Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Youth and the Outdoors United (YOU) announced the kickoff of its first annual Kids Fishing Derby, set to take place on June 14 in Warsaw.
This event is designed to engage children ages 5-16 in a day of fishing fun and learning, fostering a deep connection with the outdoors, according to a provided news release.
During the fishing clinic, kids will learn essential fishing skills from expert anglers, including knot tying, casting, lure setup, fish and water ecology and more.
Check-in is 8:30 to 9 a.m. June 14, with the derby going from 9 a.m. to noon at the channel behind Lakeview Middle School, 848 E. Smith St., Warsaw. Cost is $20 per kid, and $10 for additional kids. Participants will receive a fishing rod, tub of bait and a t-shirt. Prizes will be awarded for many different categories.
Parent/guardian attendance is required.
Volunteers and sponsorships are welcomed.
YOU is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering young people by fostering a deep, lasting connection with the outdoors. Through immersive, hands-on experiences in outdoor recreation, YOU engages youth of all backgrounds and skill levels in activities that promote appreciation for outdoor recreation and stewardship of our natural resources, the release states.
YOU partners with local outdoor organizations, subject matter experts and businesses to offer a variety of programs and experiences, including monthly outdoor activities, expert-led lessons, and community events. These initiatives inspire and equip youth to explore the natural world, build outdoor skills and develop a lifelong love for outdoor recreation.
In addition to regular outdoor activities, YOU involves youth in service projects throughout the year, such as park clean-ups, tree planting and wildlife habitat restoration. These projects not only help to preserve and protect the environment but also teach the importance of environmental stewardship and giving back to the community.
Through these diverse programs, YOU aims to build a sustainable, community-focused culture of outdoor appreciation, environmental stewardship and youth empowerment.
YOU is the product of a 2016 Kosciusko County Leadership Academy (KLA) white paper project, which was revitalized by another cohort team during the 2024-25 KLA sessions.
For more information, contact Ryan Christner at 574-529-2572 or getyouthoutdoors574@gmail.com
