Written by L. M. Land
“Our goal is to reach a younger generation that is in desperate need of leadership and positive role models. Through our Day at the Lake initiative, we are able to share valuable life experiences, a positive attitude, and insights with young boys and girls who may not have a father figure in their life.” –Pastor Jimmie Whitaker, founder the Teach a Child to Fish event
In the course of two Saturdays, children can learn how to fish! June 1, 2024 is training day, where children learn all about fishing and safety. On June 8, the children and mentors take the lessons learned to Shay Lake in Silverwoods, Michigan to catch fish.
This event is sponsored by Men’s Community Action Resource (MCAR), whose goal is to mentor the next generation.
The child who catches the biggest fish every year is the poster child for marketing materials for the following year. Last year, Dazion Anthony caught the biggest fish; his photo is on page 8!
On June 1, children will learn there is a lot more to fishing than just casting your pole into the water. Registration times are 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., and lunch is at 1 p.m. The event ends at 3:30 p.m.. The training event will be at Bethesda Temple at 947 Leland St.
On Saturday, June 8, everyone will go up to Camp Artis at Shay Lake for the actual fishing experience. Check-in will be at Bethesda beginning at 7:30 a.m. The bus will leave promptly at 8:30 a.m., and returns at 6 p.m.
“This is our flagship event.” said Pastor Jimmie Whitaker of Bethesda Temple, who began the program in 2007 with 20 children.
Last year there were 60 children who participated.
Whitaker sees many benefits in the children who take part in the program.
“We use fishing as a gateway for mentoring,” Whitaker added.
He continued: “What we’ve found is there is something therapeutic about water. We have these kids and bring them out of the city. You can see the energy change from the time we get there. In a few hours they would calm down.”
Training day is not only about fishing. Life lessons are taught as well, explained Whitacker.
“Now it’s not just about fishing, but it’s about expanding their life exposure,” said Whitacker.
Teaching is done in “learning stations” for the children in Bethesda’s parking lot.
As each station is completed, a sticker is earned. To qualify for their own fishing reel and tackle box, they must complete all the stations. This training is mandatory to qualify for prizes and more at the lake.
Station activities include learning to cast and how to hook a fish. Michigan’s DNR will teach how to wear a lifejacket correctly, the rules and regulations of types and sizes of fish you can keep and why. There will also be an introduction to robotic technology and the Sherriff’s Department will talk about community awareness and safety.
Whitaker has also incorporated life lessons to each learning station. For example:
Life lesson: It would not be fair to snub the kids who do the training session by letting those who did not do it get the awards and rods.
“Those who put in the time and energy are always going to have more opportunities than those who don’t.” is the lesson here, according to Whitaker.
Life lesson: “If you have success, how do you manage to keep success so it doesn’t just fritter away?
Whitaker elaborated: “Success Management teaches how to clean and keep your fish. I tell the story about years ago, I was out fishing and didn’t plan. I casted out and actually caught a couple big fish, 22”. So, I wanted to go show my buddies what I had did. By the time I finally got home with the fish they were ruined. Because I didn’t take a bucket, I didn’t take no ice. I wasn’t prepared to fish.
“So then when I had that success, because I wasn’t prepared, the fish actually went to waste…You have to come prepared. How do you prepare? What do you want to catch? How much do you want to catch?”
Life Lesson: “If there’s something you want in life, how close can you get to it to do it? You need to be accurate to accomplish the goal.
“So when we talk about casting, we talk about casting with accuracy. We’ve found in real life that fish are only in certain places; they’re just not everywhere. They are hiding behind things.
Whitaker pointed out that in the fish world, you either get ate, something’s going to eat you, or something is looking for something to eat.
“So they are hiding or ambushing something they want to eat. So, a lot of times you find them by where weeds are at, or maybe by a dock. So you have to be able to cast accurately to where you think it’s at.”
Whitaker wanted to be sure he was teaching accurately. He and other mentors took classes at MSU called Project Fish to learn how to teach better. They learned to use a giant coat hanger as a hook, where kids tie a proper knot. Backyard bass, a plastic fish, is laid out, and the children have to cast, catch and reel it in.
“Originally kids wanted to just go as far as they can. Without a target their energy is all over the place.”
Life lesson: “You need a target to shoot for or you will be all out of control.”
Another life lesson: 100% Volunteer programs like this rely on volunteers and donations for fishing supplies, food and bus rental fees. Fishing Youth Event welcomes all of the above. Chaperones are also welcome who have patience to work with children.
Whitaker concluded with one last thing.
“If you believe in prayer, you can pray for our event, for good weather.”
For more information see the ad on page 8 or go to https://www.mcarflint.com/
Bethesda Temple is at 947 Leland St. in Flint, 810.239.0982.
