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Youth Education Report
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association July 2006 Newsletter)
JCAA FLUKE TOURNAMENT
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the JCAA membership volunteers, contestants, sponsors, and merchants that supported the JCAA Fluke Tournament. Funds from the Fluke Tournament help provide needed drug awareness literature, fishing equipment for disadvantage youth, and aquatic education materials to promote environmental stewardship. The JCAA Youth Education/Drug Awareness program has grown over the years and each year we teach as many as 5,000 children and their families, the joys of fishing. Our youth fishing program is highly recognized by the State of New Jersey and we support other state programs by demonstrating the use of partnership materials such as the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program, National Fishing and Boating Week, and “Passport to Fishing and Boating.” During the month of June, 2006, the Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Committee provided fishing instruction and materials to several hundred families in Monmouth and Ocean county.
CAMPERS ARE EXCITED ABOUT LEARNING TO FISH
During the week of July 4th, the Jersey Coast Anglers Association’s Youth Education Director has been invited to teach at the University of Toledo 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 support the program and supply loaner fishing equipment for NYSP fishing days at Olander Park. Our JCAA Youth Education Committee will provide guidance about the Future Fisherman Foundation’s “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs” program, Take Me Fishing, and demonstrate a variety of angling and boating techniques. Marine aquatic education will be discussed for children visiting coastal states during the remainder of their summer vacation. The Merickel-Farley Trout Club has donated funds to purchase prizes for campers that participate at Olander Park. The award winning programs teach children about using sportfishing as an alternative to drugs, alcohol, gangs and violence. Many of the campers look forward to the NYSP five-week program and it’s a fun part of their whole summer. Along with learning basic fishing techniques, campers will learn about fish biology and environmental conservation. The word on the street is, the newly enrolled NYSP campers are ready to do some serious fishing, but not without hearing some big fish stories from New Jersey. The JCAA Youth Education Committee assisted with the development of a lesson plan that will feature a drug awareness message at each learning station.
BOY SCOUTS TROOP # 30
The JCAA Youth Education Committee presented a Fishing Merit Badge night for Boy Scout Troop 30 on Monday, June 5, 2006 at the Pleasant Plains Firehouse. The Boy Scouts attended the following stations: Fishing Safety, Anatomy of a Fish, Aquatic Ecosystem, Terminal Tackle and Rods/Reels, Knot Tying, Live Bait and Lures, and Angler Ethics. Twenty-eight Boy Scouts completed the Fishing Merit Badge requirement and are now ready to test their skill and catch a trophy Bass. All Scouts received a goodie bag with many items to help them enjoy a safe fishing experience.
MONMOUTH COUNTY YOUTH GROUP
During National Fishing and Boating Week, members of the JCAA Youth Education Committee and Vietnam Veterans of America, NJ Chapter 12, presented a fishing program for children that are temporarily homeless. Children learned how to safely fish from a boat, prepare for a boat trip, and how to properly adjust a life vest. 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 “Passport to Fishing and Boating” 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.
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 Gkucharews@aol.com.