St. Charles Parish children can try their hand at fishing skills while learning about the outdoors during the library’s Junior Angler program Sept. 26.
The free program will be held from 10 a.m. to noon outside of the East Regional Library. No registration is required.
The program introduces children and teens to fishing through hands-on activities designed to teach about responsible fishing practices, conservation and the ecosystems that make fishing possible.
The St. Charles Parish Library became involved with the program last year after Natasha Dufrene, a park guide at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux, reached out about bringing Junior Anglers to the parish. Dufrene had previously hosted the program at other libraries and wanted to expand its reach into St. Charles Parish.
The program is funded by the National Park Foundation to support education and recreational fishing opportunities.
One of the program’s main activities is the Backyard Bass Casting Game, which gives children a chance to use real fishing poles to cast for plastic fish on the grass.
Children can also create fish imprints using tempera paint. The activity produces detailed impressions showing the shape, scales and fins of fish. Last year’s program also included ring toss games geared toward younger children.
Dufrene will lead the activities with volunteers from her organization.
The program drew 42 children and adults last year.
Lauren Campo Pitz, assistant director of the library, said the activity appealed to parents as well as children.
“Fishing is a very popular pastime in this area, so some of the parents really enjoyed participating in the casting activity with their kids,” Pitz said.
Youth Services Librarian Raven Spizale said the program gives the library an opportunity to offer something different from its typical activities.
“We are always looking for new and innovative programming to bring to our community,” Spizale said. “This program is something that is different than our usual line up of activities, so we hope participants will be able to explore something new while connecting with people who have similar interests.”
All supplies will be provided by the National Park Service, so families do not need to bring fishing equipment or other materials. Activities will be held outside unless it rains.
Pitz said the library would like to offer Junior Anglers again next year and will continue looking for partnerships that could expand its outdoor education offerings.