The Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park invites children ages 9-15 to submit an application for their second annual Learn to Fish Summer Camp.
The Learn to Fish Summer Camp is a free weeklong immersive program led by instructor and local fisherman Enzo Newhard, who will introduce young anglers to the fundamentals of safe and sustainable fishing. In addition to gleaning hands-on experience, participants will learn about ocean tides, turbidity, and how the behavior of fish varies between species and environmental conditions.
Designed to connect young Virgin Islanders with their natural environment and cultural heritage, the Learn to Fish Summer Camp will also host a series of expert speakers who will cover topics ranging from coral health to environmental conservation.
Mark Gestwicki, the program director at The Friends of the National Park, has seen extensive community interest since the inception of the pilot program in 2024. “I’ve never had so much positive responses from parents about a program since holding this position. I think one of the key factors is that this program is 100% funded and so it is accessible to everyone who has an interest in learning the trade of fishing. Nothing beats the excitement seen on the faces of the kids who get their first reels. While the program is still in its infancy, we have hopes to eventually expand it to include more weeks and more participants,” Gestwicki said.
Funded by a National Park Foundation grant, this summer camp opportunity opens the door to expose students to conservation, marine biology, and other science-based educational tracks. “You need to instill the love of the resource so children feel compelled to protect it. While we are encouraging them to learn this trade so they may have the ability to source their own food, we are also educating them about the symbiosis of man and the natural world,” Gestwicki said.
The camp will be held over three separate weeks, from June 23 to 27, July 7 to 11, and July 21 to 25. Applicants are eligible to enroll for one week only. Based in Cruz Bay, St. John, each day of the program will begin promptly at 8 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. All fishing equipment will be provided and after successful completion of the program, participants will be gifted their own reel and rod to keep.
Interested participants are encouraged to apply early as spaces are limited. To register or learn more, please contact Gestwicki at mgestwicki@friendsvinp.org or 340-779-4940. Additional details can be found at www.friendsvinp.org.
St. Croix Source
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