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Youth Education Report
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association May 2002 Newsletter)
YOUNGSTERS ENJOY NJ HOFNOD TRAINING
The Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” Certified Instructor Training Program was presented by Laura Jerome, FFF Education Coordinator, and Wayne Tonnenson, NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife Conservation Officer, at Tuckerton Seaport April 11-12, 2002. Thirty-eight adults and two youngsters participated in the training session that included the following lessons/activities: Lessons – HOFNOD workshop goals, creating corporate state and local partnerships, feature components of a HOFNOD program, fish biology/environmental education and life skills, instructor responsibilities, lets go fishing rules and equipment maintenance, and program administration. Activities - fish scale tale, knot tying, backyard bass casting can exercise, (G yotaku) Japanese fish printing, and drawing the big picture self esteem activity. Adults attending the training received a HOFNOD training certificate and personal registration number. The JCAA Youth Education Committee sponsored Brian Evans and Tommy McGarry at the HOFNOD training session as part of our “Kids Teaching Kids” program. Due to instructor age restrictions, the youngsters are not eligible to receive a HOFNOD Instructor Certificate until their eighteenth birthday. Tommy and Brian will receive certificates of appreciation from the JCAA Youth Education committee and a spinning rod/reel outfit for their attendance and JCAA youth education support. The youngsters also volunteered to assist two days each week throughout their summer vacation with the Fort Monmouth 2002 School Age Services Aquatic Education/Fishing program. I heard many of their “Kids Teaching Kids” ideas on the ride home and I am sure Brian and Tommy will utilize the Tuckerton HOFNOD training activities they learned. The JCAA Youth Education Committee will submit HOFNOD event information to Wayne Tonnensen, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, lead contact person for the FFF HOFNOD program in New Jersey. The JCAA Youth Education Committee will assist the program by coordinating HOFNOD volunteers from New Jersey.
OCEAN COUNTY CRABBING SEMINAR REQUEST
The JCAA Youth Education Committee received a request to present a crabbing seminar at the Ocean County Library Summer Reading program. This year the theme is "Whales, Sails, and Summer Tales.” The library tries to schedule programs and activities that complement the theme.
STONE CRAB TRAP DONATION
I would like to thank Luis Fernandez, B & D Fishing Supplies and Plastic Stone Crab Traps, for his kind donation to support upcoming JCAA crabbing seminars. Luis phoned our office and said “I visited the JCAA Website and noticed your good work. How can I help?” I told Luis what we needed and presto we received a Stone Crab Trap within a few days. We will use products from B & D Fishing Supplies for our next crabbing seminar and explain where and how to catch stone crabs. The best compliment is that Luis Fernandez’s business is located in Hialeah, Florida and he wishes to support our youth programs in New Jersey. Again, thanks for your support, Luis. Tackle dealers, please checkout the B & D web page www.bdplastic.com and view some very interesting products.
YOUTH FISHING ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARD
HOFNOD MATERIALS TO SUPPORT BSA
The JCAA Youth Education Committee sent the Boy Scouts of America of Southern New Jersey Council HOFNOD materials that will be used to support their all county spring jamboree. Materials will be used to increase the awareness of the FFF HOFNOD program in New Jersey and promote fishing derbies throughout the state of New Jersey that will be supported by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.
HOOKED ON THE HUDSON
Hey kids, don’t miss this one Saturday, April 27, 2002. This club does a great job of directing families towards outdoor recreation. Hosted by the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, their fishing contest is free for all that participate. There is no entry fee. There is no registration forms. Just come down to the Park, throw your line in the water and enjoy yourself. If you need help, HRFA members will be there for both adults and kids. This is their 17th year of providing this contest. It is open to all ages. The HRFA NJ will provide fishing instructions to all that ask. Parents who know nothing about fishing will be assisted as much as possible by one of our members to give personal assistance. You must bring your own fishing rod and reel with line. Members of the HRFA NJ will show you how to tie a proper knot, bait a hook, remove a fish and tag a fish. Do not be overly concerned with bringing the wrong size rod or reel or line. Bring what you have. Recommended rods are any size rod from 5 foot to 7 foot. Spinning rods and reels are easier casting for youngsters than bait casters. Line can be anywhere from 8 pound test to 17 to 20 pound test. Catch and release is suggested with tagging demonstrations given to all fish released. The Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, New Jersey Chapter, will provide prizes. Dress warm. Check the weather report in case you need to bring rain gear. Bring a lunch basket. Bring a camera! Bring your dad and mom!
Free Assistance to all! Free fishing Instructions! For more information please see their web site - http://www.hrfanj.org.
LANES MILL SCHOOL READING RALLY
On Friday, May 17, 2002 the JCAA Youth Education Committee will host a casting and fishing fun day at Lanes Mill School, Brick, NJ in support of their Reading Rally.
BOY SCOUTS – SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
The JCAA Youth Education Committee will supply the BSA Southern New Jersey Council in Manville with Hooked on Fishing Not On Drugs support material for their annual fishing program on Saturday, April 27, 2002.
NEWARK BAIT AND FLY CASTERS
Members of the JCAA Youth Education Committee will provide a youth fishing clinic at the Newark Bait and Fly Casters May meeting. Children attending the fishing clinic will receive information about Future Fisherman Foundation’s Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs program.