W2 Profiles feature notable people in the world of fishing, hunting and conservation. We think their contributions or stories would be interesting and inspiring to you, our valued readers, and we’ll once again strive to bring you a number of such pieces in 2025.
This month we caught up with David Chin, 65, a retired financial advisor living in Williamsburg that is now fully invested in the Kids Outdoor Zone (KOZ) outdoor ministry for boys in need of mentors.
We asked Chin to tell us the story of KOZ.
KidsOutdoorZone is an outdoor adventure ministry that provides boys with men as mentors to help direct and train them in outdoor skills and becoming a Godly man. KOZ is an active, hands-on, boys-doing-it outdoor program. KidsOutdoorZone was founded in 2009 by T.J. Greaney, a past President of the Texas Outdoor Writers Association, and multiple award-winning author, a podcast/radio co-host of The Outdoor Zone, and a very accomplished outdoorsman in TX.
“A God-fearing Warrior, TJ was compelled to act when he witnessed that, today, over 40% of the boys in our nation do not have a dad living at home. The lack of this male role model has created a dramatic increase in drug use, school drop-out, pregnancy, and more. The average kid also spends only 40 minutes a week outside, vs. 70 hours in front of a screen. This trend is creating an unhealthy mental, physical, and spiritual population among our boys today. It is at catastrophic levels.
“The good news is that every socioeconomic, health, and mental statistic improves substantially when a boy receives a mentor. Realizing this, and combining his passions, and with many blessings, KOZ has grown to a now, international ministry with units all over the USA. (see: KidsOutdoorZone.com for more on this world-wide program to learn more ‘what and why’),” Chin explained.
Williamsburg’s KOZ, a local unit of KOZ in Virgina, offers a monthly Outdoors Adventures program to boys (8 – 18), the third Saturday of every month. Chin and the group meet 8:30am at the Pavilion (behind the James River Baptist Church at 4931 Centerville Rd, Williamsburg); and through certified “Harvest Team Leaders” (HTLs), provide education and instruction on how to have safe, faith-full fun, and enjoy doing challenging things in the great outdoors.
“But most importantly, we teach the boys how to make tough decisions, and be responsible for the results of their choices – and experience the rewards of their actions!” Chin said.
So what made Chin want to become a KOZ leader?
“I was introduced to KOZ while attending an IGNITE Men’s Impact Conference at Thomas Roads Baptist Church, in Lynchburg four years ago at a booth they sponsored. Having been heavily involved in Boy Scouts of America and attaining the rank of Eagle Scout a half a century ago, I was sadly disappointed in the direction of the current BSA. I was elated to find an organization which took the last point of the Scout Law, (‘A Scout is Reverent’), and made it FIRST and foremost, and concentrated on developing boys as God intends them to be.
“The KOZ curriculum does have a graduated recognition program that promotes advancement and retention, but we have not pursued that component, as from feedback of our KOZ kids who also participate in Scouting, they seem to prefer our format of learning without the pressure and constant push for rankings. I am still more than happy to serve as a merit badge counselor for a variety of badges, as the need is great!
“We recruit men of all ages, talents, and demographics as Harvest Team Leaders, for there are no ‘cookie cutter’ Kids who may have an affinity for mentoring from an adult of one type over another. In the past, we’ve had all ethnicities and ages, and a variety of professions represented, with nearly all the branches of the Armed Forces, all with gifts to be shared. These “HTLs” are certified (through a spouse-endorsed program, as we admittedly need our helpmates alongside), have not only a heart for the Lord, but also for boys. Honestly, I think it’s the lure of re-purposing their passions, (perhaps once learned themselves as a boy), tools, toys, and talents to serve as mentors for boys, and likewise pass down traditions and skills (like a favorite Uncle or Grandpa), now so easily lost in a digital vs. woodsy world. Our target is not only boys 8 – 18, but especially the “un-fathered”, i.e. – single-parent home, military families experiencing many deployments, etc., or families between a church or without an active “Youth Group”, to help “step in the gap”, and provide opportunities for their sons NOT to miss deer season, or when the stripers are running, etc., and just to be in the outdoors. . . (vs. behind a screen!)
