Kids Workshops
Kids Workshops (Under 18 Only)
New this year we are offering workshops for kids to learn how to build turkey calls. In addition to these callmaking workshops we will be offering various fun activities for anyone under the age of 18. It is with the help of many people that we were able to put together the money to offer these free of charge to our members children. Please do stop by the Gaylord Opryland Event Center (GOEC) with your children and let them have some fun. Pre-registration will secure your childrens places in these "limited" space available workshops but it is not required. PLEASE, parents of children under the age of 12 must remain on location in the GOEC.
Feb 12, 2026 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Build Your Own Pot Call - With Clay Townsend
Clay Townsend will provide children under 18 with all the necessary supplies and instructions to build their very own pot call. The pot call they create can be used to bring in their first harvest or their next harvest with a mentor. A previous recipient of the DD Adams Award, Clay is well-known for his exceptional custom call-making techniques and aims to help kids become more engaged in the NWTF's nationwide efforts to promote hunting heritage and raise awareness. During the workshop, he will teach kids how to glue sound boards and assemble turkey pot calls. Please note that space and supplies are limited, so it is essential to sign up in advance to secure a spot. This workshop is FREE.
Feb 12, 2026 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Building a Mouth Call - With Joe Slaton
Joe is going to turn your child into a walking turkey and teach kids how to make their very own latex mouth call. He will also explain to them how to play the call like a professional. Joe Slaton is a major competitor in the GNCC competition and has seen quite a bit of success over there. He is great with children and is offering this instruction to any child under 18 free of charge.
Feb 13, 2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Build a Box Call with Val Espinoza and Mike Lapp
Val Espinoza and Mike Lapp will be assisting your child with building box calls. They will be able to assemble the call, chalk the lid, and talk turkey in no time at all. Leave it natural or be as creative as they wish. Stain, paint, write on it, or decorate it as they choose. All the pieces are cut out sanded and ready to assemble.
Feb 13, 2026 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Wooden Turkey Puzzle Painting
Create your own 3D Wooden Puzzle Turkey. This puzzle consists of several chunky wooden pieces that slot together to form a freestanding turkey, making it a fun and easy-to-assemble decoration for your tabletop.
Feb 13, 2026 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Coloring & Painting Championship Extravaganza
Join us for our 1st Annual Coloring Championship Competition! Choose between a turkey-themed coloring page or a wooden turkey feather, and use paint, crayons, or colored pencils to create your masterpiece for a chance to win $100 cash. Artist Elizabeth Scialdone will be available to assist participants. There will be three age groups in the competition (3-9), (10-13), and (14-17). Winners in each age group will receive their prize money immediately after the competition ends. Don't miss out on this exciting event!
Feb 14, 2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Build a miniature wooden Rubber-Band Rifle
Kids attending this workshop will have the opportunity to build a miniature wooden rifle that launches rubber-bands using a pre-cut kit. While some pieces of the kit may require a bit of assistance from a handy parent, instructional support will be available from a volunteer if needed. Once the wooden rifle is constructed, your child will enjoy practicing their shooting skills on included turkey targets. This workshop is expected to be popular and may fill up quickly, so we recommend pre-registering for FREE to secure a spot for your child.