Teen Fishing Derby Celebrates Outside Enjoyable Throughout National Park and Recreation Month

July is National Park and Recreation Month, an annual celebration that seeks to spotlight the facility of parks and recreation, play, nature, neighborhood, belonging, well-being, and the individuals who make these experiences potential. Last Friday, Mendez Recreation Center honored the spirit of the month with certainly one of its most anticipated summer time traditions: the 4th Annual Teen Challenge Fishing Derby.

The Fishing Derby introduced collectively campers ages 10–15 from recreation facilities throughout the town for a fun-filled day at Lady Bird Lake. For three hours, 139 teenagers, supported by 27 devoted APR employees, embraced the outside, linked with nature, constructed new friendships, and took part in a pleasant competitors by the water.

This yr’s derby kicked off with a test‑in assembly adopted by a map‑scouting exercise and a hike to fishing spots alongside the lake. Campers spent the morning casting strains, monitoring their catches within the group chat, having fun with a grilled hamburger lunch, and celebrating achievements throughout an awards ceremony. Fishing‑themed video games rounded out the day, serving to campers benefit from the playful, restorative facet of outside recreation.

Reflecting the passion and creativity of Austin Parks and Recreation teen packages, every group proudly represented their house recreation middle—many even adopting workforce nicknames that added enjoyable and persona to the derby.

This yr’s winners included:

1. First Fish: South Austin Teens (“Guppy Gang”) – caught at 10:30 a.m.
2. Biggest Fish: Mendez Teens (“Keep It Reel”) – a powerful 18″ freshwater drum
3. Most Fish: Camacho Teens (“Camacho Catchers”) – 10 fish whole

Participating recreation facilities included: Team Mendez, “Montop”, Duffie Fishers, Camacho Catchers, Team Dove, Teen Titans Northwest, Turner-Roberts, Guppy Gang (South Austin), Niche Catch (Dittmar), Pan Am, Zaragoza, and Gus Da Best (Gus Garcia).

Events just like the Teen Challenge Fishing Derby embody the guts of National Park and Recreation Month. They encourage younger individuals to discover the outside, join with their neighborhood, be taught new expertise, and uncover the straightforward joys of spending time exterior.

As we have fun National Park and Recreation Month, the Teen Challenge Fishing Derby is an ideal reminder of how Austin Parks and Recreation packages assist teenagers construct confidence, join with nature, and create lasting summer time recollections. A particular thank‑you goes to all of the devoted employees who made this occasion potential!