“Currently, we have grown the number of boys organically with a lot of local community service announcements, and where possible, social media. Even in the sometimes secular FaceBook world, there have been some very receptive and endorsing FB communities, like “Dads of Williamsburg”, Newport News 411” et.al., local neighborhood pages where we have trusted relationships, etc. and have experienced the benefits of Public Relations and posting KOZ Saturdays as “Events” utilizing the FB protocol.
“Of course, there are some sites adamantly against what we represent, and sometimes even anonymously hostile, but we try to do our best to deal with those in a most loving manner, and move on. Many local shops who relate to what we are doing proudly present our ‘KOZ Rack Cards’ and brochures available at their check-out counters for their patrons to appreciate the endorsement they represent. It’s really very much relationship-based, and a matter of trust . . . the same factors demonstrated with sharing and growing one’s faith.”
What makes Chin so dedicated to KOZ? We asked him that, too.
“Did I mention, as a Boy Scout, my Dad served as a Scout Master for Troop 253 on Long Island, and ‘like father, like son’, perhaps I’m just mirroring his legacy and dedication to boys . . . KOZ fires a lot of my cylinders, yet gets me even a bit more revved up with “Rev-elation”! Sadly, with eyes wide open, we have all seen a decay in hunting and fishing licenses, an increase in misuse of natural resources, guns and equipment, all combining with the decay of legitimate role models of true ‘masculinity’ in many communities. Often times, boys are not excelling, becoming lost without roles in all the confusion of computerization et.al., where studies show, they often learn best by doing and experiencing invigorating and challenging hands-on outdoor activities that boys are naturally built to do. (This is all very well scientifically, and statistically documented on the KidsOutdoorZone ‘About’ site ).
“There are so many studies, and stories in the Bible that speak to our activities that come ‘alive’, and more impactful through experiential teaching. We are providing a safe forum for the boys to talk, learn, and build lasting friendships and memories to strengthen them through lifetimes together as ‘battle buddies’ conquering the great outdoors, to hopefully help the next generation of outdoorsmen. This may not only save but resurrect so many things we hold valuable to the growth of what we love, about being Americans in a great country. As God would have it, I’ve married too late to have my own, but working with youth has given me hundreds of opportunities to impact young lives over my life, and with seeds planted, love and care, they can grow, and be directed into honorable trajectories in their futures.”
So, what about a success story? We asked Chin to share one of those.
“Two boys, (brothers at that), came to the church, and when their Aunt learned of KOZ, she enrolled them in our program, diligently dropping them off every month. Over the months, they loved the care and attention, and the new skills they were learning. Becoming more active, when the opportunity came to attend KOZ East Coast Region Summer Adventure Camp, our congregation rallies, and sponsored the brothers to register. While at camp they experienced and grew, not only in their outdoor skills, (shooting archery, rifles, pistols, shotguns, swimming and fishing, chainsaws, et. al.), but most importantly, maturity and in their faith. . . The older boy chose to get baptized in a cow trough the last day of camp, and he continues today to talk to other boys about KOZ. . . but he has his own story now. We expect this experience is just the beginning of many more that will increase this young man’s confidence in himself and Christ.”
Had Chin does all this himself or has he been assisted by others?
“No one can successfully do ANY Ministry alone . . . that’s why God is alongside, and He sends you some super Helpers.
