In the summer of 2019, Aiden Key went on a guided fishing trip in Florida with his stepdad, Dennis. It was in those waters that Aiden landed a prize catch — and apparently settled any lingering questions about his fishing ability.
“He caught a huge bass and proudly declared he was the best fisherman there ever was,” his mom, Jennifer Key, recalled.
Aiden also loved fishing the Savannah River with his Pa, Jennifer’s father, Thomas Pitts.
“It was truly one of his favorite things to do,” she said.
Seven years later, fishing will bring families together again in Aiden’s memory.
The inaugural Black Creek Outdoor Classic, set for Saturday, Oct. 24, at Black Creek Scout Reservation, will bring youth, families and anglers together for a day of fishing while raising money for both Black Creek and the Live Like Aiden Memorial Foundation.
The tournament will include paddle craft and shore fishing, with divisions for both adults and youth.
“Aiden loved being outdoors, so we are really excited to see an event like this come together and become another way we can continue his legacy,” Jennifer said. “Our hope has always been to take something we never would have chosen and use it to make a difference for other kids and families.”
Located in Sylvania, Black Creek Scout Reservation is a nearly 400-acre camp owned and operated by the Coastal Georgia Council, Scouting America. The property includes a lake of more than 30 acres, a dining facility, climbing tower, ziplines and shooting ranges.
Black Creek recently marked its 15th year of summer camp, making it the youngest Scouting America camp in the Southeast, according to Ranger Jacob Follin, director of program operations. The property operates year-round, hosting Scout programs and camps along with church events, family reunions, weddings and other gatherings.
The idea for the Outdoor Classic grew, in part, from something Jacob hears regularly: People want to fish at Black Creek.
Because the camp isn't ordinarily open to the public for recreational fishing, organizers saw an opportunity to invite people onto the property while supporting two organizations with a shared interest in young people and the outdoors.
“Through some ideas of great volunteers, the idea of fishing and fundraising seemed like an organic fit,” Jacob said.
The partnership with Live Like Aiden had already begun taking shape earlier this year, when Black Creek helped facilitate a hunter education weekend for the foundation.
“We hit it off well,” Jacob said.
The connection makes sense, given the missions of both organizations. Scouting America seeks to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices throughout their lives, while Black Creek gives them opportunities to learn and develop skills through outdoor experiences. Live Like Aiden has made outdoor education and safety a central part of its work as well — a mission that grew from an unimaginable loss.
Aiden was 13 when he died following a hunting accident in 2020. Jennifer remembers a boy who was full of laughter, curious about how things worked and capable of building or fixing just about anything.
“He loved the outdoors and had a mischievous side that kept everyone smiling,” she said. “Aiden had a big heart and brought so much joy to the people around him.”
His family often describes the way he lived with three words: “Build. Love. Grow.”
“That really captures the spirit of who he was,” Jennifer said.
After his death, Jennifer and Dennis knew they wanted to turn their grief into something that could help other families. That desire eventually led to the creation of the Live Like Aiden Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on two areas: education and safety, particularly for young people who enjoy the outdoors.
“Through the foundation, we provide scholarships in Aiden’s name to help local students pursue their educational dreams,” she said. “We also offer hunter safety courses that are led by experienced professionals.”
Unlike many online options, the foundation emphasizes the importance of real-world instruction.
“We wanted to create something different — something hands-on, where kids can learn directly from professionals and gain real experience and understanding about safety in the field,” Jennifer said. “We believe that kind of training can make a real difference.”
That is where Jacob sees the strongest connection between Live Like Aiden and Black Creek. Both organizations share a desire to invest in young people early while providing them opportunities to learn, build confidence and safely enjoy the outdoors.
The Outdoor Classic puts that mission into practice, inviting children to fish alongside adults while discovering a place they may not have known was available so close to home. Beyond fishing, participants can explore the camp, enjoy lunch and learn about other opportunities available there.
“Personally, I hope young people … know that there’s fun to be had right in their backyard,” Jacob said. “The outdoors is available to all, and there are plenty of ways to be engaged and be engaged safely.”
Money raised for Black Creek through nontraditional Scouting activities like this helps offset the camp’s operating costs, Jacob said, allowing the organization to keep costs lower for the young people who participate in Scouting programs.
For Live Like Aiden, community support has been essential from the beginning.
“None of this would be possible without the generous support of local sponsors, businesses and community members who believe in our mission and continue to support the work of the foundation,” Jennifer said.
The Outdoor Classic will add another gathering to that support — this time around a lake, with fishing poles in hand.
“While nothing can replace Aiden, we hope his life continues to make a difference by helping other young people pursue their dreams and by encouraging families to enjoy the outdoors safely,” she said. “If even one life is protected or one student is helped because of Aiden’s legacy, then his spirit continues to live on in a meaningful way.”
BLACK CREEK OUTDOOR CLASSIC
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
Where: Black Creek Scout Reservation, 850 Poor Robin Road, Sylvania
Cost: $75 entry fee (includes lunch)
Fishing: Paddle craft and shore fishing divisions for adults and youth; kayak and canoe rentals available
Registration: Click here to register
FUNDRAISING RAFFLE
Raffle tickets are $20 each or six for $100. Winners will be drawn live at the Black Creek Outdoor Classic and do not have to be present to win.
First prize: Shalo Tek XLC Sentinel Pistol
Second prize: STIHL 271 Farm Boss chainsaw
Third prize: 20-quart ORCA cooler
Tickets are available at Honey Cheesecake inside Dolan’s BBQ, McKeithen’s Hardware and Cottons Tire in Sylvania. Tickets may also be purchased through Venmo by calling or texting (912) 655-9275 or emailing info@livelikeaiden.org.
GET INVOLVED
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the inaugural event. For sponsorship information or to support the Live Like Aiden Memorial Foundation, call or text (912) 655-9275 or email info@livelikeaiden.org.
For tournament or registration questions, contact Ranger Jacob Follin at jacob.follin@scouting.org or (912) 857-3348.
