Fishing Camp for school children is a huge hit

Our Partnership Development Manager Dean Asplin has worked with Sunflowers at Grafton a charity whose “TreeHouse” initiative that provides parents with vital childcare for school children, had always wanted to give angling a go…

Dean writes:
Sunflowers’ ‘TreeHouse’ group offers challenging and fun activities to school children in after-school and holiday clubs throughout the year. They love the outdoors and put together a really exciting programme of active, interesting activities which aim to have some learning in there too!

It was great to be contacted by Sue England who was keen to include angling in their programme . Research tells us that sparking an interest in fishing at an early age is a great way to start people on the path to becoming a lifelong participant.

I helped arrange a fishing activity near Sunflower’s base in Wiltshire. The “Fishing Camp” was described as “Two amazing days of coaching reinforcing our passion for the outdoors, the importance of conservation, patience, creativity,  problem solving and FUN!” which I think is a great summary of how angling can help young people reconnect with nature.

After the weekend it was fantastic to receive this email from Sue…

“Fishing had been on our wish list for a good while. It meets all of our criteria: it’s challenging, fun, outdoors, interesting and involves learning new skills. It was one of our dads who suggested that we contact the Angling Trust for help, and the response was fantastic. The result was a 2-day ‘fishing camp’ in August at Bitterwell Lake with Terry Smith and his team.

It was one of our most successful and sought after school holiday club events this summer and was fully booked within a couple of days.

Parents loved the sound of it and whilst some were unsure whether their child would enjoy the days they were still keen for them to try it.

We’re very pleased to report that, without exception, the children (…and adults!) had a fantastic time. Not only were they all successful in catching a few fish they really enjoyed the whole experience.

The guidance of Terry and his team was fundamental to this – they were fabulous. Feedback following the days was super and many children and parents are eager to know how we are planning to follow this up!

We are keen to develop fishing as a core part of our activities and look forward to working with The Angling Trust on future clubs.”

Sue England, Business Manager, Sunflowers at Grafton

If you want to start fishing search Get Fishing for events like these. Can’t find a session near you? Just get in touch (contact details below) and we’ll make every effort to arrange something that matches what you need.

Dean

Dean Asplin
Partnership Development Manager (South) – Angling Trust
[email protected]
07854 239 731
Twitter: @DeanAsplinAT
Instagram: @deanasplinat

Sunflowers at Grafton is a nursery and out of school club provider in East Grafton, Marlborough, Wiltshire. It opened in Autumn 2011 and now provides childcare for over 150 families. It’s a community run, not for profit registered charity and is firmly embedded in the local community. See more at www.sunflowers-grafton.co.uk or check our Facebook page or email [email protected]

The “Get Fishing” campaign is run by the Angling Trust to increase the number of people being introduced or returning to angling across the country. Anyone interested in going fishing can find angling events at ‘Get fishing Near You‘. The events listed are for all participants regardless of gender, age, fitness or previous angling experience.

Angling Participation and the Get Fishing campaign is supported by Environment Agency fishing licence income and helps to introduce thousands of people to fishing each year.