“Each KOZ unit is continually supported by not only the founder T. J. Greaney, mentioned earlier, but also here in the East Coast, we are fortunate to have Rick Magee, KOZ Chief of Operations, a passionate accomplished outdoorsman and past Pastor, as our East Coast Regional Director, stationed in Rustburg, VA. He regularly makes rounds, hosts live meetups, and Harvest Team Leader RoundUP Zoom Meetings. Both have amazing wives who support and speak into the lives of our HTL’s ‘partners’. Other Head HTLs (the primary lead HTL in each KOZ group) from around the country, have been super-supportive to each other not only with prayer, but with practical pointers from a ‘street cred’ perspective – sometimes quite different coming from contrasting demographics and community challenges, but all the same, sharing successful ideas and tips critical for our overall growth and improvement to benefit the boys. It’s not a competition, it is complementing and celebrating together.
“Locally, I can’t say enough about the local Williamsburg KOZ HTLs as a “Band of Brothers” who will step in and back each other, whether related to KOZ, or otherwise. . . this past year, it has really brought John Hofmeyer, Al Johns and a steadfast Dad, Joe Swanenburg and I, (none of us having sons ourselves, attending), closer as true ‘Battle Buddies’, as we served together. We are all serious Prayer Warriors, and leverage each other’s unique gifts and talents.
“Many of the other Dads have on occasion, stepped up as “Feature Teacher/Leaders” not only sharing their professional expertise and passions, but we have found it incredibly beneficial for the boys to see their own Dads in such a leadership role. . . “That’s MY Dad!”; and for others with none present, to see such role play and healthy interaction.”
We asked Chin if someone else wanted to set up a KOZ in their church or community how would they go about doing that and would he help?
“ABSOLUTELY! There are some steps to getting a KOZ group started that KOZ Headquarters leads every group through. The online resources are superb providing everything you may need, and the personal support behind the mission is readily available and willing to help the execution. I would be glad to participate in any conversations necessary on how we navigated each of those steps in our church. We would also make ourselves available for any prospective man or group of men from a local church to come and visit our KOZ Saturday morning to see how it works and its impact on the boys and the men.
“We, at the hosting James River Baptist Church, make it clear we are in no way interested nor intending to ‘steal sheep’, but more to ‘increase the flock’ that knows no walls delineated by denominations, etc. We have some Dads now, having seen the benefits, that would like to start a KOZ themselves, and like any successful ministry, it takes teamwork and senior pastoral/lay leadership endorsement.
“Faithfully supported by James River Baptist Church Pastor, Dr. Scott Salsman, and a Deacon board having many avid sportsmen aboard, we are now in our third year of KOZ . . . admittedly, our first year was a true faith walk! Each unit has a story. To help KOZ multiply units, (akin to ‘cell ministry’), we would start by equipping other leaders as HTLs, and then ‘send’ them to start their own. If/when established, ideally offering their KOZ Saturdays on alternate weeks would be a huge blessing for the boys to be able to rotate and reap the resources inherent in each individual unit with a more than once-a-month option location, especially if not too distant to travel. They wouldn’t miss the suggested monthly curriculum if out one week for a competition, or cold . . . and not only make up the lessons, but meet new friends.”
How did you become involved in the hunting/fishing and outdoor traditions?
Gratefully, coming up through Scouting, from Cub Scouts through Eagle Scout, I’ve learned to LOVE the outdoors, and the adventures it provides . . . Yet, I never really “hunted”, nor “fished” much being involved in so many other competing seasonal sports and activities, and also mindfully respectful of the necessary “after-the-kill” care required, if to actually take game . . . with no one to help me.
I’ve always been passionate about marksmanship and punching bullseyes in archery, pistol and rifle. I earned the merit badges, and led the H.S. Teams as Captain, got Marksman qualified as a USNavy Midshipman, etc. While I never had anyone to take me hunting, I studied and respected the weapon and wanted to be sure I could “hit the mark”, if the opportunity ever presented itself. It eventually did – decades later, and I hunted as an active adult, and the “fever” started. . . and never ended. . . (nor does the acquisition of great gear . . . some handed down, and some now that I can actually afford!).
