While at the 2011 SHOT Show I was introduced to Bill Blodgett by a good friend of mine Lynn Pankey from Realtree. During her introduction she told me about his outdoor show called Majesty Outdoors.
I have met a few hunting show people in this business, so this is not unusual for me, but upon meeting Bill, I recognized what a polite gentleman he is and within a very short time the passion for his show comes through. The most striking part to me is that his outdoor show is not totally about hunting or fishing, it is about making a difference in the life of a “fatherless” teenager.
Majesty Outdoors is not just a hunting show it is a ministry that gets into gear and makes a huge impact in the lives of kids.
The Mission Statement from Majesty Outdoors explains it all.
The mission of Majesty Outdoors is to expose “fatherless” teenagers to the majesty of God’s great outdoors, giving them a message of hope, trust, and the beauty of nature outside their normal environment.
Majesty Outdoors focuses on “fatherless” teens from across the country. These teens, both girls and boys, may be experiencing the absence of a father due to divorce, death, incarceration, etc. There are other teens that are technically “fatherless”, as their dads are serving our country abroad or their fathers have served and returned wounded physically, unable to take part with their sons or daughters in the outdoors. That’s why Majesty Outdoors is also partnering with the Military Warrior Support Foundation based in San Antonio, Texas.
Majesty Outdoors is not based on “catch or kill”…but centers on a message of hope, trust and transformation. God’s brilliance through His splendid creation creates a relaxing and healing atmosphere for hurting teens. Majesty Outdoors purposes to capture this dynamic on tape. Fishing episodes shoot on the Gulf Coast, while hunting episodes are primarily in the South Texas/Hill Country regions.
Bill Blodgett of Majesty Outdoor
Bill Blodgett of Majesty Outdoor
Bill Blodgett
With over 10 years experience in youth ministry, Bill’s passion for helping teenagers has extended into television. Bill, himself fatherless since he was two years old had two “Dads” that were fathers of friends who took him fishing and hunting as a teen. With that vision given to him by his mentors, “Majesty Outdoors” was born. Bill gives back that investment as he continues to love and minister to the “fatherless” teenagers he finds.
The great outdoors serves as a wonderful stage to relationally build confidence and trust to kids who have a low self esteem and self worth. Our hope is these young people come away with an experience they’ll never forget. Also their experience is a launching platform for the “Next Generation” Outdoorsmen!
I was intrigued by the story of this ministry and asked Bill some questions about Majesty Outdoors:
Q.What was the reason you were moved to do Majesty Outdoors, what started this ministry?
I had a serious knee injury that required a full knee replacement….and midway through the rehab period my knee locked up, requiring another surgery. My rehab/recovery from this was almost a full year! With lots of downtime, I seriously went to praying about what the Lord wanted to do with me. My passion for teens (10 years in youth ministry) and the love of the outdoors never decreased….so it was natural that I do something that combined the two. I was tired of the same old shows on outdoor television. You can only kill a deer, or catch a fish ….so many ways…..and take it to television. It seemed like it was all the same, just different characters or hosts.
As I was praying, the Malachi verse kept resonating in my spirit….”Turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the fathers hearts to the children”.
Being raised without a dad since two, and seeing so many hurting teens during my ministry days…it was easy for me to see the “root” of so many issues with teenagers in these times. NO appreciation for the outdoors….so many “things” that pre-occupy their lives…with God and the great outdoors not being in the equation.
So…Majesty Outdoors was born out of a vision and a passion given to me while rehabbing my knee over the course of one year.
Q. What was the reaction from your family and friends?
I have had great support from family/friends. They all knew my passion for the outdoors and teens…. But taking this vision to secular television was a great task, which I knew nothing about.
Q. How do you find the kids for the show?
These teens come to us in many ways. Most are by referrals from friends or pastors across the nation who refer candidates to us.
