A local non-profit who connects youth with education and fishing outings at no cost is expanding its operations and opening a dockside learning center in February 2022 at Fisherman’s Wharf at the Channel Islands Harbor.

Reel Guppy Outdoors Program founder Kevin Brannon said the Reel Guppy Dockside Learning Center will serve the community by providing a multi-media classroom learning space, family-centered fishing and conservation workshops and clinics, and youth leadership and business programs.

“Reel Guppy’s mission is to provide a positive environment for our youth using outdoor adventures emphasizing education, life-building lessons, leadership, stewardship, and team building,” Brannon said.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to find a permanent space where we can teach our youth valuable lessons through fishing and marine education.”

Brannon said program expansion has been possible by the Liberated Paths – Justice Outside Grantmaking Program, which aims to shift resources to and build power with Black, Indigenous, and communities of color.

Brannon said there will be a ribbon cutting event, scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at the learning center, located at 2741 S. Victoria Ave., Suite D in Oxnard.

Ventura County Harbor Department Director said that he’s excited that the Harbor will offer an additional opportunity to connect local youth to the marine environment.

“When you connect youth to the outdoors, particularly through fishing, you are helping them unplug from technology, you are encouraging feelings of confidence and empowerment, you are teaching them about the importance of conversation, and you are building lasting relationships,” Director Tripp said. “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome the Reel Guppy Outdoors Program to our Harbor family.

About the Reel Guppy Outdoors Program

Angling for adventure, opportunity, and community education since 2011, Reel Guppy Outdoors Inc. has been providing local youth and their families with education and fishing outings at no cost to their participants. Their mission is to provide a positive environment for youth using outdoor adventures emphasizing education, life-building lessons, leadership, stewardship, and team building. They seek to empower participants with the education and skills to enjoy waters and beaches while promoting good stewardship of natural resources.

To contact Reel Guppy Outdoors, please call (805) 248-2166 or email reelanglers@gmail.com.

To learn more about Reel Guppy Outdoors, please visit https://www.reelguppyoutdoors.com/

Editor’s Note: this story was published on January 26, 2022.