For a week in the summer I'm going to be a camp instructor. I'm gong to be doing a fishing camp and I don't have any experience in being an instructor. The head guy at the center just called and told me mine is the first to fill up and that I'll be so lucky to have 25 kids. It's a group of 8-12 year olds. It's going to be a MON-FRI deal from 8-12. We'll be doing some fishing, but I know I just can't have them do that. Any ideas of stuff to do or helpful hints of dealing with them would be greatly appreciated.

The upside to all this is I'll be making $44 an hour

Hello new rims

 

Start with the basics and each day build on that. Talk about rod and reel safety, hooks (and safety), how to bait 'em, how to cast (if that is what you are doing), where to cast,and what kind of fish go after what kind of bait. Then, you can sho the little darllings how to remove the hook or lure from the fish---my son used to let the hook almost become partially digested before he would set it---and what are "keepers" and what are not.

You can talk about spinning reels, spin-cast reels, bait cast reels, the good ol' bamboo pole, and perhaps even fly fishng. If you are casting, you can actually put hoola-hoops on the shor and have the kids practice casting with sinkers into the hoops---the ones that get close enough can win prizes.

Are you going out in boats? Boating safety.

Just a few ideas. Remember, each day review what you covered before and build on that.

Tim C.

 

I recently left public school teaching after 5 years and I am now working for Texas Parks and Wildlife as a resource interpretive specialist. I conduct the educational programs and workshops in Texas' parks for visitors, schools, and other TPWD employees.

As it turns out I just attended the Texas Parks and Wildlife's Anglers Education program aimed at teaching young children the various aspects of fishing. I have put this knowledge to use 3 times already conducting family fishing clinics and we have our 3rd Annual Kid Fish event scheduled this Saturday partnered with the local Wal-Mart.

A couple questions to get started;

Are you following an established program or are you responsible for creating your own?

What demographic of children will you be delivering this program to? Affluent, underprivileged, urban, rural, etc

Will the same group of children be with you everyday for the 4 hour block or will you be getting a new group of kids each day?

In case you are creating this program from scratch I have access to some resources that I would gladly share with you.

There are many activities that I can recommend that can you can use to occupy their interest and move your program forward at the same time.

I will tell you that with a group that size you will most likely need additional assistance to help with equipment malfunctions, discipline, mishaps, etc. These will most certainly happen and need to be addressed quickly or chaos is sure to follow.

 

I'd really appreciate that info. I'm on my own, unless I get my buddy to help out. I also have to make all the plans, and I'll have the same kids the whole week.

 

I haven't taught kids but I've always said that teaching professionals in the industry is like teaching kids. You have to keep their attention and the best way is to make it fun. Get some jokes going, get everybody in the fun mode and everything gets a lot easier....and fun too. Get creative with your presentation. And have fun! They'll learn more and you'll enjoy the experience.

 

Where is the camp at? My g/f is an enviromental educator at Weedon Island Preserve, she teaches kids groups all the time. I am a scout leader, worked with Cub scout day camps all the way up to 17 year olds. Kids are smart, they can smell fear. Just relax, keep it light, have fun with them. Have it structured, because idle hands are the devils work. For a group that large, you will need help, just too many kids to keep track of for one person. If you see them start to get distracted, time to switch up. You will do great...

44 bucks an hour, holy crap! Need help??