First Cast, Trout Unlimited, Emerald Necklace ChapterFirst Cast is TU's nationwide initiative to introduce youth to coldwater conservation through fly fishing.
It is no secret that some of TU's most dedicated conservationists are fly anglers. As part of TU's efforts to identify and train the next generation of coldwater resource stewards, the First Cast initiative will help TU's nation-wide network of chapters start or expand youth programs in partnership with local organizations. Donors & Sponsors The Emerald Necklace Chapter would like to recognize the following companies, organizations or individuals who have contributed to our Kid's Education initiative. Erie Outfitters, Craig Lewis 5404 Lake Road Sheffield Lake, OH 44054 Donation of flies for Education Day at Castalia A web link can be found at http://www.erieoutfitters.com
L.L. Bean Donation of rod outfits and fly tying kits.
Frank Amato Publications, Inc. Donation of youth educational books
Castalia Fish Hatchery Dave Insley, Hatchery Manager Castalia, Ohio (419) 684-7400 Use of hatchery stream for Education Day event
TU Volunteers - Thank you to TU volunteers who have supported Boy Scout education:
2008 (Girl Scout Outing) Lou Povinelli Mike Povinelli Jim Augustyn Chris Steffen Brent Feorene Carl Kocian Chuck and Suzanne Faerber
2008 (Boy Scout Merit Badge) Lou Povinelli Mike Povinelli Jim Augustyn Keith Brewster John Gallagher Jeff Branic Brent Feorene Carl Kocian Gordon Hynes George Kline Major Weers Sam Butcher Chuck and Suzanne Faerber
2007 Wes Perusek Lou Povinelli Mike Povinelli Jim Augustyn Keith Brewster Craig Strachan Rich Nering John Gallagher Jeff Branic Brent Feorene Carl Kocian Gordon Hynes Keith Raker George Kline Angel Otero Bob Williams
2006 Wes Perusek Lou Povinelli Mike Povinelli Chuck Frawley Keith Brewster Craig Strachan Rich Nering John Gallagher
2004 Chris Steffen Chris Eckley Lou Povinelli Gary Bish Keith Brewster Tony Jelenic Rich Nering
2003 Chris Steffen Chris Eckley Jim Augustyn Keith Brewster Phil Murphy John Gallagher Lou Povinelli Rich Nering
We have a Kid's Education Committee chaired by our Education Chairman. This committee's mission is to support the objectives of the national First Cast program. To join this committee, please contact our Education Chairman at our Contacts page. Because of their focus on conservation and education, our current goal is to establish a relationship with Boy Scouts Troops in our area. We have established two objectives with the Scouts. First, to develop a network of TU volunteers who can attend scout meetings (in their area) to provide assistance with the fly fishing merit badge to Scouts and Scout Leaders. Second, to sponsor a yearly fishing event with 12-14 boys from a troop which exhibits the most interest in obtaining the fly fishing merit badge. For committee members, please use the following information to help you when meeting with scouts. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts of America, please contact our Education Chairman. Once you complete the application process with the BSA, as scouts complete requirements for the fly fishing merit badge you can sign the merit badge counselor forms. UPCOMING EVENTS
Check this page for a list of already scheduled events. If you are interested in helping out please contact the Education Chairman. PAST EVENTS AT CASTALIA 2006 2004 The collage says it best ! A group of TU volunteers worked with Boy Scout Troop 261 from Sagamore Hills several times before our fishing event at the Castalia Fish Hatchery on June 26th. After the kids limited out on their catch, they all finished many items on their fly fishing merit badge. It was a very rewarding day for TU volunteers and scouts alike (who is smiling the biggest?). 2003 Below are several pictures of the day's events.
2002 Our chapter conducted this year's program at the ODNR's section of Cold Creek in Castalia, Ohio. This first class spring creek presented a secluded locale for a day of instruction and plenty of large trout. The dozen students were all members of a boy scout pack from Bay Village, Ohio. The instructors (members from our chapter) covered topics ranging from watershed conservation and aquatic insect life to fly casting and, of course fishing. By day's end, most boys had caught their limit of five trout, and several trout over two pounds were taken that day by first time flyfishers. There we even a few who managed to get a fish on streamer, wet and dry flies! Note that all fish must be kept along the state-owned section of cold creek. Below are several pictures of the day's events.
FLY FISHING MERIT BADGE
A description and additional reading on TU national page. INTRODUCING OUR CHAPTER AND GOALS A letter of introduction from our chapter to a Scout Troop. INTRODUCING CASTALIA EVENT A letter of introduction to a Scout Troop about our Castalia event You may also want to share a copy of the manual we provide to each kid. To receive a copy by mail, contact the education sponsoring board member. WHAT TO DO AT SCOUT MEETINGS We want to assist local troops with their fly fishing merit badge through attendance of volunteer members of our organization at Troop sponsored events – either regular meetings or special events held for merit badge work. We can provide information to help scouts gain their fly-fishing merit badge, including hands-on assistance with tying a fly – which is one of the badge requirements. We may be speaking in front of a group or simply have a display setup for kids to come ask questions.
By meeting with scout troops, we also hope to pick the most interested troop to invite to our next outing at Castalia. Here are ideas for what to do at meetings:
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