“Reeling in the Fish” Kids Fishing Tournament Celebrating Illinois Free Fishing Days and National Get Outdoors Month

CARLYLE LAKE - In recognition of Illinois Free Fishing Days June 7 – 10 and National Get Outdoors Month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be hosting a “Reeling in the Fish” kid’s fishing tournament.  The tournament will be held on Saturday, June 8 at the Fish Hatchery Pond located on Old Rt. 50. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.  The tournament will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. giving participants an hour and a half of fishing time.  Trophies will be awarded for total weight in two age categories, ten and under and eleven to fifteen.  First, second and third place trophies will be awarded in both categories.

   Fishing is a sport enjoyed by everyone, and is recognized as one of the most peaceful recreational opportunities.  Illinois Free Fishing Days provide families and individuals an opportunity to try recreational fishing without the commitment of purchasing a fishing license.  Fishing is a great way to spend time with your family in the great outdoors. So get outdoors, grab your pole and head out to the Fish Hatchery Pond to reel in the fish!

  June has been proclaimed National Get Outdoors month. Federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry are teaming up to encourage Americans, especially youth, to seek healthy, outdoor activities by utilizing parks, forests, refuges and other public lands and waters.  The benefits of being active outdoors are magnificent!

Body:

• Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies, an important strategy in helping the one in three American kids who are obese get fit.
• Spending time outside raises levels of Vitamin D, helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes and other health issues.
• Being outside improves distance vision and lowers the chance of nearsightedness.

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Mind:

• Exposure to natural settings may be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.
• Schools with environmental education programs score higher on standardized tests in math, reading, writing and listening.
• Exposure to environment-based education significantly increases students critical thinking skills.

Spirit:

• Children’s stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces.
• Play protects children’s emotional development whereas loss of free time and a hurried lifestyle can contribute to anxiety and depression.
• Being outdoors helps to enhance social interactions.

   For more information about this event contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484 or e-mail us at carlylelake@usace.army.mil.