KEMPTON — During his seven years as a Boy Scouts leader, Bob Danenhower observed that many children, especially those who moved into the area from major urban areas, had an interest in outdoors-related sports and activities, but often had no adults to mentor them.

Danenhower never forgot that, so last year when he teamed with Rick Weaknecht as co-director of the Lehigh Valley Hunting and Fishing Extravaganza, he wanted the focus of the show to be on youth. Again this year, that will be a major part of the event, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 22 and 23, at the Kempton Fairgrounds.

“Kids can’t wait to get outdoors, especially those who move into Pennsylvania from New York and New Jersey cities,” Danenhower said. “I wanted to help them and knew that if they could become interested conservationists, they would have a vested interested in preserving our outdoors resources.

“If this didn’t happen, there will be no one to protect our outdoors heritage in the future. When Rick and I got together, we wanted to provide an opportunity for kids, their parents and all interested sportsmen.”

In addition to the educational activities for youth highlighting the event, youth groups have the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitions. These events will be held for both individuals and for organized groups, including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts — which are free of charge if the groups are wearing their organization’s uniforms.

New this year is the “Scout Challenge,” which is an individual event with 10 stations. Competition will be held in such events as air rifles, muzzleloader rifles, archery, knot tying and rod casting.

Returning is the “Troop Challenge,” a team event that focus on pioneering and camping skills. Groups must preregister by June 10 for the event, which will be held June 22.

Again this year, clubs and individuals from the Pennsylvania Federation of Black Powder Shooters will have a pre-1840 primitive camp, which will feature cooking and shooting demonstrations. Instruction in loading and shooting primitive muzzleloading rifles will be available for youth and adults.

Competition will again be held that will test the outdoors skills of men and women as they compete for the title of “Mr. and Ms. Lehigh Valley Outdoorsman.” Events have been upgraded and added from last year, but will continue to focus on practical outdoors proficiency.

Many of the favorite events that were featured at the annual Weaknecht Bow Fair will be held, including 50-target and a 3-D archery courses for primitive and modern archers. There will also be a running-deer shoot and novelty events.

New this year will be U.S. Army climbing wall and shooting simulator. These are hands-on exhibits that should be popular with the young and the young at heart.

And, for those just looking to relax, there will be a display of trophy Pennsylvania bucks and a sportsmen’s flea market. Anyone with a 130-plus rack may display their mount at the show.

For more information on the Lehigh Valley Hunting and Fishing Extravaganza, visit the Web site at www.lvhfe.com or contact Bob Danenhower at bobstaxidermy@nni.com, (610) 398-7609 or Rick Weaknecht at (610) 683-7405.