guiding the youth of today, for the community of tomorrow.
My name is Darren Young, founder of The Next Cast Youth Fishing Program. I have been a resident of Kingston for over 25 years. We are lucky to live in a geographical area that offers so many amazing bodies of water with a vast variety of species to fish, something so many don't realize exists. I grew up with a fishing rod in my hand and with limited access to personal electronic devices, this is quite different from what's available in society today. Although I realize we are now living in a digital world, I believe more children should have access to fishing and the outdoors in their childhood to achieve a healthy balance. Fishing offers the opportunity to share laughs and stories in a family environment, while at the same time experience calm and become grounded. I have encouraged this as a part of our family dynamic as it was done for me.
In recent years, for reasons one could only debate, the number of youth anglers have declined. I wanted to share my passion with other children who are interested in learning how to fish and with my personal years of fishing and more recently tournament fishing, I feel I have the knowledge to offer this with the youth in our community. I have coached youth sports teams for the past 12 years, with ages ranging from 5 to early teens. To see them take in what you are teaching and apply it week after week is truly amazing.
Starting with just an idea, this one-of-a-kind program is now a reality and I will do my part to support the growth and future of angling in our community.
In recent years, for reasons one could only debate, the number of youth anglers have declined. I wanted to share my passion with other children who are interested in learning how to fish and with my personal years of fishing and more recently tournament fishing, I feel I have the knowledge to offer this with the youth in our community. I have coached youth sports teams for the past 12 years, with ages ranging from 5 to early teens. To see them take in what you are teaching and apply it week after week is truly amazing.
Starting with just an idea, this one-of-a-kind program is now a reality and I will do my part to support the growth and future of angling in our community.
program overview
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At the end of the 6-week sessions, we have 10 local anglers who have volunteered to guide the participants in a full scale Bass Fishing Tournament which is followed by a lakeside Pizza party. By pairing them up with these volunteers they get hands on experience to apply their new knowledge and use their gear.
I have been asked why I am doing this and why I am doing this for free, the purpose of this is to give back. The heart of the program and focus is on the less fortunate youth in our community, for the most part they are unable to get out or have not had the opportunity to go fishing for various reasons. If the interest in learning how to fish is there, I want to provide the platform to teach them the skills and give them the tools. |
"WHY I FISH" Promotional video 2018
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"WHY I FISH" Promotional video 2017
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Our Youth
The Next Cast is dedicated to reaching out to help guide the communities future members through angling. (more)
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Our Community
With the support of our local businesses, together we are making a difference with these youth.
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Our Volunteers
We're working together with common goals of mentoring, teaching, guiding and support.
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