UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As the first collegiate chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, known as NWTF, the Penn State Spur Collectors club aims to provide opportunities for student hunters to make friends and to enjoy the outdoors, while supporting the national nonprofit’s mission of conservation of the wild turkey.
Established in 2012, the NWTF Spur Collectors is one of the newer clubs in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Together, members host fundraisers and engage in service programs that promote conservation.
Susan James, the staff adviser to the club, said that members are required to complete 10 hours of community service. Along with helping other chapters of the federation, the club participates in the “Thanksgiving Basket Drive,” which is held by the Penn State Council of LionHearts. Participants collect baskets of donations, and the Spur Collectors club delivers the baskets to food banks, churches, pregnancy resource centers and schools.
Perhaps the biggest fundraiser for the Spur Collectors is the annual spring banquet, which includes a meal, raffle tickets and games. The highlight of the event is a live auction featuring a local auctioneer. Clothing, furniture, jewelry and artwork are just some of the items up for bid.
This past year, more than 150 people attended the banquet, held at Lambert Hall in Bellefonte. By the end of the night, the club raised $14,000, which was donated to the NWTF to aid with the preservation of natural habitats.
Every year, club members attend the federation’s convention, which takes place in Nashville, Tennessee. There, they join a national conversation about the federation and its fundraising and conservation efforts.
“We go down as a collegiate chapter to represent the young, up-and-coming generation of conservationists,” said club secretary Sara Benzio, who is majoring in animal science and minoring in wildlife and fisheries science.
Benzio noted that she found out about the club during the annual Student Involvement Fair hosted by the College of Agricultural Sciences. Growing up, Benzio enjoyed outdoor activities, and she is passionate about conservation efforts, so she knew the club was perfect for her.
“There are a lot of great opportunities, and you get to make lots of great friends who share the same interests as you,” she said, adding that one of her favorite things about the club is the fun, nature-based camaraderie.
Erika Algard, a meteorology major and president of the club, said, “We’re just a group of people who like to be outside and do things outdoors.” She explained that one of the club’s primary goals is to introduce people to the outdoors and to grow a sense of fellowship among members.