Nature Center’s Youth Fishing Camp Continues to Exceed Expectations

CAPE MAY — “Anyone associated with fishing gets it. Kids are the future of recreational fishing; without new, young fishing enthusiasts, the sport will whither.” This, according to Sanctuary Director Gretchen Whitman whose Youth Fishing Camp this past Aug. was once again filled to capacity with some 30 young anglers.
Billed as “An entry level experience for the aspiring angler for girls and boys from 3rd grade and up,” the Camp honors the memory Coast Guard Commander Guy Buckelew by introducing young anglers to the Commander’s own lifetime passion, fishing. Last summer’s Youth Fishing Camp was a pilot project undertaken by the Nature Center thanks in large part to funding by the McKinnon Family Foundation in memory of the late Commander Buckelew. From knot tying to casting, seining to crabbing, and rigging tackle to fish cleaning and cooking, campers are introduced to all aspects of recreational fishing during this week long camp.
“Corporate support was strong this year,” continues Whitman. In addition to “in-kind” donation of gear and apparel from several companies, cash donations from Ransome CAT, Sturdy Bank, Cape Harbor Marine, among others funded several scholarships which were made available to children who might not otherwise have been able to afford the camp.
After the first introductory day, the campers were totally enthralled on Tues. by the stories of big game fisherman, Chris Jobes, and his first hand accounts of tagging and releasing fish that he has caught. A mid-week highlight of the Camp was an off-site crabbing adventure and then later followed by a field trip to Canyon Club Resort Marina on Wed. where the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 marlin and tuna tournament was underway. The campers toured the event tent and spoke with company representatives from Ransome Cat, Pure Fishing, Technicold, Twin Disc, David Dunleavy Art, and PENN Reels among others. While at Canyon Club, the campers watched the tournament weigh-ins, including the eventual winning 441# blue marlin. They also observed Doctor John Graves of the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences conduct a scientific necropsy on a white marlin which had been caught during the tournament.
On Thurs., Jason Kleinschmidt made his Cape May Lady available for another highlight of the camp, an offshore fishing excursion for the campers and families. The busy week culminated with the campers preparing their fresh catch “camping style” over an open fire pit on Fri.
The camp was very fortunate to have Rutgers University’s Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences’ Eleanor Bochenek volunteer as the lead instructor for this summer’s camp. Dr. Bochenek was an ideal choice since her day job as Director of the Fisheries Cooperative Center has her working alongside fishing industry leaders. However, anyone who knows Eleanor will tell you that her true passions are fishing and hunting. A gifted educator, she has authored a “Youth Fishing, Crabbing and Clamming Guide to the Barnegat Bay” and is contemplating a similar guide for the Cape May region. Dr. Bochenek was ably assisted by Nature Center staff members, Debbie Avocolli, Sam Wilson and Director Whitman.
The vision of the Youth Fishing Initiative has always been to introduce kids to the healthy, engaging outdoor activity of fishing, and in this regard, the camp has been a resounding success. This focus on healthy, outdoor activity is echoed by the Nature Center’s parent organization, New Jersey Audubon which has long encouraged birding as another engaging, outdoor activity for youth.
“Whether fishing or birding, it’s a win-win-win,” according to Whitman. “Kids, parents, and the sports, everybody wins!”
Yes indeed, in terms of participation, industry involvement and most importantly, imparting life lessons to our youth, the Nature Center’s Fishing Camp continues to exceed expectations.
The Nature Center of Cape May (NCCM) is situated on the rim of Cape May Harbor at 1600 Delaware Avenue in Cape May. One of 10 centers operated by New Jersey Audubon, the Center provides family oriented programming in the marine sciences on a year-round basis. The public is invited to visit our campus, shop at the nature store and view the breathtaking harbor and its environment from the Trucksess Observation tower.