'Kids in the Woods' event hooks kids on outdoors

July 30, 2014 at 5:00 a.m.

by Randy Moll

Photo by Randy Moll A little persistence paid off and fish began to bite at the pond in the new Flint Creek Nature Area as children enjoyed fishing and other learning activities during the “Kids in the Woods” event held there last week. One excited group of young fishermen shows off fish caught in a matter of minutes once the fish started biting.
Photo by Randy Moll A little persistence paid off and fish began to bite at the pond in the new Flint Creek Nature Area as children enjoyed fishing and other learning activities during the “Kids in the Woods” event held there last week. One excited group of young fishermen shows off fish caught in a matter of minutes once the fish started biting.

GENTRY -- Catching fish and catching crawdads were two of the much-enjoyed activities at the "Kids in the Woods" camp in Gentry's new Flint Creek Nature Area.

About 60 children participated in the three-day event, with close to 20 there each day. Participants learned how to fish, and they hiked in the woods and caught and identified critters in the creek, according to Bev Saunders, executive director of the Gentry Chamber of Commerce and one of the organizers of the event.

Though the windstorm on Wednesday cut the event about an hour short, all went well, according to Saunders.

"We were very pleased with the participation," Saunders said. "It was a learning experience for us because it was our first one, but I'm sure it won't be the last one. Every parent I have talked to said it was a great experience for their child, plus they were impressed at the Nature Center area.

"We were also very fortunate that Arkansas Game and Fish Commission was able to stock the pond right before the event so the kids had nice fish to catch," Saunders said.

And there was nothing like watching the excitement as the young fishermen began reeling in some good-sized catfish.

Participants were supplied with lunch and morning and afternoon snacks, water and Popsicles. All the children received a T-shirt, water bottle, Frisbee, Trees of Arkansas book and a flashlight. And most importantly, they received experiences to carry with them for a lifetime.

Fishing poles and bait, as well as bug-catching equipment, were supplied.

Other state agencies providing assistance were the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

"The Flint Creek Nature Area is a wonderful facility that is now open to the public," Saunders said. "I hope all families will take advantage of this beautiful natural setting, listen to the birds, watch the frogs and turtles in the pond, catch fish and catch the critters in the creek."

"Not only is this fun; it's very educational," Saunders added. "The Kids in the Woods Camp was a great unofficial grand opening."

More than 200 volunteer hours were donated, as well as several hundred dollars of donated supplies, to make the event a success.

The Flint Creek Nature Area is located just west of Arkansas Highway 59 on Dawnhill East Road in Gentry (turn west at the Sleepy Hollow Store).

General News on 07/30/2014