Q. Why not take more along on each trip? Is there a reason for only 1 or 2 at a time?
Well, what we cannot (or won’t show) on television is the direct involvement I have in these teens lives. I go to their school functions, eat at their dinner table, assist the mothers in various capacities (honey-do’s, house repairs, teen counseling) etc. Television is a VERY SMALL part of what Majesty Outdoors is all about. As there is only one of me, I feel much more comfortable with one or two on each trip….thus making them feel more special and our crew can devote 100% of their time to them on each adventure. These teens are lavished and loved like they’ve never experienced.
Q. What is the daily procedure when you have a kid with you?
After several meetings, social events and time spent with each teen and their mothers…..the “Great Adventure” starts! Each teen has NO CLUE what their time outdoors will be. We try to cater to something they have always wanted to do, or their interest. That may include fishing, hunting, boat riding, hiking, outdoor lore, cooking or just conversation. Many of these teens just like to sit in the woods, or on a boat dock…and just talk.
We listen, we laugh with them, we cry with them and we love on them. At the end of the trip, they know that there are people who truly care about their welfare and future. Like I said, the outdoors is our platform….and our faith is our compass. They come away knowing the “love of the Father”.
Q. What is your favorite part of Majesty Outdoors?
Seeing the results of the time invested in each teenager. There have been amazing turnarounds based on their experience with us. From failing grades to honor role, suicidal tendencies to having a fresh outlook on life, from being self-centered to showing compassion and empathy for others…….all of these bring significance to the ministry of Majesty Outdoors…..and significance to each teen we are involved with. These teens now know their purpose in life…..and are given the tools to break generational curses such as divorce, substance abuse and suicide.
Smiles like this are what Majesty Outdoors is ALL about!
Smiles like this are what Majesty Outdoors is ALL about!
Q. How do sponsors find you?
Our great website has been an incredible tool….but most of the sponsors have been hand-picked by myself. Sponsors with integrity and a great love of the next generation outdoorsmen.
If you are interested in knowing more about this fantastic outdoor ministry please contact :
Bill Blodgett
Executive Producer/Host
512/924-2093
Majesty Outdoors is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit entity registered with the Internal Revenue Service
P.S. While I was writing this article I received an email from Mr. Blodgett announcing this FABULOUS news! I am enclosing the Press Release! Kudos to Majesty Outdoors!!!
The Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web. Since 1978, our mission has been to strengthen the visual arts community by inspiring, promoting, and supporting creativity. The 32nd Annual Telly Awards received over 11,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents.
Telly Award #1: 2011 Film/Video Winner
| Fourth Man Productions Majesty Outdoors |
Seagrass Recovery | Nature/Wildlife | Austin, TX |
Telly Award #2: 2011 People’s Telly
Fourth Man Productions
Majesty Outdoors
The 2011 Outdoors 360 Programming Excellence Awards
Airing on Versus, now part of the NBC Sports Group
And Selected by Campbell Cameras
The team at Campbell Camera have worked diligently reviewing all of the Outdoor 360 programming submissions in a effort to reward those programs with the highest production and entertainment values in outdoor television. We’d like to thank John Campbell, Jeremy Leu, Mike Slover and the entire staff at Campbell Cameras for their assistance and dedication to this event. We could not have launched the awards program without them.
Careco Multimedia and Campbell Cameras recognize networks are continuously changing the landscape and raising the bar in regards to entertainment and production values. These awards are meant to recognize and reward the producers that meet the challenges of the networks and viewer expectations.
The television programming submitted came from the best field and stream production companies in the nation and we want to thank and applaud each of these producers for their outstanding submissions.
Competition was fierce and the decision process was grueling. However, these difficult choices had to be made. We sincerely want to thank each producer for their enthusiasm and their participation. All of you rallied in support of this program and are to be commended for your continuing efforts to produce cutting edge television programs.
Majesty Outdoors nominated for “Best Conservation Show” in an outdoor series & “Best Music” in an outdoor series!
We don’t do this ministry for awards, but it is nice to be recognized by peers and producers in the industry. Heartfelt thanks to all the individuals and sponsors who support Majesty Outdoors and our mission to the “fatherless” generation of teens.
Blessings,
~Bill
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