An important prevention strategy for youth is ensuring they are engaging in structured, fun-filled, adult-supervised programming. Clearly, the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) program serves as a good example. Research shows the benefits for mental health when young people are outdoors experiencing the beauty of nature instead of staying indoors and spending time on social media.

This summer marks 10 years of fishing for the HOFNOD program in New Jersey. The program encourages school-aged children to avoid alcohol, marijuana, nicotine and other drugs by providing alternative activities that involve learning to fish, appreciating aquatic and environmental resources and developing positive life skills by utilizing NJ’s incredible outdoor recreational assets. 

Below are some pictures from this year’s event held earlier in the summer. Despite some scattered rain, kids and parents had a wonderful time fishing, enjoying good music from the ACIT Band, good food and giveaways from vendors and supporters. I commend Liz Jackson, HOFNOD coordinator, the staff, volunteers and parents for their hard work. Email hofnod@dep.nj.gov should you wish to learn more about this program.

Please consider scheduling PDFNJ’s 15 Minute Child Break Presentation for your school, community or faith-based organization. This a free multi-media program which covers the latest drug trends and provides parents, coaches, teachers and other adult caregivers with effective preventive strategies to communicate with their kids about substance misuse and abuse.