Sunday, July 06, 2008

KEARNEY, Neb. – The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, in partnership the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, has started a 4-H club to teach kids about fishing, said Keith Koupal, Game and Parks Commission irrigation reservoir specialist.

Koupal said that he has a background in extension and thought of the cooperative venture at a soccer match.

“Here were all these parents watching their kids,” he said, “and I thought, “Why not do something that would allow them to participate together?”

Koupal said that there is a generational loss in fishing knowledge and skills and that he hoped to share a little bit about the outdoors, a little bit about fishing, a little bit about appreciating nature and the outdoors and a lot about life skills in being with family.

The intent is for the parents to learn along with the kids, but some come in with a knowledge base–kids as well as parents, Koupal said. So far the parents have been the mentors, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

Some have knowledge of fishing. They’ve been fishing for a while and know how to catch fish, but they don’t necessarily have an understanding of the ecosystem. For example, one class focused on aquatic insects and that opens up a new area for some participants. They’ve been fishing for a long time, but don’t know what’s in this lake.

The six-week program leads up to a fishing trip planned entirely by the kids. They pack the gear; they tie the knots; they decide what they will fish for; they pack the lunch; and pick the spot. Then they take their mentors fishing.

The City of Kearney cooperates by providing boat rental free of charge and the Nature Barn at Cottonmill Lake for meetings.

“We can handle up to 20 students and have had no trouble filling the class,” Koupal said.

Koupal has shared the program with other county extension offices in hopes that it can be duplicated.

“I’m sure there are volunteers with interest and passion for the outdoors who would like to share that passion with families and youth,” Koupal said. “It’s a nice six-week format so people who are worried about the time commitment won’t feel too stretched.”

Koupal said that some former club members have returned to mentor new groups of fishers and their families.

This simple six-week program can help families develop interests that will draw them closer together, help them learn more about the outdoors and provide a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment.