Next month, Battlefield Anglers of VA will team up once again with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for their 9th annual Youth Sportsman Day.
The event’s purpose is to not only teach children 12 and younger about fishing, archery, the environment, conservation, but also to promote a positive relationship with the environment and wildlife. The event is free of charge to participating youth. Activities include fishing from a pontoon boat, target practice, tying flies for fly fishing, and more. Between 80 and 85 children are expected to participate in the event this year, though organizers are prepared for more.
Established in 2013, Battlefield Anglers of VA is a competitive fishing club that aims to educate about the outdoors and enhance the sport of bass fishing in Northern Virginia, while in a friendly atmosphere. AMSG’s own Jeff Meade has served as the tournament director for the Battlefield Anglers of VA’s Youth Sportsman Day for the past three years.
“We are made up of a group of men and women that love to fish and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded anglers,” says Jeff. “We share and learn from each other and strive to promote the benefits and enjoyment of our favorite pastime.”
Not only will the Youth Sportsman Day be fun for participating children, being in nature has health benefits, too, including “physical, cognitive, and mental development.” Being outdoors is also a means of absorbing Vitamin D through natural sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and helps the immune system fight off illness.
Jeff says that he feels this fun event is a great way to teach kids the importance and value of natural resources and how everyone must work together to take care of our surroundings, while enjoying all that it offers.
AMSG has made a donation for Youth Sportsman Day. It will help to make a lot of children happy fishermen and women and better stewards to our wildlife and environment. This money will go a long way and is greatly appreciated,” says Jeff.
By: Sheila Rupp, AMSGazette Contributor and Editor