The JCAA Youth Education Committee is accepting nominations for the 2016 Youth Education Award. It takes the support of many volunteers to bring success to the fishing community, but sometimes individuals and sport-fishing organizations go above and beyond to make the future of fishing better for our youngsters. There are a lot of talented volunteers doing good work with children in the sportfishing community. Please take time to submit a nomination. Criteria: Promoting “Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs (HOFNOD),” Certified HOFNOD instructors, number of fishing or aquatic education events, JCAA lending library usage, and creativity for promoting youth fishing events. Submit your nominations in writing (250-500 words) and email the JCAA Youth Education Committee, gkucharews@jcaa.org.
During August the JCAA Youth Education Committee provided a fish printing activity for youngsters at the Manasquan River Club, Riverside Dr., Brick, NJ. Over forty children attended the fish printing session and learned about different species of fresh and saltwater fish. Children had a chance to design their own lucky fishing towel with a red, white and blue theme. Towels and fish printing supplies were donated by the JCAA and VVA Chapter 12. The JCAA Youth Education Committee distributed information about NJ HOFNOD, Project Healing Waters, NJBBA Youth Surf Fishing Tournament, NJ Wild Outdoors, and Vietnam Veterans of America Shore Area Chapter 12 Fishing Programs.
The JCAA Youth Education Committee will provide support material for the Brick Boy Scouts Troop 39 that are scheduled to go hiking and fishing in October at Worthington State Forest. We will also provide loaner rods and reels to Boy Scouts that do not have fishing equipment for their hike and fish trip.
The next free freshwater fishing day in New Jersey will be Saturday, October 15, 2016. You will not need a license to try freshwater fishing. There is also a beginner fishing basics workshop at the Pequest Trout Hatchery.
NJ HOFNOD will have a Jamboree on October 14, 15, & 16, 2016 at the Sussex County YMCA. Become a NJ HOFNOD certified volunteer. For more information about training sessions, please contact: Liz Jackson, NJ HOFNOD Coordinator who will host instructor training sessions in August and September 2016.
If you would like to volunteer time with a NJ HOFNOD program near you and become a certified NJ HOFNOD instructor, please contact Liz Jackson, NJ DEP Division of Fish & Wildlife, Hooked on Fishing- Not on Drugs, 605 Pequest Road, Oxford, NJ 07683 908-637-4125 x122.
Visit the NJ HOFNOD website to view their new public service announcement.
On Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 12 monthly meeting we will present “Playing HOOK-E” from PTSD at VFW Post 2226 212 Norwood Ave., Oakhurst, NJ. The presentation is geared towards veterans struggling with PTSD and how recreational fishing helps ease symptoms. The goal is to connect veterans and their families to VA Service Offices/Outreach Centers, NJ Coastal Parks, Fishing Clubs, Veteran Organizations, and help Veteran men and women take time to heal by utilizing healthy outdoor activities, such as fishing with their family and friends. We will give an overview of the presentation that was presented at the 2016 Florida Recreation and Park Association’s Annual Therapeutic Recreation Institute. Fishing is a lifetime leisure activity and this presentation will provide attendees with an understanding of a fishing program that offers veterans a variety of outdoor recreation options.
During June, July and August we conducted a crabbing workshop at the US Army Sea Girt National Guard Training Center Militia Museum, Fluke Fishing Workshop at Point Pleasant Riverside Park, and Surf Fishing for Fluke outing at Bay Head Beachfront. The veteran fishing seminars are gaining notoriety and are sponsored by JCAA, VVA Chapter 12, and VFW Post 2226 Oakhurst, NJ. Please get the word out to your veteran members.
To Register: Phone: 732-785-9278 or email mail to: gkucharews@jcaa.org.
The JCAA Youth Education Committee recently applied for the West Marine BlueFuture Fall Grant. If you are a Non-profit organization please consider applying for the West Marine BlueFuture grant. All nonprofit 501C3 organizations are encouraged to apply, community-based organizations that teach sailing, powerboating, fishing or boatbuilding skills; foster aquatic sustainability and conservation practices; and encourage learning in the marine sciences. West Marine began accepting applications for its 2016 Fall BlueFuture Fund grants during September. You have until October to submit a grant application.
