Look Who’s Outdoors

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Family Hunting Development Team

Kids Outdoors: OffGrid Kid

Offgrid Kid is no ordinary 6-year-old. While most of his classmates spend their weekends playing video games, Offgrid Kid takes any chance he can get to be in the Georgia backwoods. 

This fiery first grader gets much of his inspiration from his father, an avid outdoorsman himself. His father couldn’t wait to introduce Offgrid Kid to the woods, where hunting and fishing allowed for a therapeutic outlet. By age three, Offgrid Kid was at his dad’s side during every outdoor excursion. He couldn’t get enough, whether it be observing his father, tagging along for an ATV ride, or helping set up for hunts.

As Offgrid Kid got older, his father would have introduced him to his first air rifle. Eventually, graduating to a .410 shotgun, which he used on his first successful game shot, a wild boar. But this isn’t all. Not only is he becoming a hunting guru, but he’s also honing his compound bow and fishing skills.

 

To prepare Offgrid Kid for the nerve-wracking sensation of pursuing prey, his father takes him through a set of trainings. A compilation series of push-ups and jumping jacks just to elevate his heart rate. As soon as he’s finished, it’s target practice of various distances with his .22 rifle. In a testament to his extreme focus, Offgrid Kid at just age six, hits the mark on his first shot.

 

His mother fondly recalls a past excursion Offgrid Kid took with his father. They had gone ATV riding in dense mud. His father decided to let him jump in and slosh around. When his mother received a photo of the aftermath, her mind initially went straight to the impending cleanup. In further reflecting, she found that in a world that is increasingly digital, moments like this, spent in nature, are so important. At the end of the day, she says, the mud will wash off, but the memory will last a lifetime. A reality that would form the drive behind her works in helping those in need to experience the therapeutic benefits of the outdoors.

 

So, what’s next for Offgrid Kid? When he’s not excelling in advanced classes or hunting game in the woods with his father, he’s writing a book! When asking his mother about the lack of representation of people that look like him in hunting books, she responded, “if you want to see people of color in books, you’re going to have to write one yourself.” And that’s just what he’s doing!

 

While his parents have continuously inspired and poured into him, Offgrid Kid wants to inspire other kids as well. He’s determined to show them what nature has to offer and “just how fun it is to be outdoors.”  He hopes to build a following so that he and his family can, one day, take other kids and families along on their adventures.

 

To keep up with more of  Offgrid Kid and his many Adventures follow him on IG at “Offgridkidlife.” Stay tuned for the creation of Offgrid Kid’s YouTube channel and updates on the release of his book.

 

In addition, Look Who’s Outdoors and community would like to wish you a very special Happy Birthday OffGrid Kid!!! May you continue to inspire Kids everywhere through Adventure and Love for the outdoors!!!!

Food Development Team

Dan’Tay Ward’s BBQ Smokehouse

Everybody does barbecue in Texas, but not everybody does barbecue like Dan’ Tay Ward Sr., owner of Big Ward’s Smokehouse based in Waco Texas. Between his saucy smoked meats and his savory side dishes, Ward is firing up standout cuisines that keeps the crowd coming in flocks. With popularity on the rise, in such a highly competitive food market, it is certainly safe to say that Big Ward’s Smokehouse is more than just a buzz, but a solid staple in the area.

We caught up exclusively with Dan’ Tay Ward to figure out what’s behind the man with the BBQ brand that seems to contain all the right ingredients. What inspired this former Texas Tech defensive tackle to forge a path in the food industry? Dan’ Tay hasn’t looked back since.

“It all began as a hobby, “says Ward.

In Texas, barbecue is a distinguished delectable that many residents would describe as food cook to perfection. Unique spices added to create savory BBQ sauces. Passionate cooks often debate best tactics, such as gas or charcoal, lighter or matches, BBQ wood chips or charcoal BBQ chimney starter. As the saying goes, “no two people think alike” the same goes in the in world of barbecue, no two dishes are prepared the same as he holds dearly his secret ingredients. These things usually ignite the passion of true Pit Master’s.

But for Ward, it would be quite different. 

Before the inception of his restaurant, Ward spent much of his time cooking barbecue for friends as just leisure while the main focus would be centered around hosting large gatherings at his home. Guests would enjoy memorable times accompanied by a selection of a few of his go-to recipes to please the appetite.

Ward’s love for hosting would heighten as he would notice how much his guest delighted in the food and how happy it would make them. This would be the pivotal game changing moment. A leisure hobby turned passion; Ward’s friends would become the true inspiration to the start of his journey.

