Teaching Our Traditions (TOT) was built on a passion that had already been in motion for years. Long before the name existed, Kenny was spending his free time mentoring kids in hunting and fishing. He believed that the outdoors had the power to teach patience, responsibility, and respect for nature. For Kenny, it wasn’t just about the hunt or the catch—it was about giving kids experiences that could shape their lives.
Kenny welcomed all kids, including those with disabilities, making sure that everyone had the chance to feel the excitement of being outdoors. He adapted trips, found creative ways to make the experience accessible, and never let limitations stand in the way of a child’s opportunity to learn. His dedication created countless memories for kids who might not have otherwise had the chance to explore hunting and fishing.
A few years ago, Kenny moved in across the street from Anthony. Around that time, Anthony’s daughter, Bella, asked her dad if she could go hunting. Since Anthony didn’t hunt, he turned to Kenny. Kenny was more than happy to include Bella, just as he had done with so many other kids before. Over the next four years, Bella grew into a confident young hunter, harvesting four bucks and gaining a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
Seeing the impact these experiences had on Bella, and reflecting on the many kids he had already mentored, Kenny realized it was time to take the next step. He called Anthony one day and explained that he wanted to make it official. His vision was to reach as many kids as possible, to give them the same opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with the outdoors.
That vision became Teaching Our Traditions. What began as Kenny’s personal mission to share his love of hunting and fishing has grown into an organization dedicated to mentoring kids of all backgrounds and abilities. TOT is a continuation of Kenny’s lifelong commitment: to pass down traditions, build confidence, and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.