Minneapolis, Minnesota – Creating a new generation of Minnesota anglers who love fishing and respect Minnesota’s beloved fishing resources is the goal behind a donation by two Minnesota-based organizations to Camp Fire Minnesota.
The Minnesota Sportfishing Foundation and Coalition (MN-FISH), located in Walker, Minnesota, is donating a 12-foot Alumacraft fishing boat and an Evinrude outboard motor to help Camp Fire campers at Tanadoona learn boating skills while fishing. Tanadoona is a summer camp located on the shores of Lake Minnewashta. Rapala USA is supporting MN-FISH’s boat donation by contributing more than $500 worth of fishing lures, fishing line and rods and reels that will allow Camp Fire Minnesota to expand its efforts in helping its campers learn about fishing.
When MN-FISH received the gift from the Metropolitan Airports Commission, the non-profit knew it was important to donate the boat to a program within the Twin Cities that brings kids of all different backgrounds together to experience time in the outdoors. Each summer, Camp Fire Minnesota attracts youth and teens from throughout the Twin Cities to participate in day camp and overnight camp outdoor experiences. With the donations from MN-FISH and Rapala, the staff at Tanadoona will be able to offer a more robust introductory fishing experience to their campers.
“What better way to have an immediate impact on the future of Minnesota fishing than by donating a fishing boat that will allow kids to experience the fun of fishing firsthand while learning important boating skills,” said Ron Schara, president of MN-FISH, who is well-known as the host of the Minnesota Bound television program.
With a focus on connecting kids with nature, Camp Fire Minnesota energizes youth to discover their spark so their futures glow brighter. Camp Fire programs, such as those offered at Tanadoona, kindles an environment where youth, ages 7 to 17, feel welcome, discover their sparks through nature, become stewards of the natural world, and develop as leaders.
“Fishing is one of those universal activities that connects kids. The excitement of catching fish, of being by the water, and of creating memories of being in the outdoors, makes these donations a perfect fit for us,” said Jessica Ayers-Bean, acting President & CEO of Camp Fire Minnesota. “We are grateful for these donations and we’d like to extend our sincere thanks to MN-FISH and Rapala USA.”
“In addition to Tanadoona, we also plan to use these gifts in our Minnewashta Adventures,” added Ayers-Bean. “It’s a specialty day camp program that specifically focuses on all things water, including fishing.”
Camp Fire Minnesota is a non-profit organization founded in 1912. Camp Fire catalyzes growth through nature-based learning for youth – year-round. Programs include summer and school break camps, K-12 environmental education and team-building field trips, and community-based out-of-school time. A recent capital campaign successfully raised more than $6 million to further this mission.
The MN-FISH Coalition, LLC is a 501c4 grassroots sportfishing, marine and angler advocacy network that gives anglers a legislative voice and works to achieve public policies. The MN-FISH Sportfishing Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization designed to inspire Minnesotans to restore, protect and enhance sportfishing for the present and future generations to enjoy.
Media Contacts:
Stephen Dupont
Pocket Hercules
612-916-4124
stephen.dupont@pockethercules.com Kelly Abraham
Camp Fire Minnesota
612-276-6951
kellya@campfiremn.org 