Outdoor Life Program

Outdoor Life Program at Fisk University Kids Summer Fishing Program

“Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime” (Chinese Proverb). While the goals of Fisk University’s, “Outdoor Life Program,” were not so lofty, the program nonetheless provided two weeks of fun-filled activities that taught middle schoolers the art of fishing. During the inaugural season 48 middle schoolers ages 9-13 participated in the program. Each camp participant received individualized instruction from Bass Pros provided by the BassPro Shop. According to the program manager Dr. Kenneth Jones, “the Outdoor Life Program is playing its part in creating the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. It also is ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds not only learn about outdoor activities, such as fishing, but that they also learn the value of ecosystems and the wildlife that inhabit such places.” Funding for the outdoor program was provided by an award from the Dan and Margaret Maddox Charitable Foundation in the amount of $25,000.00. Since 2009, the Maddox Charitable Fund has awarded over $21 million in grants to more than 150 organizations.