|
 This
event, held on June 17 and 18, provided a unique blend of classroom
learning and field fishing, engaging young participants in a variety
of activities designed to enhance their fishing skills and
environmental awareness. The experience levels of Funshop attendees
ranged from never having fished before to having caught fish in the
Great Lakes.
The Funshop began with a three-hour classroom session led by
Savannah and Jim Kolba of Savannah Kolba Outdoors. During this
session, participants engaged in several interactive activities,
including building spinnerbait, knot tying, comparing bait rigs, and
understanding fish characteristics. The Kolbas’ expertise and
enthusiasm made the learning experience both informative and
enjoyable for the young anglers.
The event was made possible with the help of dedicated volunteers
from the Menard County Farm Bureau, Menard County Soil & Water
Conservation District, and the Athens Bass Fishing Team partnered
with University of Illinois Extension staff. Their assistance was
invaluable in ensuring that each activity ran smoothly and that
participants received the guidance they needed to succeed.
Following the classroom session, the youth took to
the water at the Menard County Fairgrounds pond for a practical
fishing experience under the leadership of Tad Locher and Blake
Bushman from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Tad and
Blake provided the young fishers with hands-on instruction and tips
to improve their fishing techniques in a real-world setting. Every
one of our young fishers was successful, with some catching fish in
double digits. The event concluded with a demonstration of the IDNR
boat uncovering fish that hadn’t been caught by our participants.
Every participant was provided with a free tackle box, miscellaneous
gear and a “snackle box,” adding a fun and personal touch to their
fishing gear. The community volunteers played a crucial role in
engaging with the youth, sharing their passion for fishing, and
fostering a sense of community and stewardship of natural resources.
Special thanks to the Menard County Soil & Water Conservation
District for providing a surprise drawing for fishing poles and
ensuring that every single youth went home with a gift card from
Scheel’s.
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"We are thrilled with the turnout
and the enthusiasm shown by the participants." said Stacie
Skelton, Menard County 4-H Program Coordinator. "This event not
only taught valuable fishing skills but also instilled a deeper
appreciation for our natural environment. We are grateful to our
partners and volunteers for making this event a success."
The Free Fishing with 4-H Funshop exemplifies the Menard County
4-H Program’s commitment to providing educational and engaging
opportunities for youth, fostering a love for the outdoors, and
promoting responsible environmental stewardship.
For more information about upcoming 4-H events and programs,
please contact Stacie Skelton at 217-632-7491 or sskelton@illinois.edu.
ABOUT ILLINOIS 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth
development program of University of Illinois Extension and
administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and
Environmental Sciences.4-H grows true leaders, youth who are
empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The
hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools and
encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make
great things happen. Independent research confirms the
unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that
young people are four times more likely to contribute to their
communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices;
two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more
likely to participate in STEM programs.
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public
outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into
action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community
leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to
changes and opportunities.
[WRITER: Stacie Skelton, 4-H Program
Coordinator, Menard County] |
