Kayak + Fishing = Fun

Kids just want to have fun!

This past Saturday, the ACA partnered with Outdoor Nation and other local organizations and put on a kayak fishing event for underserved youth from the Greater Richmond Virginia area. The event was held at the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Warsaw, Virginia. 20 youth from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Greater Richmond & Tri-Cities were taken fishing along the pond banks and on kayaks. The day was filled with fun and excitement as many children experienced the joy of fishing and kayaking for the first time. The program was designed to encourage youth to explore the benefits of a healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle through human powered recreation and sustainable fishing practices. The educaiton they received in regards to safe boating - for example, wearing a life jacket - can be transferred to any future boating activity, whether its paddle, sail, or power based. 

The kayaks and fishing equipment used were donated to Blue Sky Fund, a youth engagement organization, with the intention of replicating the event in the future and exposing more youth to the joys and benefits of kayak fishing. The youth who participated this past Saturday and their chaperones were connected with local resources for paddling, fishing, and outdoor recreational opportunities at the end of the event.