Taking his friend’s advice to share his creations with the masses, eventually led to the opening of Big Ward’s Smokehouse in the Waco community. Here, he serves his popular slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork nachos, and fall-off-the-bone ribs, among other fan favorites. He’s also constantly drumming up new creations.

For the former standout athlete, cooking barbecue puts him into what he describes as a “fourth quarter zone,” a “make-the-playoffs” zone. This excitement for cooking, along with his acute awareness of the value of hard work, has allowed for his hobby to flourish into a successful business. As his following continues to grow, it’s clear that Ward’s energy, drive, and natural competitiveness are key factors that continues to set him apart.

Barbecue has deep roots in Texas, with meat-smoking practices dating back centuries. In a state that is considered to serve up some of the best barbecue in the nation, it can be difficult to set yourself apart. Amongst dense competition, Ward has made himself known by cooking with passion, love and hope…not to mention dedication. Unwaveringly devoted to perfecting his craft, Ward spends ten to twelve hours a day tending to his restaurant and preparing mouth-watering food for eager customers.

When asked about his primary motivation, he utters his son without hesitation. In effort to create opportunity and instill the importance of a strong work ethic, working alongside his son for Ward is the perfect motivation for succeeding in the business.

A committed father, he strives to maintain a space where his family can continue to learn, grow, and of course share their passion for cooking signature BBQ within the Waco community.

To keep up with what’s new and on the menu visit the Big Ward’s Smokehouse restaurant at 1500 Bosque Blvd Waco Texas 76707 or follow him on Facebook & Instagram at Big Ward’s Smokehouse.

Trailrides Uncategorized Development Team

Women Outdoors: Sherlitha Caldwell

Nothing can express something more purely, intensely, or succinctly than a photo. Wife, Mother and Nurse, Sherlitha Caldwell, certainly knows that to be true. “There’s definitely a story behind the camera lady,” says Caldwell.

Her new journey began in June of 2013 when her grandmother passed away. At the time Caldwell was a nurse and unbeknownst to her, the death of her grandmother took a physical toll on her health. Caldwell recounts driving and being overwhelmed by the long hours of her job. Then all at once her left side became numb. “I’m like I’m stressed out, I’m having a stroke.” She drove herself to the hospital and to her surprise, she hadn’t suffered a stroke, but a panic attack. As time progressed, her panic attacks increased in number.

Ultimately, her doctor recommended that she see a psychologist. “You know we people of color are not trying to hear none of that.” Reluctantly, Caldwell sat with the psychologist for six sessions.  “I found out that what triggered my panic attacks was my grandmother dying…When I got stressed out at work, everything just came back.” Then the psychologist asked Caldwell what she could do to lighten her load and what she liked to do. She mentioned being fond of pictures. It was at that moment that the psychologist said three words that changed her life going forward – Just take pictures.

“I started out as a Southern Soul Artist Photographer,” says Caldwell. She would take pictures of artists such as J1, Avail Hollywood and T.K. Soul. After which, Caldwell transitioned into trail riding. Using her childhood relationship with Roderick Davaughn, she landed her first trail ride in 2014 with the Young Guns of Houston, Texas. As per Caldwell, gaining everyone’s trust was difficult at first. “You have the southside of Houston, you have the northside of Houston, you got east Texas, you got everybody and they’ve got their own picks,” says Caldwell.

To make her stand out from the other photographers, Caldwell made it a point to capture pictures of everyone coming through the gate, while other photographers focused on capturing certain subjects. “I don’t care if it’s a cat in the middle of that trail ride scene, I’m gonna take a picture of everything,” says Caldwell. “That’s what makes me different from anybody else.” Everyone is special and important behind the lens of Captured Moments by Sherlitha.

While gradually winning the trust of the trail ride community and staying committed to delivering top photography in mass numbers, her labor throughout the years would not be in vain.

In 2018, she made more money in her photography than she did while nursing. As a result, she put in her notice at her job in 2019, after 20 years of nursing. “If I could give someone else 110%, I definitely could give it to myself…I can honestly say through everything with Covid, I never stopped working.”

Her decision to leave nursing not only sparked her photography career, but it also sparked her mentoring and music management journey. Motivated by her own personal childhood experiences, Caldwell mentors young girls who were not afforded the opportunity to have guardians. She also manages a local Southern Soul Artist by the name of Hisyde, whom she’s very proud.

“I capture moments in my life. I mentor because my parents didn’t raise me. My parents gave me to my grandmother at five days old. My dad was in prison. Nobody knows that side of the camera lady.”

