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Northland Community Schools 4th graders have a unique opportunity to learn about the sport of fishing and get to spend some time doing it due to the tremendous support of the Northland Lions Club. For the past twenty-two years, the Northland Lions have been working with the school to encourage children to learn about their environment and the sport of fishing. Students participate in a variety of activities throughout the school year. The first adventure was a fall fishing trip on the shores of Thunder Lake. Students enjoyed a fish fry lunch sponsored and cooked by the Lions Club and an afternoon of fishing. Students learned how to bait their hooks, cast, and catch a lot of fish. Volunteers had a difficult time keeping up with the catch and release fishing of the eager and excited 4th graders. Many fish were caught, many lessons were learned about being an ethical fisher person, many fishing stories were told, and great memories were made by all.

During the winter season the 4th graders anxiously awaited their overnight trip to Deep Portage Conservation Reserve in Hackensack. This field trip focused on team building skills, winter survival skills, and ice fishing. Students also had an opportunity to try their skills on the rock climbing wall, make fish prints, and learn how to make survival shelters. They also caught some nice northerns while out fishing in the beautiful winter weather.

Students will participate in another learning day in May. They have the opportunity to learn about fishing rules and regulations with the DNR. Students will also join the Cass County Sheriff's Department to take a class on boat and water safety. Local volunteers teach students about the various equipment to use when fishing, as well as teach them knot tying skills, and the process of making their own lures.

The Hooked On Fishing, Not on Drugs Program offers our local youth an opportunity to learn and enjoy our beautiful outdoor surroundings together. It also brings together the community and school to focus on learning and building relationships with our youth.[[In-content Ad]]

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