Prince George, B.C. – It’s time to trade in those X-Boxes for fishing gear.

At least that’s the aim of a fundraiser this Saturday night at the Prince George Civic Centre.

It’s part of the Spruce City Wildlife Association’s 23rd annual Wildlife Banquet and the goal is to raise money for a kids camp this July.

“It’s going to be for kids aged 9-12,” says director Steve Hamilton. “Basically this program introduces youth to fish and wildlife conservation, sustainability, ecology. To try and get the kids to have an interest in environmental stewardship.”

He adds it’s more rounded that simply getting kids interested in hunting.

“It’s focused on getting kids involved in the outdoors again. Hopefully they leave with the skills and knowledge to become involved in conservation projects and begin to make a positive impact in their community.”

Hamilton hopes the reopening of the fish hatchery on River Road this spring will entice kids to get involved even more.

“We’ll be receiving approximately 5,000 salmon eggs in the late spring and hopefully we’ll get some of the local schools involved setting up tanks and fry into local rivers.”