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Youth Education Report
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association September 2002 Newsletter)
NEW FISHING AND BOATING PROGRAM
On August 5-6, 2002, I was proud to represent the JCAA at the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s working group committee that will develop the new “Passport to Fishing, Boating and Aquatic Stewardship,” for event hosts. The new Passport program is a simple-to-use event planning tool/activity kit to be used by event organizers throughout the year. Event organizers will use these materials to quickly and efficiently teach attendees the basics of how and where to fish and boat in their communities. More information will be available as key messages are identified and pilot tested.
CAMPERS LEARN TO FISH
Campers attending the National Youth Sports Program NYSP at the University of Toledo enjoyed fishing at Olander Park. Approximately 450 children ages 10 to 16 participated in a week long fishing workshop that featured aquatic education field trips to the Lake Erie Science and Research Center, freshwater fishing, nature hikes, and classroom instruction that supported Water Works Wonders (WWW) and the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” (HOFNOD) programs.
The Ohio Division of Fish and Game supplied small tackle containers and loaner fishing equipment for the campers to learn the joy of fishing. Volunteers from the Merickel-Farley Trout Club donated funds to purchase prizes and support material from the WWW and HOFNOD program. The Merickel-Farley Trout Club, family members, and friends spent three days at Olander Park teaching children casting and angling basics. We thank the Merickel-Farley Trout Club and friends for supporting this event and giving the gift of time to make the event a success.
Neighborhood children were grouped together to create fishing buddies so youngsters could fish with each other for the remainder of the summer. We also provided a special presentation about outdoor job opportunities for teens seeking employment during the summer.
YOUTH FISHING ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARD
FORT MONMOUTH 2002 SUMMER FISHING
Children attending the School Age Services program and enrolled in the 2002 Summer Fishing program are having beginners luck at Huskey Brook Pond. The fish are cooperating and many youngsters caught their first fish. Several children fished for the first time and experienced the thrill of a fish tugging at the end of their line. Due to parental military obligations, many youngsters travel throughout the country and some were born in foreign countries. The JCAA Youth Education Committee has sponsored this program for seven years and it grows every year. Two youth volunteers from the Army Community Service program are teaching children about fishing. Six years ago both volunteers were in the summer youth fishing program and now they spend time sharing their fishing knowledge.