Buddies & Bobbers Intergenerational, Learn-to-Fish Fishing Derby

You can help engage older adults and provide an outdoor, nature-based learning experience to youth at our Buddies & Bobbers ‘Learn to Fish’ Fishing Derby held mid-May each year.

Taking place at Winding Trails in Farmington, CT, we host approximately 20 youth and 20 veteran and older adult anglers for a morning of nature-based, hands-on fun, conservation education, and intergenerational connection.

We provide everyone a continental breakfast and lunch and awarding fun prizes. And all youth will go home with a new rod and reel so that they can enjoy fishing again!

After an introductory presentation, the older adult volunteers introduce their youth partners to the sport of fishing and teach them the fundamental fishing skills needed for the derby. The intergenerationally partnered teams then fish together and compete for fun prizes.

Support this wholesome, intergenerational, outdoor event providing positive social connection to participants young and old(er).

Intergenerational connection has the power to change lives and communities. Veterans and older adults have the opportunity to share their wisdom, experience a sense of purpose, and improve their well-being. Youth’s social skills improve and self-esteem increases, their perception of older adults improve, and they have fun outdoors.

And both older adults and youth feel more connected and less lonely, improving their mental, physical, and social health.

I hope that we can count on you for your support. Thank you in advance!