Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Kindergarten Fishing Extravaganza!

Howdy Gang,

We had an opportunity to host an outdoor classromm for 25 kindergarten kids (Lusk, WY).
What a rewarding experience for me! Many of these youngsters had never been fishing. I believe all but maybe two kids caught fish (very cooperative bluegills).

Kids devided into 5 groups.
Group 1. Fishing!
Group 2. Stream bugs and biology.
Group 3. Furs, bones, skulls etc.
Group 4. Radio telemetry (Thanks to DNR Guy for putting radio collars on kids).
Group 5. Scavenger hunt.

35 minutes then Rotate!

Enjoy!

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[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/Eitel/IMG_0359.jpg?t=1180094901[/img]

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/Eitel/IMG_0391.jpg?t=1180094936[/img]

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/Eitel/IMG_0411.jpg?t=1180094972[/img]

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Ed

Now THAT looks fun. Nice job.

Great story Ed.

I don't recall ever seeing that dock structure, but it doesn't look new.

What is the function of those wood-box rails? Were the added for the kid's safety?

Bravo, Ed! Uncle Al would be jealous.

Those kids will remember that day for many years.

Tom F is right...you gave them fond memories for years to come. If there one thing I've learned in working with kids, it's that they've taught me way more than I've taught them.

Sunil
Yes and No on the dock. It is a new facility to the LMB/BG pond, but made from used material. Its actually part of the mini golf course from town (FOUR). It needs a bit of “sprucing” up, but it is very functional.
You probably noticed the cattails surrounding the pond. This pond is very difficult to fish without a boat. Therefore, some sort of dock is a must.
Yep, the rough lumber rail was a last minute addition to keep 5 year olds from accidentally bailing off into 60 degree water. It worked great as everyone had to lean over to check out the water.

The logistics of this type adventure can be interesting.
Example:
Will it rain?
Will it snow?
Bathroom facilities? (Actually first time for some to use outdoor privy)
Lunch?
Snakes?
Ticks? (Several)
Will someone get sick?
Will I get sick?
Eight vehicles with parents, teachers, kids, Consv. District People, and volunteers. Parking?
Will someone fall in the water.
Will the fish bite?
Bait?

I would do it again in a heart beat!

When each of our kids were in pre-school, we had their classes out to the farm for a couple hour visit. That's the only times our old yellow lab ever got enough attention to suit her.

Good job Ed !! Have done that with YMCA , School and Scout groups. What a blast.

Edward, my hat is off to you! I have had a gaggle of all ages around my pond, with grown-up "helpers" too busy tying hooks and un-hooking fish to fish themselves, and there isn't a more wonderful sight and use of my pond in my opinion. My secret weapon is to turn off the fish-feeder about 2 days before an event, and narry a one goes home empty handed, many catching their very first "lunker" BG!
I appreciate you sharing the 35 minutes and then rotate schedule. We don't have a stream, but we have a lot of Petrified Wood and other interesting rocks, so next time I will be using your model. Thanks!

I've done this with my Grandsons Cub Scout Pack and with his basketball team. A lot of the parents had never been "outdoors" and it was a new experience for a bunch of them. A couple of deer cooperated by showing up and they got to see a 3 day old calf. Everybody stuffed themselves on hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and other junk food. I think I enjoyed it more than anyone. Some of the "townie" parents had never seen a tractor up close.

For the boys, I think they enjoyed being able to pee outdoors more than anything else. Lots of impromptu wresting matches along with the fishing. Everybody wants to do it again.

I would recommend this to all of you guys.

I know I do.