07-02-2009, 11:10 AM
Making a fishing pole part of a youth's outdoor learning experience became a reality this summer for 33 successful applicants in a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) program that provides educators with equipment kits that help introduce youth to fishing.
Any teacher, scout leader, 4-H leader or fishing enthusiast already familiar with the DNR MinnAqua program's Fishing: Get in the Habitat! leader's guide - a national award-winning angling and aquatic education curriculum - was eligible to apply for the DNR's Pay It Forward program.
Equipment distributed through the program put 976 new rods and reels in the capable hands of energetic youth educators throughout the state. But it also means groups that receive equipment will implement 33 creative ways of putting it to use in communities across Minnesota.
"The intent of this initiative is to keep empowering educators," said Jenifer Matthees, MinnAqua program coordinator. "In addition to giving them the curriculum resources they need through the Fishing: Get in the Habitat! leader's guide, applicants submitted an online description of how they intended to make use of the equipment through additional fishing education or community outreach projects - to "˜pay it forward.'"
MinnAqua, the DNR's angling and aquatic education program, created the leader's guide and administers the program. Recipients receive rod bags filled with complete rod-and-reel combos, a tackle box with starter tackle, a pair of leader's fishing vests and a safety bag complete with personal floatation devices, rescue bag and first aid kit.
Among the projects selected this year were:
* A partnership bringing together Vermilion Community College students, Bear Head Lake State Park, Ely field naturalists, Ely-area citizens and local schools to provide introductions to aquatic habitats, freshwater plants and animals, precautions for invasive species and recreational opportunities. The fishing kit supplements binoculars and bird guides from the Minnesota Ornithological Union in programs for kids to enhance their outdoor experiences.
* A proposal from McLeod County 4-H volunteers to use the fishing kit as part of their programs and share the equipment with other groups offering outdoor education opportunities in McLeod, Sibley, Nicollet, Renville, Meeker and Carver counties.
* A Minneapolis-based effort that creates a Fishing Club at Volunteers of America-Minnesota Service Adventure Leadership Team (VOA-SALT) High School as part of the science curriculum in conservation biology and freshwater ecology and exposes students to an important aspect of Minnesota culture. Students at VOA-SALT will work to expand the Fishing Club to Opportunity High School, which primarily serves east African youth who are working toward a high school diploma, learning a new language and acclimating to a new culture.
Other ideas that applicants proposed this year included involving students in the construction of new fishing piers and other lake access projects; developing youth fishing day camps; matching retired seniors with youngsters on fishing excursions; training 4-H and scout leaders; and making the rods and reels available to underserved community members.
Any teacher, scout leader, 4-H leader or fishing enthusiast already familiar with the DNR MinnAqua program's Fishing: Get in the Habitat! leader's guide - a national award-winning angling and aquatic education curriculum - was eligible to apply for the DNR's Pay It Forward program.
Equipment distributed through the program put 976 new rods and reels in the capable hands of energetic youth educators throughout the state. But it also means groups that receive equipment will implement 33 creative ways of putting it to use in communities across Minnesota.
"The intent of this initiative is to keep empowering educators," said Jenifer Matthees, MinnAqua program coordinator. "In addition to giving them the curriculum resources they need through the Fishing: Get in the Habitat! leader's guide, applicants submitted an online description of how they intended to make use of the equipment through additional fishing education or community outreach projects - to "˜pay it forward.'"
MinnAqua, the DNR's angling and aquatic education program, created the leader's guide and administers the program. Recipients receive rod bags filled with complete rod-and-reel combos, a tackle box with starter tackle, a pair of leader's fishing vests and a safety bag complete with personal floatation devices, rescue bag and first aid kit.
Among the projects selected this year were:
* A partnership bringing together Vermilion Community College students, Bear Head Lake State Park, Ely field naturalists, Ely-area citizens and local schools to provide introductions to aquatic habitats, freshwater plants and animals, precautions for invasive species and recreational opportunities. The fishing kit supplements binoculars and bird guides from the Minnesota Ornithological Union in programs for kids to enhance their outdoor experiences.
* A proposal from McLeod County 4-H volunteers to use the fishing kit as part of their programs and share the equipment with other groups offering outdoor education opportunities in McLeod, Sibley, Nicollet, Renville, Meeker and Carver counties.
* A Minneapolis-based effort that creates a Fishing Club at Volunteers of America-Minnesota Service Adventure Leadership Team (VOA-SALT) High School as part of the science curriculum in conservation biology and freshwater ecology and exposes students to an important aspect of Minnesota culture. Students at VOA-SALT will work to expand the Fishing Club to Opportunity High School, which primarily serves east African youth who are working toward a high school diploma, learning a new language and acclimating to a new culture.
Other ideas that applicants proposed this year included involving students in the construction of new fishing piers and other lake access projects; developing youth fishing day camps; matching retired seniors with youngsters on fishing excursions; training 4-H and scout leaders; and making the rods and reels available to underserved community members.