Youth Education Report

by Greg Kucharewski

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association September 2003 Newsletter)

A very successful “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” and RBFF Water Works Wonders Passport to Fishing and Boating program was presented at the University of Toledo’s National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) summer camp.  Local merchants, along with the Ohio Division of Fish and Game, Merickel-Farley Trout Fishing Club, Olander Park, and University of Toledo residents supported the fishing and boating program.  The JCAA Youth Education Committee provided guidance about the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program and demonstrated a variety of angling techniques.  Fishing at Olander Park was exciting for many of the young campers because they caught their first fish.

392 children received fishing rods & reels from the University of Toledo's "Lake of Generosity" individual, merchant, and fishing club pledges of $15.00 or more to support FREE rods & reels to all participants.  Children are encouraged to use the fishing rods and reels throughout the remainder of the summer months and channel their energies towards healthy outdoor activities.  NYSP Staff Professionals organized small fishing groups according to local school districts and children were asked to go fishing and boating with family, friends, and NYSP camper colleagues.  NYSP provides summer recreational, sport and educational enrichment programming for approximately 350 youths, aged 10 to 16.  The University of Toledo NYSP program received a $2,500.00 grant from the Ohio Division of Fish and Game to purchase learning materials and aquatic education field trips for youngsters participating in the NYSP Youth Fishing program.  NYSP is a program that helps children build the skills and the confidence they need to tackle future challenges.   Here’s hoping the University of Toledo receives the National NYSP Award of Excellence for their hard work and dedication to provide a program that is focused on the needs of the inner city children of Toledo.

According to the National Police Chiefs youth crime statistics, increased crime by youths (ages 13 to 16) occurs from 15 June till 15 September.  We would like to conduct a similar program in New Jersey to promote inner city disadvantaged youth fishing during summer vacation.

FORT MONMOUTH FAMILY DAY

On August 15, 2003, members of the JCAA Youth Education Committee presented a casting clinic and cane pole fishing at Huskey Brook Pond.  Twenty-eight children attended the event and prizes were awarded to children for catching their first fish.  The Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 12), Chenega Technology Service Corporation, and Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee supported this worthwhile event by donating time and materials.  Children also received “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” and Water Works Wonders packets for participating.  If your fishing club or organization would like information about JCAA youth education seminars, please e-mail GREG Kucharewski at Gkucharews@aol.com .

JCAA FLUKE TOURNAMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the JCAA membership volunteers, fishing contestants, sponsors, and merchants that supported the JCAA Fluke Tournament.  Funds from the Fluke Tournament help provide needed drug awareness literature, fishing equipment for disadvantaged youths and aquatic education materials to promote environmental stewardship.  The JCAA Youth Education program is highly recognized by the State of New Jersey and other government agencies.  We also support other state programs by demonstrating the use of partnership materials such as; the Recreational Boating Fishing Foundation, Water Works Wonders, Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs program, National Fishing and Boating Week, and Elk’s “Hugs Not Drugs” program. 

During the month of June, 2003, the Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee provided Water Works Wonders coupon booklets to over nine hundred families and plans are already underway to expand our efforts for the National Fishing and Boating Week materials for June 2004.

NATIONAL FISHING AND BOATING WEEK

The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee hosted a youth fishing clinic at the Fort Monmouth School Age Service Center during National Fishing and Boating Week, 2003.  Thirty-seven children participated in workshop and learned how to make a Casting Can, and RBFF’s Passport to Fishing & Boating, James Monahan, NJ Vietnam Veterans Chapter 12, provided a demonstration of how to prepare a boat for a safe day on the water.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

The JCAA Youth Education Committee is helping novice anglers at the Governor's Twelfth Annual Surf Fishing Tournament, Sunday, October 5, 2003.  This will require extra volunteer hours from member clubs in JCAA.  If members in your fishing club would like to help others learn the joy of surf fishing, please phone 732-785-9278 or e-mail Gkucharews@aol.com and place IBSP in the subject line.  Help is needed to provide assistance for disabled anglers, youth anglers, and novice anglers. This is a fun day.  Come out and share your surf fishing expertise and help cast a line of caring.

YOUTH FISHING ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARD

SURF FISHING TOURNAMENT IBSP

Get ready to enter the largest surf fishing tournament along the Jersey Shore.  The Governor’s 12^th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament, Sunday, October 5, 2003.  Don’t miss a day of family fun!  Pick up a brochure about the tournament at Island Beach State Park or at your favorite tackle dealer. The contest is reasonably priced. Register early and save.  Age 18 and older $10.00, Ages 13-17 $5.00, Ages 12 and under fish the tournament for FREE, but must be accompanied by an adult.  Early registration must be postmarked before September 8, 2003.  For information about disabled access and surf fishing beach chair reservation, please phone Greg Kucharewski, 732-785-9278 (leave message & phone #).

 

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