Are you looking for a fun activity to keep your children busy over the upcoming summer break? Why not fishing?

Virginia Fishing Adventures was formed in 2005 for the sole purpose of introducing kids to the sport of fishing and encouraging them to develop a passion for this quiet, disciplined activity. The goal is simple; when the child is done with the program, he or she is able to fish and do other outdoor things on their own. The program is open to boys and girls between the ages of 6  and 15. Since the program provides all the equipment and tackle, it's a painless decision; just add your child to the mix.

When the program first started in 2005, it moved 17 children through the program over three weeks.   Compare that to last year when 300 kids enjoyed all of the activities associated with being outside and on the water. Virginia Fishing Adventures now offers day camps in Richmond, Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia and is introducing overnight camps on the Chesapeake Bay and the New River. The program targets private ponds, the James, Rappahannock and Shenandoah Rivers with advanced camps for more experienced kids.

In fact, Tee Clarkson, the director of the program, is adamant that the program feature the entire range of engaging activities (no experience necessary) that start with the basics for children as young as 6 yet can capture the imagination and interest of the 15-year-old boy. In fact, the older kids learn how to canoe and operate Jon boats with electric motors - something that adds a special dimension to recognize their increased maturity and need for additional independence as well as satisfying their urge to explore. The bottom line is that the program tries to let kids be in charge of their own day and time as much as possible. They have the opportunity to do a wide variety of activities and when they want to fish, they fish. When they want to put the rods down and go swimming, that's what they do. Tee said, "Most of all, we want the kids to have fun. Beyond learning where fish live and how they behave, we also want them to gain an appreciation for the environment to ultimately to become good stewards of our waters and the land.”

Given the teaching aspect of the program, almost all of the adult counselors are teachers with years of experience leading children through the rigors of reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic. It's a joy for them to change gears and expose kids to the intricate, joyful calculus of catching a feisty largemouth, sunfish or smallmouth bass on the great waters of the Piedmont section of Virginia. All of the counselors are personally vetted and approved by Tee.

Interested? Visit www.virginiafishingadventures.com for more information.

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