05/20/2022
REEL MENTORS YOUTH FISHING PROGRAM
Youth development through fishing experiences, mentoring youth to care for the earth, themselves, and each other
If you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.” – Lao Tzu
While we can all certainly accomplish great things together, what is more empowering than learning to do something for yourself – particularly if it involves fun in the great outdoors?!
While the pandemic worked overtime to bring youth loads of isolation and insecurity, community leaders flipped the switch, bringing youth and mentors together for encouragement, learning, fun, and meaningful connection through Reel MentorsTM. From South Florida to Nebraska and beyond, mentors and youth are learning about fishing, each other, nature, careers, and more – enriching lives and nurturing promising futures.
The next Reel MentorsTM fishing event is set for Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Standing Bear Lake in Omaha, Nebraska. To get to the event take Entrance 1 at Standing Bear Lake Road, we will be at the pavilion at the top of the hill at the boat ramp. The event is hosted by Reel Mentors (a 501C3 nonprofit organization) in partnership with the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Scheels, and area volunteers. 20-25 youth will enjoy a day of catch-and-release fishing, learning, and fun. Youth will gather at 11:00 and be picked up at 4:00 at the shelter south of the parking lot and the floating trail. There is no cost for participation, but registration is limited.
Thanks to generous partners, youth will be provided everything they need for a day of fishing, including fishing poles, tackle, bait, and more. A couple of surprises are in store, with rumors of awards! Everyone will take something home, such as rods, reels, educational materials – and hopefully, no sunburns! In addition to members of the Ponca Tribe and the Omaha community, the event will also welcome the participation of founding board member and legendary UFC champion Rashad Evans and his family.
11:00 – 12:30 The day will begin with mentors and youth getting acquainted and learning fundamentals of fishing such as tying knots, baiting hooks, and casting lines. Youth will be introduced to the types of fish they will see, learning about their habitat, food preferences, and the procedures and rationale for “catch-and-release.” Lunch will be served.
12:30 – 4:00 Youth and mentors will fish from the banks of Standing Bear Lake, enjoying stories, comradery, the beautiful lake area, and the challenge of fishing. Youth will have the opportunity to be as independent as they want to and can be with their fishing, such as baiting hooks and reeling in fish. Mentors will assist as needed, such as with releasing fish and dealing with entanglements. Snacks, beverages, shelter will be provided for youth during their fishing experience. We will have rain ponchos, so don’t let a little rain get in the way of good fun!
Throughout the day, youth and mentors will have the opportunity to engage with each other, including time with UFC champion Rashad Evans – a strong proponent for youth development. Rashad’s personal story provides a meaningful example of the power of goals, discipline, effort, and the ability to cope when the going gets tough. Rashad is committed to “giving back” to strengthen our communities and kids. There will also be a special presentation from the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and youth will hear from other mentor role models, as time permits. Youth will receive additional take-home resources to share with others and continue their learning. At 4:00, youth will return home from a fun, successful day.
For more information, contact board members Ronnie, (Reel Mentors) (402-216-5232), [email protected] Brianna, or Matt. For questions regarding registration, contact Becci Sullivan (Ponca Tribe) at (531) 222-4471.
Reel Mentors Board of Directors
• Ronnie Suverkrubbe, President – Nebraska
• Rashad Evans, Vice President – Florida
• Brianna Gendron, Secretary – Florida
• Matt Jackman, Treasurer – Nebraska
• Zane Suverkrubbe, Director – Nebraska
