The way I get people to get excited about doing a kids event is by reminding them of the fun we had as kids in the outdoors. I start by explaining some of the great times that I had as a kid and soon I hear the person I am trying to help see the need to promote a fun filled day of creating memories that will last a lifetime. I have found that most people are more then willing to step up and lend a hand or promote a kids clinic as long as they know that they will have the support of a prostaff or a team of qualified individuals. I am asked questions about ice safety and how do I know that the kids will enjoy the event. As for ice safety, we do a session before the event starts. As for enjoyment, I simply tell them that I was at the first Fishing for Knowledge event that was held in Finlayson, Minnesota. The principle there made the statement that the kids were so excited to get to go ice fishing that there had been no bad behavior leading up to the event. He wished he could do these all the time.
Once the people see the positive rewards of doing the event the focus goes from trying to sell the idea to trying to plan the event. The most important part is picking primary and secondary dates to hold the event incase of inclement weather. Then there are things such as transportation, coordinating schedules, porta potties on the ice and warming shelters. Insurance is a big issue so I usually go through schools, community education and established groups. They usually have insurance that will cover your event. I have found that finding volunteers is easier during the week rather than weekends. I would recommend a volunteer to student ratio of no more than 1:4. The event should be between 3-5 hours in length which allows the kids to get the safety class and get hands on help from the volunteers. It is also important to have other activities to do in case some of the kids get bored or lose interest. I have found that just bringing a football or Frisbee will help to give them something to do for a short time and then they come back to fish. There are volunteer organizations that have all the fishing equipment needed such as rods, augers and locators.
It is also important to know that there are not limitations as to who can be on the ice. I have taught kids with disabilities, kids struggling with cancer and kids from single parent homes. I have also worked with normal, everyday kids from schools across MN. I teach the kids that they need simple things to go ice fishing such as a rod and bait. They can talk to most ice fishermen on the ice to drill holes for them. I teach the kids about being outdoors, not just catching fish. It teaches them to be active and not sit on the couch all day. Also, they learn to be self-reliant and responsible. All in all, the benefits of seeing the kids’ faces and the feeling you get from working with kids far outweighs the effort it takes to plan the event. You will create experiences for you, the kids and the volunteers that will last a lifetime.