Fishing was the same . . . Both my brother and I were given matching “beginners rods” early in our childhood. Though longing, I can’t remember having anyone actually “take me fishing” to learn from. Regardless, I self-taught my fishing knots, and how to cast accurately, and tie flies; unfortunately, I never had an “uncle” teach me the ropes. . . the right way. I can’t recall if that beginners rod ever did hook an edible fish . . . Unfortunately, this is likely a familiar story for some – But then, how do we change that narrative now?
I understand that my deceased “Father-In-Law” (who I sadly regret never had the opportunity to meet), has bestowed much of his sportsman’s passion, knowledge and gear upon my brothers-in-laws, and I hope to learn a lot from them and new friends on the Eastern Shore. However, right now, anytime I’m on a long, boring tack on my sailboat, I’m setting gear and trolling a big lure hoping to “get lucky” – how exciting when we’ve “Tight Lines”, and something to eat flapping on deck! Yet again, no real expertise nor experience in the art of “fishing” . . . except what I get from my new membership in Virginia Eastern Shore Anglers Club, and of course, Woods & Waters!
Whatever we gain by hunting and fishing truly is so much more than just technique. What I find so incredibly valuable are the “tales and traditions”, and the “laws and lore” behind what we do in the outdoors that make it so significant and character-building in our lives. The KOZ kids often ask me, “So Mr. Chin, what’s the best knife, your favorite call, or greatest gun . . .?” And I answer them, “Honestly, I’d likely pick the ones that have the greatest story behind them. Often times, it’s not the most expensive one anyone might buy from the store, but instead, preciously given to you by someone special. Over time spent with it, you’d likewise develop and add your own stories” . . . Can you be that special person someday to someone else? KOZ gives an adult male that opportunity to mentor and create stories on both sides of the lessons!
Did you have a mentor or relative that took you fishing/hunting/camping?
Mentors can and should exist and bless you your entire life, no matter what stage one is in, and one should always be on the lookout for good ones to take you on. If I were to consider your question, beyond my cherished Boy Scout leaders, (both men and boys), in my formative years that taught me all about camping and backpacking, I would have to acknowledge two of the greatest outdoorsmen I know. These men, who patiently took the time to teach me, (as an adult, no less – and are both actually younger than me!), would be John Hofmeyer, owner and operator of Tomahund Marine, in Charles City. A close second would be Mike Haurand, a professional contractor with a tract of land in New Kent, who repeatedly took me Turkey hunting, unsuccessfully several frustrating times, yet always filled with new lessons, and sent me home with a variety of calls, and cherished memories none the less. Their respect and love of the game, woods and water was contagious, and I have been so blessed to grow in skills and spirit being alongside these Godly men.
Where do you want to go with KOZ in the coming years?
As mentioned before, in His time, we’d love to see our “Williamsburg KOZ” represented IN a dozen local churches, all respectfully united and serving together by a strong team of “Lime Green Shirted” HTL’s positioned as that particular church’s team leader. We would come together every month for our “KOZ Saturdays”, perhaps even rotating church locations, or sponsor venues. (We already represented the largest contingency at last year’s summer camp arriving together in our Church Bus!). I would love to see more local business support of our events and activities, as we serve the entire community, as the goodwill is priceless. Green Top Sporting Goods in Richmond, Patriots Gun Supply in Toano, and Wilcox Bait and Tackle in Newport News, along with A.J. Plumbing Supply in Williamsburg, and other local businesses have helped us out with services or supplies. There is a spiritual synergy to be realized by professional partnerships.
All this growth will require a deeper bench of HTLs, and in February, we are scheduled to host a “KOZ HTL Appreciation Dinner/Certification Session, with a hopeful “dirty dozen” nominations to take on the role of “Certified HTL” and be authorized to wear the distinctive “Lime Green Shirt”. Jesus had his 12 Disciples, and we can only hope to be represented as well, if to keep growing and serving. And of course, donations and sponsorships always help, as there is “never a cost for the boys” to participate in the monthly KOZ Saturdays, where we even feed them a campfire lunch, as well as the activities!
