Building on the popularity of its annual fishing derby, the Washington County Fish and Game Association is hoping a lot of youngsters will turn out Saturday for a day of fun and education.
Outdoor Youth Day for girls and boys ages 5 to 18 is planned from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the club on Duck Creek Road near Whipple. Space is limited and early registration is suggested.
Members of the Fish and Game Association and organizers of the event say they hope a lot of young people from the community will turn out for the program, which began in 2006 and took a couple years hiatus.
"We are trying to get kids involved in conservation of the group," said Jeanann Myers, secretary of the club.
There are currently more than 300 members of the Washington County Fish and Game Association and yearly dues and events, such as the fishing derby, help to keep the club going and pay for upkeep and upgrades to the facility, lake and grounds.
"To be totally honest, when we joined the club, it was because of the camping," said club treasurer Heather Myers. "But then we found out about all the programs for kids. Our main goal with this event is to educate kids and to get them involved in the outdoors."
Fact Box
If you go
What : Outdoor Youth Day.
Where: Washington County Fish and Game Association, 2100 Duck Creek Road, off Ohio 821 south of Whipple.
When: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
Who: Boys and girls ages 5 to 18; parents are welcome.
Cost: Free.
Details: Stations include archery, air rifles, line casting, first aid and snakes.
For information: Jeanann at 336-7266.
The stations that are planned for Saturday include air rifle use and safety by Sam Doak with the Ohio State University Extension office, fishing line casting with Fish and Game Association trustees, first aid tips from the Lower Salem Volunteer Fire Department, learning about native snakes with Lynn Barnhart and archery lessons given by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
"We will provide the equipment and will teach the kids how to hold the bow, how to shoot, how to aim...they love it," said Eric Bear, ODNR wildlife officer.
Dean Sinclair, wildlife and forestry expert with the Washington Soil and Water Conservation District will also be on hand with skulls and furs of native animals.
"The kids will be able to touch the items - including skunk, possum, coyote, red and gray fox - and we will offer some factual information," he said. "There are a lot of urban myths and misconceptions about some of these animals."
There is no cost for the event and a light morning snack and lunch will be provided.