Currently Caldwell has her own studio and a community group, she refers to as the Gorilla Squad, that consists of photographers, DJ’s and small businesses. “I believe that God put me here to help everybody.” says Caldwell.

To stay informed with more of Sherlitha Caldwell photography brands follow her on Facebook & Instagram at Captured Moments by Sherlitha!

 

Fishing Development Team

Darius James Reeling to Change Lives

 

Football is considered a major religion in Texas. Even at the high school level cities spend millions of dollars to build Football cathedrals to show their reverence and devotion to a sacred tradition. Most boys on the field have the same dream. To perform under Friday night lights and earn their right to play at the next level. And for some athletes like Darius James, their dreams come true. But for Darius, there was always something else pulling and tugging at him just like a fish on a tight line with the perfect bait. Not only did this interest lead him to his wife, it led him to a purpose   higher than football and now has given him the means to give back to his community.

32-year-old Darius James is a devoted father, husband, and son. Born and raised in Dallas Texas, Darius graduated from JJ Pearce High School and then pursued his education and athletic career at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. However, Darius’ love for fishing would often put him in hot water with his coaches. While other teammates were hitting the weights or practicing routes, Darius would sneak off to local creeks to fish.

His passion and love for the outdoors led to his recent launch of a nonprofit organization called Fillin’ Freezers Outdoors. The purpose of his organization is to give back by teaching black people the tricks and trades of outdoor life. He realized that although city life affords us all the comfort we can pay for, fishing and hunting are essential skills that everyone needs to help them survive in very challenging times, such as a pandemic and Texas’ latest winter storm. Fillin’ Freezers Outdoors will ensure that people of color are equipped with the tools and knowledge to survive and feed their families.

A crafty and skilled fisherman, Darius says the key to reeling in a big catch is simply knowing what the fish want. Often preparing his own bait using simple but effective ingredients such as liver and stink bait or a premade duck which sometimes consists of chicken-oil, strawberry Kool-Aid, or even jello. His love for fishing and hunting has taken him on different adventures in Kansas, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, or wherever he is invited to hunt and fish.

Darius thrives on teaching his family about living off the land. When asked what does outdoors mean to him, Darius summed it up in three words: appreciation, dedication, and love. Darius James is a true outdoorsman on a mission to serve and give back.

To keep up with more of Darius James exciting outdoor adventures of teaching lessons and filling freezer’s follow him on Facebook & Instagram at Fillin’ Freezers Outdoors!

Uncategorized Khamra Echols

Benefits Of Hiking And How To Elevate Your Experience

Hiking in nature is more than an activity; it’s a lifestyle that generates countless benefits for your everyday life. Walking in the wilderness isn’t just an excellent workout for your body; it’s also great for your mind and soul. We wanted to take some time out to explain the benefits hiking can have for your body and mind, and as a bonus, we’ll add some hiking tips to elevate your experience. So don’t go anywhere!

Read more “Benefits Of Hiking And How To Elevate Your Experience”

Sport Uncategorized Khamra Echols

Tanner Easley: Outdoors brings Healing

After the loss of his dad to cancer at age 10, Tanner Easley faced depression, and mental health struggles. He was able to find healing and peace through God, skating, and two special needs kids from his neighborhood. Now, he’s able to give back to the world by serving students as a Special Education Functional Academic Teacher at Waco High School. He focuses on students’ abilities rather than their disabilities and gives them a safe space to feel loved, included, and valued. His students’ ability to be completely transparent, voice how they feel and encourage one another voluntarily is his daily inspiration. Read more about Tanner and his amazing story.

Read more “Tanner Easley: Outdoors brings Healing”

Racing/Rodeo Khamra Echols

Brittaney Logan: Cowgirls of Color

Rodeo has been around for centuries but the Cowgirls of Color are something truly unique. Brittaney Logan and her all-black female rodeo crew have quickly become a national sensation. They have been featured in magazines and ads across New York and also appeared in commercials for Walmart and Ford.  Despite the stereotypes, 34-year-old Brittaney and her teammates are living out their dreams as a cowgirls.

Read more “Brittaney Logan: Cowgirls of Color”

Uncategorized Khamra Echols

Chevaughn Dixon talks kayaks

Chevaughn Dixon runs the non-profit organization Hudson River Riders which seeks to provide access to outdoor activities and develop the next generation of environmental stewards. He’s an accomplished kayaker and one of the youngest black kayakers to complete the Manhattan Circumnavigation, one of the largest kayak trips in the country. Read more about why kayaking is near to his heart, and how he plans to bring more youth of color to the space.

Read more “Chevaughn Dixon talks kayaks”