 |
 |
|
|
||
Youth Education Report
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association July 2004 Newsletter)
YOUTH EDUCATION SUPPORT
During the month of May we supplied information and materials to the Stafford Township School system, Toms River Cub Scouts, Fort Monmouth School Age Services, Lanes Mill School and the Hudson River Fishing Club “Hooked On the Hudson.” Interest in youth fishing programs within the membership of JCAA is growing. If you would like to help with our youth education efforts and offer some of your time to teach children the joy of fishing, please phone 732-785-9278 or e-mail Greg Kucharewski at Gkucharews@aol.com
RED BANK RIVER FESTIVAL
The JCAA Youth Education Committee teamed up with the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife to provide a youth activity for the new Discover Fishing and Boating Mobile Tour Vehicle. Over fifty children and their families learned how to make a fish print using craft items and rubber fish. The activity captured the interest of adults and children while they waited to enter the Discover Fishing and Boating Mobile Tour Vehicle. After the event the JCAA Youth Education Committee was asked to send in a response about the event and any suggestions to improve the mobile tour.
2004 HOFNOD
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife will host the 2004 HOF-NOD facilitator’s meeting at Fort Hancock. Wayne Tonnesen, NJ HOFNOD Coordinator, has scheduled the meeting for August 16-20. Check the NJ DEP web site for more information.
OHIO CAMPERS LEARN ABOUT FISHING
The Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Director is invited to visit the University of Toledo from July 2-11, 2004 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 recreational, sports, and educational enrichment programming for approximately 380 youths aged 10 to 16. The University of Toledo also 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. Our JCAA Youth Education Committee will provide guidance about the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program, Passport to Fishing & Boating, and demonstrate a variety of angling techniques. Marine aquatic education will be discussed for children visiting coastal states during the remainder of their summer vacation.
HELPING OUR MILITARY FAMILIES
The JCAA Youth Education Committee and the Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 12), and two volunteer youths from the Army Community Service Center will provide fishing instruction for over 200 children that attend the Fort Monmouth School Age Services Summer Camp. The fishing instruction will take place at Husky Brook Pond Monday and Friday through July and August. Recently, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife conducted a warm water species identification demonstration for sixty children at Husky Brook Pond. We would like to thank Wayne Tonnesen, Conservation Officer, and Jim Oross, Fisheries Specialist, for providing the “Hand-On” fish program on June 9, 2004.