‘Hooked on Fishing’ teacher training available
News Release
Friday, October 07, 2011
Media contact: Bob Wattendorf, 850-488-0520
The Future Fisherman Foundation (F3) and the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will conduct a training
seminar for anyone interested in angler and aquatic education
training. This year's event will be at the 4-H Camp Ocala
(18533 NFS 535 Altoona, FL 32702) the weekend of Oct. 22-23.
This seminar is open to teachers, 4-H leaders, Boy/Girl Scout
leaders, Future Farmers of America personnel and anyone interested
in getting students involved with fishing and aquatic
education. Trainers will teach the principles of nationally
recognized programs such as Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs.
"The intent of this seminar is to give everyone a good working
knowledge of sport-fishing techniques and aquatic education and
instill confidence in them to train others in their respective
organizations," said Mark Gintert, F3 executive director. "We also
intend to show them a host of other available resources and the
next steps for their programs once they get established."
Biologists from the FWC will cover a wide variety of topics,
including local biology, habitat, conservation, equipment operation
and life skills. A primary goal of the FWC is to create the next
generation that cares by enabling youth and families to reconnect
with nature through a variety of active, nature-based recreational
activities. Such activities will enable them to live happier,
healthier and smarter lifestyles while becoming future resource
stewards (MyFWC.com/Youth).
"The FWC is implementing ways to reach out to schools and other
organizations that deal directly with students across the state,"
said Rich Abrams, the FWC's Marine Aquatic Education
coordinator.
"This event will bring together a diverse group of people who
share the same goals of getting students involved with the great
outdoors and learning to be stewards of Florida's aquatic
environments," echoed Steve Marshall, the FWC's Freshwater Angler
and Aquatic Education coordinator. Marshall will help lead the
seminar.
A travel stipend is available for participants through a
Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation grant, making the cost
minimal. Interested parties should go to FutureFisherman.org to register. Space is
limited, so register immediately. Participants will pay upfront for
their stay and meals at Camp Ocala (approximately $73 per person),
but the Future Fisherman Foundation will reimburse $150 per person
in travel expenses for up to three people per organization.
Participants will receive the Hooked on Fishing - Not on Drugs
curriculum, fishing equipment instruction and many additional
educational tools. This will be an in-depth training that will
encompass hands-on equipment use, ways to help youth plan for the
future, and environmental stewardship activities for which Hooked
on Fishing is known. Instructors for the program will be Mark
Gintert, executive director of the Future Fisherman Foundation;
Jennifer Saranzak, FWC marine biologist/education specialist in
marine fisheries; and Steve Marshall, FWC fisheries biologist in
freshwater fisheries.
For registration questions, call Steve Marshall at
561-292-6050.
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