BREWER, Maine — There is still plenty of time for Mainers to enjoy the outdoors this summer. Whether it be fishing, or getting ready for hunting season, having the right gear or equipment can be crucial for those getting into outdoor activities.
To help kids in that effort, the Penobscot County Conservation Association is hosting a Youth Hunting and Fishing Gear Swap next month. The association partnered with businesses across the state to collect donations before the event next month.
Daniel Bell, the association's president, said it can be expensive for kids to get into hunting, fishing, or other activities, and this free event can help spark interest and cut costs for families.
“So this is just a way that we can, hopefully, get some gear into the hands of some kids who otherwise would not be able to get it," Bell explained.
You can drop off new, used, or unwanted gear or clothing at Lakeside Archery in North Yarmouth, Reeds Sporting Goods in Corinna, Old Town Archery and Survival, and at the Penobscot County Conservation Association in Brewer.
Donations can be made during normal business hours from now until mid-September. Then, Bell and association members will collect all the gear for the swap, which will be held on Sept. 22.
Kids will then be able to pick out items they want for free. Bell said all kids will also be able to enter into raffle drawings at no cost for various prizes donated by event sponsors.
The event will also allow kids to try archery at its portable archery range.
Bell, who helps run the association's youth archery courses, said this event is a great way to teach young Mainers about all the opportunities available in the outdoors. It's also a way to pass those traditions down to the next generation.
“It’s very difficult to get started if you don’t know how, so these events make it possible for parents to know how. And that way they can teach their kids or we can help the parents mentor their kids. It’s very important. and these events are extremely important to make that happen," Bell added.