On one early Saturday morning this past March 12 college students from Unity College Ideal leadership program gave of their time to introduce the sport of fishing to local youth at Unity Pond. These college students with the help of Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife sponsored this program for the second year.
The event coordinator Josh Beuth and I have been in contact. Josh was gracious enough to send me information on this event as well as some pictures. I have to say this group of students are amazing to me. Here are these young adults who are thinking out of the box and reaching out to youth in order to provide them with such a great opportunity.
This event is part of the hooked on fishing not on drugs program that is set up in several states including Maine.
Here is what Josh had to say about this program “The Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs program aimed to bring kids outside and introduce them to an activity that they would not normally participate in. In the future, as these kids grow older and mature, we hope that when they face drugs and have to make a choice, they will choose fishing or another activity over the use/experimentation with drugs.
Mother nature helped out with the event on this Saturday after dumping 12″ of snow the night before. Saturday brought crystal clear skies with minimal winds.
This year showed an incredible increase of youth involvement growing from 6 kids the first year to 37 kids this year. Not only did 37 kids show up but estimated 40+ parents were there to enjoy this great day also. There were toddlers to teenagers who participated. Along with the excitement from running to flags kids took the time to throw snowballs, eat burgers, and hot dogs. Their were several prizes awarded to participants, these prizes donated by Unity House of Pizza, School Street Market and Video, Newport/Moosehead Trading Post and Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Each kid walked away with a prize. Also wanted to mention that all the bait used for event was donated by the Albion Bait Shop.
The Ideal team hopes to increase the kids involved to over 50 kids at next years event.
As a big supporter of teaching our kids the love of fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors I tip my hat to these young adults who organized such a great event. Thank you for taking time on a Saturday from your busy schedules to teach life lessons to others.
Josh thank you for sending me this information. I look forward to talking with you more about what you and this group participates in throughout the year. My son, Kolten and I will be chasing them flags with you next year and covering your third annual event.
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