May Fishing!

We’re keeping it REEL at Elevate Youth all month long! We’ve amassed 7 fishing trips already, with even MORE on the horizon!

Our school groups from the Hennigan School and the Kenny school were well prepared during their enrichment sessions at the end of April. Our school youthers learned the different parts of the fishing rods, the fish they can expect to catch in Boston, and how to cast their lines. We played games aiming at targets and won contests seeing who can cast the furthest!

Our first fishing trip began with the Edison School last week, followed by mini after-school trips with our school groups. These trips were rainy and wet and we still had fun outside. We visited Scarboro pond in Franklin Park and the Brookline Reservoir. This week, we triumphantly returned to Brookline Reservoir, with much more to catch. Our youthers caught bluegills, pumpkin seeds, perches, and even a catfish!

After our trips youthers complete an evaluation so we can incorporate youth voice, ensure our youth’s expectations & needs are met, and to gauge what youth learn with EY. Our goal this month was for our youth to better understand patience, community, and to try something new. When asked what they learned on their trip, one youther responded, “To take your time because things will not happen right away.” When asked what they accomplished, many reported hooking their own worm or catching a fish for the first time! We are so impressed by their incredible growth and accomplishments!

Elevate Youth only has 1 more trip left for the spring: upcoming, we’ll be learning about responsibility and leadership in preparation for our trip to Thompson Island! Volunteer fisherpeople fear not: we have many upcoming fishing trips this summer too. Learn more about volunteering with Elevate Youth, and if you’re already in our network, check out our upcoming dates.