Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Catskill Schools Are Getting Kids Off-Screens and Outdoors

CATSKILL - The Catskill Elementary School (CES) Kayak-Fishing Program began in mid-May despite the cold and rain. The entire fifth-grade, over 80 kids participated in the on-water kayak and fishing portion of their Aquatics Program, which begins with swimming safety certification and instruction. That was completed under the watchful guidance of their teachers, Caitlin Davis, Eric Joyce, and Jimmy Lawrence, in an area indoor pool over this past winter. Caitlin and Eric now run the Kayak/Fishing Program at CES. For the past few years, the kayak program has included fishing instruction from Dicks House of Sports Outreach Coordinator Tim Duffy and the author. Tim and I teach an abbreviated version of Fishing “101” creekside, then take to the shore and get the kids fishing. We get a lot of help from teachers, aides and parent-volunteers/chaperones. On one occasion, our new, local NYS Environmental Conservation Officer, ECO Darren Milliron, stopped by and helped the kids fish and gave a quick talk about his role in protecting our fisheries and natural resources.  

 The students were also treated this year with a visit from retired area businessman and striped bass afficionado, Wayne West, who gave the students a close look at the fruits of his morning labor; a 26-inch “keeper” striped bass caught in the creek that day. The kids were allowed to touch the protective scales of the male (buck) striper which are in area creeks and the Hudson River for the annual spawning ritual which is underway right now. 

 Each fifth-grade class goes through the two-day program twice. Each day half the kids get on the water in kayaks while the other half fishes in the Catskill Creek. They then switch so everyone gets a chance to do both activities. It is part of the physical education program so I guess it’s “fitting” their day starts with the long walk from the Catskill Elementary School (CES) to the banks of the Catskill Creek by the high school. The annual event coalesced a number of years ago when Catskill’s Fishing Program dovetailed with their long-running Kayak Program. 

  Dicks House of Sport’s Outdoor Education Program partners with schools in the Capital District to get kids off-screens and outdoors. Catskill CSD’s Fishing Program and Schenectady’s Central Park Middle School Fishing Programs are two of the most active.

 Fishing was slower than usual this year but I guess we can just blame the weather! It’s great seeing first timers quickly learn to expertly cast and operate spincast and spinning outfits in such a short time. They now have the tools and look forward to fishing on their own now that they are “hooked” on fishing. Judging from the smiles and excitement, it’s safe to say a good time was had by all, despite the fish not cooperating.

 On-water safety for this week’s events was provided by Marine Law Enforcement patrols from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies aboard their law enforcement vessel maintained a safe perimeter for the boating half of the program where students were introduced to the world of kayaking on the Catskill Creek. Sheriff’s Deputies kept a close eye on the fifth-grade kayakers as their mentors safely introduced them to the sport. 

At the inception of the program over five years ago, then CES Principal John Rivers recognized the value of getting students connected to nature while kayaking and we introduced fishing. John Rivers is now the Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Health for the Catskill Central School District. Catskill’s Fishing Program had its first event back in October of 2019 when 35 middle schoolers fished North Lake with the assistance of staff from Dicks Sporting Goods, DEC, and school employees like middle school teacher and Fishing Club Coordinator, Dave Taylor. 

 Renowned author, Richard Louv tackled the topic of connecting kids to nature in his 2005 literary work, “Last Child in the Woods; Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder.“ 

It has been described as a work that, “…documents decreased exposure of children to nature in American society and how this ‘nature deficit disorder’ harms children and society.”

 While we should not be unduly alarmed at the seemingly growing trend where kids and adults grow less connected to the natural environment, it remains a topic of concern. Kids especially are spending an inordinate amount of time on screens, and according to the author, often view nature as a distant intangible, not recognizing the abundance of the natural world all around them. 

  Fishing, aquatics, and other outdoor programs help immerse students in the beautiful and often sensitive ecosystems right in their own backyards. Our surrounding woods, waters, wetlands and mountains offer cheap, and often times free opportunities to safely explore local wonders of nature.

 Let’s help kids, their parents, and teachers, safely connect them to the outdoors so we don’t have a “The Last Child in the Woods.”    

Happy hunting, fishing, and trapping until next time!

News and Notes 

Norton Hill Trap Shooting Program is Underway/ 3D Archery Starting Soon

The Norton Hill Wildlife Club’s Sunday Trap Program began on May 18th. Trap begins at 10:00 am at their facility at 946 Big Woods Road in Greenville. Cost is $5.00 per round. Bring your own ammo and ear and eye protection which is required. Breakfast sandwiches will be available starting at 9:00 am for $5.00. 

Remaining dates are: June 1st, July 20th, August 10th, and September 7th. For further information call Chad at 518-291-3784. 

Their 3D Archery Program begins on June 7th, with subsequent dates on July 12th and 13th, August 23rd and 24th, and September 13th. A chicken BBQ will be available from 7:00 am until Noon. Cost for adults is $15.00, 12-17 at $7.00 and kids under 12 are free. For more information call Eric at 518-646-6338. *The gun range will be closed on the dates listed above.

Ray Brooks Memorial Youth Fishing Derby in Catskill to be held on Saturday, June 21st The Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs is sponsoring the annual Ray Brooks Memorial Youth Fishing Derby which will be held on Saturday, June 21st at Catskill Point. Kids 5-15 years of age are eligible to register and compete. Registration is from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Fishing starts at 10:00 am and ends promptly at 1:00 pm. Kids must be accompanied by an adult and must bring their own fishing equipment. Bait and refreshments will be provided, and all registrants will get a prize. Bring the kids down for this fun, free, fishing event!