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Youth Education Report
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association February 2003 Newsletter)
TOMS RIVER BOY SCOUTS
Jim Hutchinson, The Fisherman Magazine contacted the JCAA Youth Education Committee about providing a “Learn to Fish” seminar for the Toms River Boy Scouts. We are looking for volunteers to help with this project. Please phone 732-785-9278 if you would like to support the “Learn to Fish” seminar.
ART AND WRITING CONTEST
New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife Announces the 2003 Fish Art and Writing Contest. The contest is open to all students in grades 4 through 8. This is an art and writing contest based on the Aquatic WILD activity "Fishy Who's Who." A full description of this activity that can be used by teachers in grades 5 through 8 can be found on the Division of Fish and Wildlife's website: www.njfishandwildlife.com (this activity can help teachers meet New Jersey Science Standards 5.12.4 and 5.7.4,1).
The drawing of the New Jersey fish can be done in acrylics, watercolors, oil, oil pastels, crayons or ink. Art must be original. The fish should be depicted in its habitat. The finished size should be approximately 8 x 10 inches. Entries will be judged initially on the art submitted.
Entries must also include a written biography of the same New Jersey fish depicted in the drawing. The biography must include: where in New Jersey the fish is found, its habits, habitat, any ecological information about the fish, and whether or not it is of commercial or recreational importance. Biographies should be one page or 500 words, preferably typed. There will be first and second place winners in each of the following categories: 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. Biographies are limited to 500 words and will be judged along with the drawing of the fish. Each winner will receive an engraved plaque and fishing equipment. In addition, each winner will be invited to the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford for a special VIP tour and awards ceremony. Winners will be able to fish at the Pequest Fishing Education Pond on the opening day of trout season -- Saturday, April 12, 2003.
Entries must be postmarked by Friday, March 7, 2003. Entries must include the entrant's name, home address, home telephone number, grade and school name. Entries become the property of the Division of Fish and Wildlife and will not be returned.
Submit to Fish Art and Writing Contest, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, 605 Pequest Rd., Oxford, NJ 07863. Note that this contest is not affiliated with Wildlife Forever's State Fish Art Contest. For information on their contest, see www.wildlifeforever.org.
CHILDREN LEARN CASTING
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association's Youth Education Committee conducted a special youth fishing and casting seminar and fish printing demonstration at the Hunting and Fishing Outdoor Sportsmen Exposition, Raritan Center, Edison, NJ. Children attending the seminar received a free ticket to the indoor trout pond, HOFNOD’s decals and drug awareness information, knot tying booklets, and goodies from vendors participating in the hunting and fishing exposition.
NEWARK BAIT AND FLYCASTING CLUB
The JCAA Youth Education Committee will visit the Newark Bait and Flycasting Club on Monday, March 4, 2003 and will present a “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” event for youngsters attending their Kids Fishing Night. The Newark Bait and Flycasting Club will host the event at the Knights of Columbus Hall, located in Union, NJ. Children and their families are welcome to come and enjoy a night of fun fishing activities and refreshments. This is one fishing club that is committed to teaching the joys of fishing to our young people. The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee will support this worthwhile event by conducting a safe boating seminar and providing “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” packets for all the youngsters.