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Youth Education Report
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association July 2003 Newsletter)
OHIO TRIP
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Director has been invited to teach at the University of Toledo from July 02-13, 2003 and support their National Youth Sports Program NYSP, Youth Fishing Program. NYSP is a program that helps children build the skills and the confidence they need to tackle future challenges. The University of Toledo’s National Youth Sports Program provides summer recreation enrichment programming for approximately 480 children. UT’s NYSP program is also nationally recognized for economically disadvantaged youths, ages 10 to 16, with the opportunity to participate in daily sports instruction and educational programs.
The Ohio Division of Fish and Game will supply small tackle containers and loaner fishing equipment to support NYSP fishing days at Olander Park. Aquatic education field trips will reinforce inter-community fishing and partner youngster within local neighborhoods. Our JCAA Youth Education Committee will provide guidance about the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program, Water Works Wonders, and demonstrate a variety of angling and boating techniques from the new RBFF “Passport To Fishing & Boating”. Marine aquatic education will be discussed for children visiting coastal states during the remainder of their summer vacation. This year the Bluegill Club will join the Merickel-Farley Trout Club at Olander Park to teach youngsters about fishing and boating. This year NYSP campers will take home a new rod/reel to continue their fishing experience. Members of The University of Toledo received fifteen dollar pledges to support their “Lake of Opportunity” project to purchase rods and reels for each NYSP camper. Many thanks to the Merickel-Farley Trout Club for donating funds each year to support equipment and prizes.
YOUTH FISHING ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARD
FORT MONMOUTH FISHING DAY
During National Fishing and Boating Week, members of the JCAA Youth Education Committee and Vietnam Veterans of America, NJ Chapter 12, presented a fishing fun day for children at the Fort Monmouth School Age Services. Forty-four children attended the Fishing Fun Day event and learned how to safely fish from a boat, prepare for a boat trip, how to properly adjust a life vest, and Japanese fish printing. Children also learned about National Fishing and Boating Week and how to take advantage of the many fishing and boating opportunities in Monmouth and Ocean County. The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee supported this worthwhile event by providing “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” and “Water Works Wonders” packets for all the youngsters. If your fishing club or organization would like information about JCAA youth education seminars, please e-mail, Gkucharews@aol.com and if time allows we will help support your event.
LANES MILL SCHOOL READING RALLY
On Friday, May 16, 2003 the JCAA Youth Education Committee presented segments from the new “Passport To Fishing and Boating” program at Lanes Mill School, Brick, NJ. Dr. Eleanor Bochenek, Rutgers Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory, conducted a presentation about watersheds/fish identification and we taught students about casting from a boat. Sixty-three students attended two sessions of classroom instruction.