CTO out to serve Central Texas youth 

By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition

Earl Spurlock, (center) Lake Highlands new Outfitter, poses with volunteers and youth members during a recent weekend hunting and fishing trip for Cross Trail Outfitters on a private ranch near D’Hanis, Texas. CTO is a youth hunting and fishing club that focuses on the outdoors as well as youth ministry. Lake Highlands is one of five new units added to CTO.     � Photo courtesy of Cross Trail Outfitters staff�

Nov. 17, 2005 - Cross Trail Outfitters, a Christian youth hunting and fishing club, is in the process of launching a new unit in the Highland Lakes area, to serve local youth and sportsmen.

"We're working on getting it started. We are finding volunteers right now," said Earl Spurlock, Highland Lakes Outfitter. "Hopefully, it will be up and going by the first of the year."

CTO is a Christian club for boys ages 7-20 who have an interest in hunting and fishing. It offers members year-round hunting and fishing opportunities, as well as training skills, fellowship, community service and leadership development.

Membership dues are $100, which includes hats, stickers and insurance while on the trips.

"You can still go on the trips if you aren't a member. It just costs a little more money," Spurlock said. "If a kid can't afford it, we're not going to tell them, 'No!' We're going to get that kid a scholarship."

During the summer, CTO takes a trip almost every weekend. In the fall, they try to venture out on two to three trips a month.

"It is a youth hunting and fishing ministry. We spend time outdoors and share the gospel with the boys," explained Spurlock. "Sometimes we go to campfires, where we do all of our cooking over the fire. We set up camp, go hunting or fishing, then come back and have our meal. Later, we'll have a Bible lesson where we get to know everyone."

Earl Spurlock, from the new Highland Lakes unit of Cross Trail Outfitters, coaches a CTO youth member during one of the club’s recent outings. CTO takes boys, ages 7-20, on weekend hunting and fishing trips throughout the area, while sharing the gospel with them. The Highland Lakes unit is in the process of getting started and finding volunteers. � Photo courtesy of Cross Trail Outfitters staff�

Spurlock makes sure he and the volunteers spend quality time with every one on the trip. 

"I interact with each one on the trip. It is a relationship based program," Spurlock said. "I keep in contact with the boys at all times - to make sure they are doing well in school and to make sure they are minding their mom and dad."

Spurlock, 32, was selected by CTO in a nationwide search, and he completed the CTO Outfitter Boot Camp to prepare him to be a leader. He was a minister with the Baptist church in Kingsland, and he also served as Deacon at the First Baptist Church in Kingsland, where he worked with the children's department for the past four years.

And, Spurlock has been a hunter and fisherman his entire life.

"I started hunting with my father when I was 7 years old," Spurlock recalled. "And I went fishing in the tank every day after school." 

Each unit of CTO is self sufficient, and raises donations from churches, businesses and other associations.

"Right now we're looking for volunteers and donations," Spurlock said. 

Those interested in volunteering can visit www.TeamCTO.org and fill out a questionnaire. A background check and interview will then be conducted.

"I'd rather turn away 10 good people than let one bad one get in," said Spurlock.

Along with the Highland Lakes unit, four other new units are being launched across the state of Texas. The other units are in Brazoria County, Lufkin, San Antonio and Tyler.

"I'm so excited about the long-term impact that this group will have on the youth and sportsmen of this community," Spurlock said. "The rewards are both immediate and eternal."