Fishing Club for Neurodiverse children, youths & their support person
Welcome to Helen's Fishing Club
Firstly we would like to introduce the inspiration of this beautiful venture: Helen Bond. She is an 8 year old girl born with Autism and Developmental delays, who absolutely loves the beach, sand, water and fishing. But unfortunately like any other social clubs in the Franklin / Waikato region no one caters for children or youth with neurodiverse disabilities. These individuals gets excluded. With hands on experience as parents we understand the struggles for these individuals and for the parents. We all want to offer the best opportunities for our little ones but with neorodiverse disabilities this can be a very daunting experience. We are here to support families to gain a beautiful connection between young and old trough fishing.
Creating a safe environment for neurodiverse children, youths and their support
person to learn a life skill in the native environment. Learning the essential skill around the fishing culture in New Zealand is essential for the preservation of its cultures and attractions.
This Fishing Club creates a safe environment where they will not be judged for being different but instead adjusted accordingly to each attendees ability to adapt and learn. This fishing club will focus on teaching a life skill, each attendee will be able to use in the future. Helen’s Fishing Charter will give the opportunity for neurodiverse individuals in the near future to actually go out on a charter boat and to fish in the wonderful waters surrounding Port Waikato.
This is a safe space for the youth to interact with the same criteria, people that understand them and not judge them for being different. Local beaches, Piers and Boat ramps in and around the Port Waikato area will be used for all training and launching of the charter boat. A diverseness friendly fishing charter will be a great assist to the community.
All equipment required for the classes will be provided. Each session will include snacks, drinks and a lunch on the day. Our program is designed to be hands on , interactive and fun for neurodiverse children. Focusing on short time frames to keep them focused and entertained, but teaching and learning too.
Our Programs will include:
-Basic Water Safety
-Beach Treasure Hunts
-Fishing Tackle & Gear Set-up
-Catching Fish & Mussel Harvesting
-Local Fishing Competitions
Our program will be accepting Carer Support Day ($80) for the classes - this is to ensure the affordability for each participant.
Each participant will have the option to purchase there own Start-up kit that they will be able to keep. This is not compulsory. We will have training kits available for all booked participants
The Program will be available during al school holidays & Sundays during the term.
Classes will be hosted in Port Waikato from 9am - 2pm
Weather permitting all activities will be outdoors on the beautiful Sunset Beach - However for the extreme rainy days we will have an alternative indoor location.
