Give kids a fish, and they might not know much about it except that it's cold and slippery. Teach a kid to fish, and you're opening up a whole new window on the great outdoors.

That's the basic principle behind Learn to Fish - a free program starting this summer that will be open to more children, youth and families than ever before. As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, BC Parks is providing a grant of $5,000 to support 16 additional sessions at parks in the Okanagan, Kamloops and Vancouver Island regions. Provincewide, a total of 53 sessions are scheduled through the summer in 12 provincial parks (see Learn More for details).

Delivered by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, Learn to Fish provides instruction in areas such as fish identification, habitat and conservation, proper fish handling and fishing regulations - plus, of course, the opportunity to catch your very own fish. All tackle and equipment are provided and lessons are appropriate for people of all ages and abilities.

Since its inception in 2006, the Learn to Fish program has been delivered to more than 55,000 young British Columbians and their families. Each session typically accommodates about 30 learners, but no one is turned away. Instructors have in some cases worked with groups of 60 and more.

Why It Matters:

Learning to fish is an excellent way for children and youth to learn about, and develop respect for, our natural environment. By including instruction in areas such as habitat conservation and ethics, Learn to Fish helps young British Columbians develop a lifelong attachment to nature and encourages them to spend more time exploring the great outdoors.

Quick Facts:

• The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC stocks more than 1,000 lakes every year with up to nine million trout, kokanee and char. The work is funded entirely by proceeds from the sale of recreational fishing licences.
• There are more than 80 species of freshwater and sea-run native fish in B.C.'s lakes and streams.
• In addition to providing recreational opportunities, freshwater fishing contributes nearly half a billion dollars a year to the B.C. economy.

Learn More:

Get schedules and other details for Learn to Fish programs at: www.gofishbc.com/learntofish/default.htm

The BC Parks 100 events calendar is updated regularly with details of centennial celebrations happening in parks all over B.C.:

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/events/calendar/#eventList

The BC Parks website has all the info you need to plan a visit to a B.C. park: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/things_to_do.html

Connect with BC Parks on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks

Media Contact:

Suntanu Dalal
Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745