A new program called “Hooked on Fishing, Not On Drugs” is returning to the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Mercer County.
The program is designed to provide children from ages 8-14 with outdoor activities that help keep children busy and away from alcohol, tobacco and drugs. The program began in the fall of 2018 at the center in Hamilton.
“This is a brand new program and we are growing into it,” said Kelly Rypkema, manager of Nature Center. “We have a cap of 15 students per session. This just ensures that each student gets the attention he or she deserves and needs to really have a fun time.”
She said they are reaching a cap of 15 children per session.
“We have really had an enthusiastic response every session since the word has been going out this spring. We have been receiving so many calls. So you can judge that we will have full program this spring,” Rypkema said.
The program will take place on Saturdays from April 13 through June 29. It will be from 9-11 a.m. People looking to register can do so by March 23.
“Some of the activities we do in the program is go fishing everyday, learn about the habitat of fish, learn to tie knots, kayak and do artwork called Gyotaku, which is Japanese fish printing,” she said.
The program allows for children to try new things.
“A lot of youth did not know how to put a worm on a hook, by the end of the program they are pros at it,” Rypkema said. “There is also so much comradery that builds in this program, because they come every week. The children get to know their mentors, nature center staff and each other. Everyone just feels great about it.”
Kelly Rypkema has been manager of Tulpehaking Nature Center in Hamilton for five years. She said she had heard about this program several years ago. The program is a part of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.
“I was thinking about this program as a possible fit at the Nature Center because we are situated on a fantastic marsh,” she said. “We have a nice fishing spot at Spring Lake as well. We decided to try this program. The program did so well in the fall we wanted to keep providing children and youth with this opportunity.”
She said she enjoys seeing the children grow through the program.
“Seeing them trust us to tackle new experiences and seeing them achieve a level of mastery and confidence is a wonderful feeling. The youth also are becoming advocates for the environment,” Rypkema said.
For more information about the program contact the nature center at 609-888-3218 or visit www.mercercountyparks.org.
