News Release

Springfield Armory National Historic Site and Fishing Friends, Inc. hook Junior Ranger Angler Grant

Giancarlo Crivelli

News Release Date: July 19, 2024

Contact: Kelly Fellner, 413-734-8551

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. –Springfield Armory National Historic Site has received a $25,000 grant to take local youth fishing this summer in partnership with Fishing Friends. The program is funded by a Junior Ranger Angler grant awarded by the National Park Foundation.
 
“The park and Fishing Friends have shared goals of engaging youth in meaningful conservation and education programming with a focus on building skills and confidence in fishing and awareness of local environmental justice issues,” said Springfield Armory National Historic Site Superintendent Kelly Fellner. 
 
Giancarlo Crivelli founded Fishing Friends in 2020 as his response to the COVID pandemic, which left many young people disconnected from school, friends and community. The organization teaches youth about fishing as a way to help them develop relationships, build character and connect with nature, all while learning new skills.
 
“My dad and grandpa taught me how to fish,” said Crivelli. “My dad died before my 13th birthday from a heart attack and my grandfather died shortly after him. I used fishing as a way to stay connected to them and handle the depression.”
 
The National Park Foundation provides the grants to national parks, park partners and community organizers to facilitate in-park fishing clinics and set up gear libraries. The program leverages fishing as an immersive experience for children, families and communities to gain new skills, connect with park rangers and encourage lifelong relationships with national parks and the outdoors.  
 
ABOUT THE PARK: Springfield Armory National Historic Site is the location of the nation’s first armory (1794 – 1968) and was established by George Washington. The site includes historic grounds, buildings, and the world’s largest historic American military firearms collection. For updates and further information call [phone], check the website at www.nps.gov/spar or go to www.facebook.com/sparnhs.