“ We shouldn’t think about youth’s experiences in nature as an extracurricular activity, but as a vital element for healthy development”, author Richard Louv The Last Child in the Woods

"JrAHA is about getting our youth outdoors not for just an event, but to begin a lifetime of outdoor recreational experiences and to foster the stewardship of our nautral resources", founder Ed Gerhardt

"In the end we will conserve only what we love....We will love only what we understand....and we will understand only what we are taught", Baba Dioum, African Ecologist

Angling

Fishing is a fun-lifetime-recreational pastime.  Learn how to get started with the JrAHA staff and volunteers who provide basic and introductory angler education to youth and families.  The curriculum used is Texas Parks & Wildlife Departments Volunteer Aquatic Education Program.   All instructors are certified TPWD Volunteer Instructors or Area Chiefs.  Equipment is provided for the training and outings.

The basic course consist of safety practices, knot tying, tackle rigging, baiting the hook, artificial lures, casting and handling of the fish, plus TPWD Rules & Regulations, fish species, habitats, ethical, environmental and conservation considerations and accesses to fishing locations.  Typically the classroom portion of the course is approximately 2-4 hours.  A “practical portion” of the course actually takes you fishing and adds 2-4 hours (equipment is provided).
 
The “in school” programs provide field trips for both fresh water and saltwater fishing outings at private venues that are typically very productive.   Numerous HISD high schools have been a part of this program from 2008 through 2009.  Those courses span three weeks.

Advanced training in fly-fishing, Bass fishing, and saltwater coastal fishing is available through clubs, hosted seminars and special events.