About 50 junior high school students from North Clarion School District visited Clear Creek State Park last week.
“I initiated the day to give kids the opportunity to apply skills we learned in the gym and to provide an opportunity for students to appreciate the local state park and its facilities,” North Clarion health and physical education teacher Meredith Reinhart said. “The kids are loving it.”
“Students learned about the equipment needed to fly fish, safety precautions to use while fishing, proper care of the environment, importance of water quality, and identifying animals by their fins, fur or feathers,” Reinhart said. “In addition to all that, I believe strongly that people who continue to be involved in lifelong activities such as fishing, hiking, biking or walking will decrease their risk of developing chronic issues,” she added.
The students rotated through five stations including a hike led by naturalist Susan Reinsel.
Lisa Meadows, an environmental specialist at Yellow Creek State Park, ran the mammal station.
The program is based on the National Fishing in School Program. North Clarion received a grant for the program.
“I am very thankful for all the volunteers and parents helping to make the day possible and the support of my administration to make it happen,” said Reinhart.