connections. In a world where young people are often pulled away from nature and meaningful community, Arkansas Waterfowl Association offers a place where they can learn through experience, discover new interests, and grow in a positive setting.
We believe outdoor traditions matter because they teach :
Patience
Discipline
Teamwork
Stewardship
Gratitude
Through every activity and event, our goal is to help youth and families experience the value of time outdoors and understand the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Our Story
In 2014, the Bennett Family generously donated 166 acres of land to the Arkansas Waterfowl Association, giving the organization a permanent home for its programs and future growth. This generous gift created a foundation that continues to make a lasting impact on youth and families across the region.
Today, that property allows us to provide real, hands on outdoor experiences that cannot be replicated in a classroom. It is a place where youth can learn practical skills, gain confidence, and build a real connection to the outdoors through participation and mentorship.
Our Campus Includes
Three fishing ponds
- A dedicated dog training pond
- A pheasant range with clay shooting
- A 3D archery range
- A full event center for programs and community gatherings
Each part of the property supports our mission by giving youth and families access to outdoor education, recreation, and fellowship in one welcoming location.
A Place for Youth and Families
Arkansas Waterfowl Association exists to serve young people and families by creating opportunities that are both meaningful and memorable. Our programs are designed to be hands on, family friendly, and rooted in encouragement. We want every child who visits our campus to feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to learn.
Whether a child is attending camp, trying archery for the first time, learning about wildlife, or participating in an event with family, each experience is intended to build confidence and create positive connections. We are committed to helping youth grow not only in outdoor skills, but also in character, responsibility, and respect for others.
A 100% Volunteer Organization
Arkansas Waterfowl Association is proud to be entirely volunteer driven. No one receives compensation. Every event, every program, and every opportunity is made possible by people who are passionate about giving back, mentoring youth, and preserving the outdoors.
Because we are a 100 percent volunteer based organization, our resources go directly toward the programs and experiences that benefit youth and families in our community. This commitment reflects the heart of who we are: people serving together to make a lasting difference.
Our Core Values
Our work is centered on five core values that shape the way we serve and lead:
Faith
We believe faith provides the foundation for strong character, purpose, and service.
Family
We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where families can connect and grow together.
Heritage
We value the outdoor traditions that have been passed down through generations and believe they are worth preserving.
Integrity
We strive to lead with honesty, responsibility, and respect in all that we do.
Preservation
We are dedicated to protecting wildlife, natural resources, and the future of the outdoors for generations to come.
Looking Ahead
As Arkansas Waterfowl Association continues to grow, our focus remains the same: investing in youth, strengthening families, and preserving the outdoor traditions and natural resources that matter so much to our community. We are grateful for the volunteers, supporters, and families who make this mission possible, and we look forward to continuing this work for years to come.
Join Our Mission
Spots for Kids Camp are limited each year. If you would like to learn more about registration, upcoming camp dates, or ways to support this program, we encourage you to contact Arkansas Waterfowl Association and follow our updates.
Whether you are looking to register a child, volunteer, or support the mission behind Kids Camp, your involvement helps us continue making a difference in the lives of youth across our community.
family heritage tradition
