January 14, 2015 at 4:10 p.m.
Program introduces young people to the outdoors
Program introduces young people to the outdoors
By Kayla Thomason-
The ice fishing event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. Interested families should meet at the Lake Julia boat access located on Timber Lodge Road off of Boyce Drive.
Participants are advised to come bundled up in warm clothing, hats, gloves etc. Ice fishing equipment will be provided and a fishing license is not needed.
"Last year the snow depth was just terrible, like 2 feet of snow," said John Kubisiak, fisheries biologist with the Wisconsin DNR and a 4-H leader. "We're not far behind it this year but hopefully we can get a little farther away from the boat landing and out into some weedage-type water where some fish are biting."
They will set up some tip-ups for northern pike and jig for panfish like perch and bluegills.
Registration for ice fishing is free, but children must enroll in 4-H for liability purposes. There is no charge for enrolling in 4-H. If someone can't afford to participate in skiing they can sign up for a scholarship through the club.
"The purpose of this is to help youth who have never done this before to ice fish, who may not have the equipment to come out, ... to engage kids in the outdoors in winter as long as it's not 20 below zero," said Lynn Feldman, 4-H youth development agent.
The Youth Winter Weekend corresponds with the Department of Natural Resources free ice fishing weekend. Adults can fish as well.
"We did this last year and it was quite a bit of fun," Feldman said. "It's only a couple of hours but kids who have never done ice fishing before, this gives them an opportunity to try it without going out and trying to secure equipment from somewhere."
It can get a little chilly standing around holes in the ice waiting for flags to fly. Hot chocolate will be provided to keep people warm.
There will be raffle drawings for tip-ups as well.
"[The children] loved [ice fishing], that was so much fun, that's why we're repeating it. It was just a really good time," Feldman said.
Those interested in skiing should come to Camp 10 Jan. 18. Camp 10 is located at W1604 Ski Hill Road. The fun will start at 10 a.m.
Cost is $10 for rentals, $6 for lift tickets. Ski lessons are included. Participants may bring their own skis.
Snowboarding is allowed but there will be no lessons, as the skiing is a package deal.
"The focus of [Youth Winter Weekend] is trying to get kids to go outside and have fun and giving them an opportunity to learn [how to ski] at a very affordable price," Feldman said.
Hot chocolate will be available during this event as well.
The Youth Winter Weekend hasn't been held the past few years due to frigid temperatures.
Skiing will be canceled if the temperature is colder than -5.
Those who are new to skiing, and want some instruction on how to prepare, should go to the lower level of the airport at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17. A volunteer leader will give instruction on how to get on a ski lift, what boots to get and what type of warm clothes to wear.
There is room to add more winter activities in the future. The events are youth-driven so children get to decide what they would like to do.
For more information on the Youth Winter Weekend, call Anne Williams, 4-H program assistant, at (715) 365-2750.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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