With the resources and equipment, we are accumulating, particularly in the sport of archery, we hope to perhaps augment KOZ with CenterShot Ministry, which centers on Archery, and is inclusive to youth and adults, and female participants too! This would be combined with the intention of increasing the land-use of our undeveloped acreage to develop a challenging “Field Archery Course” in the future, with changing elevation stations, water-hazards, etc… Designed not only for archery, but also for air rifles also, would truly maximize our archery/land potential. Attracted marksmen and bow-hunters may be eventually lured to KOZ. But we need help to develop the course and run the program, and it takes time, resources and funds . . . and solid volunteers.
How many events do you hold each year?
Significantly more than a dozen events are conducted every year! We offer a “KOZ Saturday” event every Third Saturday of the month. In addition, we host other “Off Trail” events, like “Jamestowne Settlement’s Military Through the Ages”, Field Trips to “GreenTop’s Outdoor Expo”, and leverage Regional KOZ Events, like the week-long East Coast Region Summer Adventure Camp in Alton VA, and their Fall Youth Deer Hunt, and hopefully local overnight camping, and night fishing during the year. We do community events as well, such as participating in “TRUCK or Treat”, (shooting cans for candy – from a truck bed), KRAZY KAYAK KONTESTS, construction and conservation projects, and this year, resurrecting and renovating an old tin roof shed to become our future KOZ Kave, (the kids will learn carpentry, siding, grading, etc.).
Do boys come from all over or just the surrounding area of the church?
Our goal is to serve ALL of James City County and Williamsburg, and outlying areas, accommodate “visiting grandkids”, and boys within a moderate radius. For those outside, we pray that they might develop their own KOZ or find one closer to them. . . either way, there are a lot of unreached boys that would really benefit. KOZ can continue to grow through feature articles like this one inspiring volunteers. I post monthly FB invitations on community pages all the way down to Newport News realizing that community may not have such resources, yet trying to stay within an hour’s driving distance, as we start our KOZ Saturdays at 8:30 in the mornings. We currently bus kids in from a local neighborhood.
How important is His message to the KOZ plan?
There is no doubt about it, PRAYER is FUNdamental, in our Faith-FULL fun. We purposely look for and experience the Bible to come alive with its stories being lived out by our activities, replicating some of them in the programs we offer. The kids really remember the lessons, (i.e. – like when we roast fresh-caught fish on a campfire by the riverbank to serve our friends . . . John 21.). The most important thing may be that the boys are experiencing God’s love through solid men who are not afraid to miss a bullseye, and admit mistakes, and talk, identify and work on corrections together to truly “hit the mark”, ultimately striking home a message that sticks! A side-benefit is that our own personal study of scripture and sermons now reveal incidences within the lesson plans we are teaching in KOZ. They become so much more memorable to us, as we can apply and relate them to the curriculum. Consequently, the Bible become relevant in everyday application. Our tests, achieved and accomplished, now become part of the boy’s testimonies, as they can relate them to God and their own journey.
What do you enjoying doing in your spare time?
I also serve as Commodore of Virginia Maritime Ministries, (VAM2), an outreach sailing ministry that I founded two decades ago as Long Island Maritime Ministries (LIM2), and Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of Christian Boaters Association (CBA). We use boats to bring the stories of the Bible alive in experiential events. As a US Sailing Certified Instructor, I combine that skillset to bring about truly spirited sailing aboard “Genesis” (our flagship, a humble Hunter 240 compact cruiser), with a purpose beyond sailing fast and efficiently. I love sailing. . . . and along with yachting, comes woodworking and canvas work, both passions taking up quite a bit of space in my barn, and the trades I learned in HS when we actually had “Shop” as a credit class to learn, enjoy and now employ as a lifetime skill. I enjoy music, Praise and Worship, and writing, and photography, and being accompanied by the love and joy of my wife Terry and our dog, Bear, who love life and entertaining family and engaging friends. We are exceedingly blessed!
