"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

“ 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

FAQS

Q: Do I have to have a lot of experience to volunteer as an instructor for fishing, archery or hunting?
A:  NO!  All levels of experience from novice to expert can become involved in volunteer instructing.   We have pathways to develop your knowledge and skills in each of the primary disciplines (fishing, archery & hunting) plus we generally utilize a team approach to teaching a class so that your role will be based upon the level of participation that is best for you.

Q:  Do I need equipment to volunteer, i.e. fishing, archery, firearms?
A:  NO.  We use our own standardized equipment for the courses we teach and for the events.

Q: Do I have to become a member to volunteer?
A; NO, but we hope you will at some point.

Q:  I don’t always have time to volunteer for events and classes on either weekdays or weekends; can I assist some other way?
A:  YES.  We have an organization to run as well as fishing & archery equipment to repair.  Time  & talent is always needed to assist with accounting, fundraising, repairing equipment, telephoning, mailing, website management, newsletters, and a host of other things.  Please volunteer if you believe in “connecting children to nature”.

In addition to time and talent your financial support can help insure another inner city youth is properly introduced to nature through a new recreational choice, fishing, archery or hunting.  $25 will cover the cost of one student in one of our courses.

Q:  Can JrAHA put on an event for our organization or school?
A:  YES, with some qualifications.  We do not provide fishing, archery or shooting sports events for entertainment purposes per se.  We participate or conduct most events as part of educational curriculums targeted to entry-level youth, ages 9-17 and families wanting to get “outdoors” together.   Our tournament competitions are intended to extend the experiences outdoors for those who have gone through the courses.   An abbreviated introductory angling course can be put on in 1-2 hours followed by a “fishing” practical exercise for 1-2 hours for special events.  Archery and shooting sports have more classroom preparation before practical exercises are conducted, but they also can be adapted to special events.

Q:  I teach P.E. in a HISD high school.  How do I enroll my school in your programs?
A:  JrAHA’s programs are available to all HISD high schools.  You will need to take the TPWD certification course for Basic Angling Education and Basic Archery Education.  To enroll your school or classes, contact Rose Haggerty at HISD Administration  or Edgar Gerhardt with JrAHA at 713-446-3814 for more information.

Q: I teach Houston area youth in a charter school and at a summer camp. How do I enroll my school or camp in your programs?
A: JrAHA's programs are available to all inner city schools, youth organizations, churches, scouting organizations and camps. Your lead teachers/counselors/instructors will need to take the TPWD certification course for Basic Angling Education and Basic Archery Education. To enroll your school, classes camps etc. contact Edgar Gerhardt with JrAHA at 713-446-3814 for more information.

Q: What does the program cost?
A: There is a cost associated with the program, based upon exenses to provide the level of programs you seek. In some cases there may be sponsor or grant money to provide the program and in others the school or organization sponsoring the program will have to cover the expenses. JrAHA is a non profit 501 (c)(3) and as such provides its program services at the lowest possible cost to perform its mission. Details can be discussed by scheduling a meeting with a JrAHA representative, call 713-466-3814.