NWTFS dedicate building after Campsey

Jack County native Harry Campsey was recognized by  Northwest Texas Field and Stream as they dedicated their Youth Activities Facility to him on Dec. 7.

According to a press release, NWTFS has a 52-year tradition where they develop future leaders by learning conservation through a hunting experience. The event, started by Campsey with JC Romines, had the goal  of providing the outdoor experience to the youth of the Wichita Falls Boys and Girls club.

Campsey’s family settled in Jack County in 1906 near Hwy. 148 and Puddin Valley.

“The Campsey’s had 13 children of which 10 made it to adulthood. Harry, second youngest, was born in May of 1917 and with most of his older siblings in the military, he became the breadwinner for the family farm at the age of 11,” the press release reads. “Campsey’s family life had a nurturing, God-fearing, loving, and law bidding foundation. Harry was encouraged by his father to improve his decision making skills by reading and education.”

The release continues, Campsey raised his family in the Wichita Falls area and he became a member of the NWTFS Association before rising to president in 1967. In this role, Campsey was able to find several members which shared his vision of his project that placed a value on sharing outdoor experiences with youth which may not have been able to otherwise.

According to the release, Campsey, who passed away in 1991, was able to coordinate with 10 other mentors to take nine boys, around 15-years-old, out to Yates Ranch for a one day hunt on Dec. 28, 1967. On the hunt, the boys harvested two deer.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Jan. 15, edition of the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette.