Programs/Activities
The Brown County Chapter has focused a lot of its efforts over the last couple years on getting children and their families reconnected with nature. As a result of the Chapter's focus on environmental education, and getting children outdoors, the Chapter has added some new activities that occur on an annual basis.
Teddy Bear Hunt, First Saturday in June
The Chapter's largest community-oriented event is its annual Teddy Bear Hunt. As part of the Chapter's Earth Day celebration, it holds an annual Teddy Bear Hunt. As part of the Teddy Bear Hunt, the Chapter hides teddy bears throughout the trails at Osprey Point so children are able to "hunt" for a special teddy bear while acquainting themselves with the trails and natural resources Osprey Point has to share. Families purchase a "hunting license" for $15.00 ($10.00 if family is a member of the Chapter), which covers the cost of lunch for the entire family, a teddy bear for each child, and other special outdoor activities such as fishing, bird watching, geo-caching and nature crafts. Each child also receives a special prize for their successful hunt. The Chapter also includes an educational component to the day wherein families are able to learn something about a conservation related topic or learn a skill they can use in enjoying the outdoors. For example, in 2009, the Chapter paired up with Trout Unlimited who taught children how to fly fish. The De Pere High School Environmental Science class also taught families about energy conservation and solar power.
The 2024 Teddy Bear Hunt is scheduled for Sunday June 2, 2024. Watch for more details.
Family Adventures in Nature (FAN) Club
A few years ago, the Chapter started up a family adventures in nature club to engage families in outdoor recreational and conservation activities. We schedule a different activity or outing every month for families to partake in. The goal is to allow families to try their hand at something new and hopefully generate a stronger interest in and appreciation for the outdoors and all of the great resources we have in our community. Our activities have included bird house building, ice fishing, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, camping, bird hikes and so much more.
Youth Archery Program
The Chapter started a youth archery program in 2015. Youth archery is held on Wednesdays during the summer of 2024, beginning on June 5, and will run through early-September. The program is open to youth ages 8-18. You must be a member of the Chapter to participate.
Please contact Steve Labs at 920-655-8385 or Jodi Labs at jodi@lcojlaw.com for more information.
Syble Hopp Fishery
Each September, the Chapter sponsors a special fishery for the students at Syble Hopp School. More than 150 students participate in fishing at Osprey Point. Not only do the Syble Hopp students get to spend a day outside fishing, something that they may not otherwise have an opportunity to do, they also get to spend time with high school students from local high schools, including De Pere High School. It is a rewarding day for both groups of students.
Handicapped Fisheries
Throughout the summer, the Chapter sponsors a fishery for various nursing homes, assisted living centers and other groups that support handicapped individuals. Chapter members volunteer on a weekly basis and provide an opportunity for individuals who would not otherwise have the opportunity to fish to spend a day at Osprey Point and catch fish.
Trout Boil/Pig Roast and Auction
The Chapter's only fundraiser event for the year is its annual Trout Boil, Pig Roast and Auction. Each July, as part of a Wisconsin tradition, the Chapter hosts a trout boil which is open to the public. Dinner is followed by an auction where people may purchase anything from simple fishing supplies to nature-related artwork, as well as services and skills donated by our board of directors such as dessert of the month club, a fish fry, a booyah and so much more. This is a great opportunity for the Chapter's members to socialize with each other as well as meet its local supporters.
The 2024 Trout Boil / Pig Roast and Auction is scheduled for July 28, 2024. Social begins at 1:00 p.m.; dinner is served at 3:00 p.m.; followed by live auction at 5:00 p.m. There will be silent auction items for people to bid on, as well as bucket raffles, 50/50 raffle, booze raffle, and meat raffles.
Ideas for Programs/Activities
Members are encouraged to suggest programs and activities for the Chapter to pursue.
For more information on any of the foregoing activities, please feel free to contact Steve Labs, President, at packergearsteve@gmail.com or (920) 655-8385.