2024 Kansas Mentor Of The Year
At Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors, we believe in recognizing those who exemplify our mission of connecting youth to the great outdoors through dedicated mentorship. This year, we are thrilled to honor Brett Heckel as our Kansas Mentor of the Year.
A True Champion for Outdoor Mentorship
Year Started Mentoring: 2022
Events Mentored in 2024: 40
Total Events Mentored: 88
Brett has been dedicated to Southwest Kansas, going above and beyond to create incredible hunting and fishing opportunities for youth. In the words of one of our Program Coordinators, Bobby Cole:
“Over the past three years, working with Brett and the entire Heckel family has been a true pleasure. Brett has consistently gone above and beyond, dedicating countless hours and miles to ensure exceptional hunting and fishing opportunities for youth in Southwest Kansas. It’s been an honor to know him and to call him a friend.”
About Brett Heckel
Living in Southwest Kansas with his family, Brett shares a deep love for the outdoors. A lifelong hunter with 39 years of experience, Brett’s passion lies in teaching the next generation the joys and responsibilities of hunting, fishing, and conservation.
When asked about his inspiration, Brett fondly credits his dad, Mark Heckel, as his mentor who sparked his love for the outdoors. Today, Brett passes on that same inspiration, sharing knowledge and fostering a love for the outdoors with every child he mentors.
A Passionate Advocate for Your Outdoors
For Brett, being nominated as Mentor of the Year is both humbling and rewarding. He shared,
“It is truly an honor, and I am both humbled and deeply grateful to be nominated for Mentor of the Year!”
His favorite moments are watching kids experience the outdoors for the first time, especially during their first hunts. These experiences are more than just fun—they are life-changing, he believes.
Celebrating Brett’s Impact
With nearly 90 events under his belt, Brett is a testament to the profound difference one person can make. His commitment aligns with our mission of preserving outdoor traditions by mentoring the next generation. Brett embodies the core values of Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors: Positive Attitude, Selfless Service, Innovation, Resilience, and Conservation.
Join Us Thanking Brett
We deeply thank Brett and his family for their incredible contributions to our program. Their passion and dedication have had a lasting impact on countless young lives.
Let’s celebrate Brett’s achievements and continue supporting our mentors as they inspire the next generation to cherish and preserve our outdoor heritage.