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Activities/Crafts -- PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth) Newsletters -- Coloring Pages -- Videos/Links -- Additional Resources

Education Packages

Basic Paddling Education Package

Basic Paddling Education Package II

Activities/Crafts

Coldwater Safety
Crossword puzzle on important coldwater safety topics.

Float Plan
Practice writing out a float plan before your next boating adventure.

Kayak Fishing Word Search
Have fun navigating through this word search to find new waterways to explore and new fish to catch while you are out kayak fishing!

Paddling Techniques Secret Message
Fill in the blanks to discover the code to reveal a secret message!

Pocket First Aid Kit 
Description of how to assemble a simple pocket sized first aid kit.

R3 Activities
Four activities to reinforce your knowledge of recruitment, retention, and reactivation.

The Gear Game
What to pack for a paddling trip. Fun word scramble of paddling terms.

Water Rescue
Can you find all the water rescue words? Crossword puzzle.

Wear It Pennsylvania Pledge Card
Take the Wear It Pennsylvania Pledge

Coloring Pages

• Be Smart, Be Safe, Have Fun
• Life Jackets
  
• Read Along Cover

PLAY Newsletters

You can find additional activities and crafts on the last page of every PLAY (Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth) newsletter!

Read Along with PFBC playlist

Listen and/or read along with PFBC staff as they share Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth newsletters in a video format.

“Fishing is Reel Fun” booklet
This 18-page activity booklet is full of fishing and boating information to help anglers and boaters of all ability levels enjoy safe, fun, and year-round outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania. Enjoy!

"My Adventures" write-your-own story booklet
With this 12-page activity booklet you can write-your-own adventure about a trip on or near a PA waterway (e.g. stream, river, pond, lake). You can also share something you learn, share how you would teach someone else about what you learned, and share a memory that you will keep with you as you grow. Begin your story today!

PLAY: Back to Basics – Paddling Gear
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Paddling Gear; Boat Notes: Canoes; Boat Notes: Kayaks; Pick a Paddle; Pick a Life Jacket; The Gear Game (Crossword Puzzle)

PLAY: Back to Basics – Paddling Techniques
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Back to the Basics: Paddling Techniques; Loading Your Boat; Get Moving: Canoes; Get Moving: Kayaks; Around the Bend (word scramble).

PLAY: Back to Basics – Paddling Water Safety
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Back to the Basics: Water Safety For Paddlers; Taking the Big Plunge; Hazards on the Water; Reading a River; Following the Sequence, The Rescue Sequence; Throw a Bag; The Rescue Game (Crossword Puzzle)

PLAY: Water Safety
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Dangers around the water; Prepare to Fall In; Hook safety & removal; Homemade Water Rescue; A Stringer of Safety Tips.

PLAY: Back to Basics – Boats
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Back to basics: Boats; The Best Way to Stay Afloat; Boats Come in all Shapes and Sizes; Before you hit the water; Now you know the parts of a canoe and paddle (word search).

PLAY: Fishing From a Human-powered Boat
PLAY issue containing the following articles – Fishing from a Human-powered Boat; Types of Human-powered Boats; Boating Safety First; Let’s Go Fishing; Fishing from Kayaks; Do Your Homework; Write a Float Plan (activity)

PLAY: Kayak Fishing
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Kayak Fishing; Paddling Safety; Basic Fishing Setup; Fishing Kayak Basic Setup; Fishing Kayak Advanced Setup; Competitive Kayak Fishing Tournaments; Kayak Fishing (Word Search).

PLAY: Big Waterways Big Boating Fun
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
Big Waterways, Big Boating Fun; Float Plan; PA’s Big Lake; Three Rivers; Susquehanna River; Delaware River; Know Your Waterway.

PLAY: A Day at the Lake
PLAY issue containing the following articles –
A Day at the Lake, It’s a Summertime Break; Getting Started Fishing Fun; Basic Boating Safety; Find Your Fit; Different Boats for Different Folks; What Fish Can you Expect to Catch (word scramble & matching game).

VIDEOS:

Playlists-

The following two links are playlists that will take you through all of PFBC’s videos related to paddle sports OR you can go through them individually by clicking links below.

• YouTube
• Facebook

Paddling - Part 1 of 3: Required Equipment

Before you head out on the water to paddle, learn about the equipment that is required (lifejacket, whistle, and unpowered registration or launch permit).

Paddling- Part 2 of 3: Tips for Paddling

Get comfortable on non-moving water first, paddle with a friend, and tell someone your float plan.

Paddling- Part 3 of 3: - Other Recommended Equipment

Although not required, consider bringing sunscreen, bug spray, water, sunglasses, a hat, and a drybag to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Water Safety Tips with Chris – Capsizing

What should you do if you capsize your boat? This video provides general safety tips to manage the unexpected plunge into the water.

Water Safety Tips with Chris- Drowning Prevention

This clip will provide water safety tips to reduce and prevent drowning. At some point, you or someone on your boat will end up in the water. Your first line of defense for drowning prevention is to wear a properly sized life jacket and know how to swim. Take a boating and water safety skills class from an instructor, organization, or agency.

Water Safety Tips with Chris- Kayaking

Before you head out on the water to paddle, learn about the equipment that is required (lifejacket, whistle, and unpowered registration or launch permit). Although not required, consider bringing sunscreen, bugspray, water, sunglasses, a hat, and a drybag to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. And be sure to get comfortable on non-moving water first, paddle with a friend, and tell someone your float plan. Stay safe! 

Paddling Videos  

Boating Opportunities: PA Fish and Boat Commission

This video introduces viewers to boating opportunities in PA. Check out the video caption to learn more.

Fall Paddling

Fall foliage provides a beautiful backdrop while paddling; make sure to take advantage of the great weather, scenery, and angling this time of year!

Family Kayak Trip Down Kettle Creek

This video features PFBC Water Rescue Instructor, Chris Calhoun and his daughter, sharing a fun kayaking trip with the family on Kettle Creek. Check out the video caption to learn more.

How to Connect Safety Chains 
  
If the boat trailer disconnects from the hitch, properly connected safety chains keep the trailer connected to the tow vehicle until it can be brought to a stop.  Ryan Walt will show how to inspect all components of trailer safety chains for wear and damage and then how to properly connect to the tow vehicle.  

How to Use a Water Rescue Throw Bag 

Chris Calhoun, lead water rescue instructor trainer for the PFBC, along with his daughter Jessica, provide an overview and tips on the use of a water rescue throw bag. He reviews the different style types, features/anatomy, throwing techniques, setup location considerations, how to receive the bag as a victim and the risks and hazards that must be considered when using this tool.

Kayak Fishing Program: Adam Spangler Presentation

This video presents required and recommended equipment for all kayak enthusiasts, regardless of going kayak fishing, and includes basic kayak safety tips for all paddler levels.