fishing club at elementary school

[Andrew Erickson]

Hey guys, wasn't sure where to post this but I work at an elementary school and was thinking about starting up an after school fishing club for the kids. It would only go about an hour and run 4-5 weeks. Not necessarily taking them fishing but just teaching them about it and hopefully getting them into the sport at a pretty young age. The thing is i'm not exactly sure where to start and since they are young, i don't want what i say to go right over their heads. Anyone have any experience with teaching the younger kids about the outdoors? Just looking to be pointed in the right direction with this. Thanks

[Jarrid Houston]

Videos and pics can capture an audience, then build off of that with some short stories? But incorporate images to go along with the stories. I would think that would help. Teach basics, how to tie, rig, fish, where, when, species charectorisiics, importance of CONSERVATION!! And safety. These would all be importantly points. Sounds like a great idea! Goo for you man!!! Good luck

[LakeDocktor]

I give a youth seminar every year to 5th graders at the school my wife teaches at. It usually coincides with an annual activity day and the kids get to sign up for which activity they choose. The satisfaction for me is the extreme interest these kids have in listening to me.

I keep it pretty simple with the limited amount of time I have. The majority of the time is spent talking about ice safety. From elementary kids to seasoned adults, this is the most important bit of information that can be kept with us. I show the typical ice charts and have different highlighted points set up on Power Point. Instead of me reading them, I get the kids involved and make sure I hit every point by getting them involved. After each highlighted point, I ask questions to the group. I will go through basic products as well. If I had more time, I would start slow with technique and tips and progess over the course of a couple sessions, but this isn't available for me on this platform.

Talk to different companies! There are a lot of companies that are huge supporters of kids clinics and seminars. I had boxes and boxes of donated stuff to hand out and everyone received the same gear.

Good luck in your "adventure" and remember to keep it simple. If you are like me, you will gain just as much satisfaction as your young anglers.

[Andrew Erickson]

thanks for the advice guys.

LakeDocktor, which companies donated stuff and how did you go about contacting them? I wanted to get some gear for them but figured i would just be the one paying for it so if I got some stuff donated that would be awesome

[RIPN LIPS]

My fishing club "W-eyeKnot" along with "The Hook Setters" and the USMC league 2 Eagles detachment of Savage did a veterans fishing outing and everything was donated by local company's ie bait, door prizes, ect. and according to are club president he said he was amazed at how local company's were willing to donate. Call around I am sure you will fine what you are looking for.

[KoltRinger]

Andrew -

There are a lot of great resources available for teaching kids how to ice fish. The school of outdoors sports has a collection of ice fishing videos available. There is a School of Fish - google these and you will find resources to help teach the kids and keep them engaged!

Recycled Fish also has a lot of conservation resources available - also go to MN DNR Webpage for more resources. They have coloring books etc. Shoot me a PM if you want more information or help to get it going!