By Dave Keane
Happy New Year! It’s time to start thinking about plans for summer. Below are some opportunities for youth that offer instruction in fishing and conservation education.
Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp
The Cumberland Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited is hosting the 25th Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp. Several other states now offer similar camps, but this is the original camp that became the model for the others. Camp is limited to boys and girls between 14 and 17. Visit www.riverscamp.com for more information.
Brotherhood of The Jungle Cock
The Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock was organized in 1940 with the sole purpose of passing on the tradition of fishing, and the responsibilities that go with it, to the next generation.The Maryland Chapter is open for boys between the ages of 8 and 18 years old. Boys who start coming to Camp prior to turning 8 years old will be introduced to BOJC through an early learner program known as the “Emerger Program.” Visit bojcmd.wordpress.com/the-annual-campfire for more information.
Natural Resources Careers Camp
Join high school students from across Maryland at this week-long camp in Garrett County to explore careers and college studies in natural resources. This partnership with Allegany College of Maryland and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources-Forest Service offers high school students a co-educational opportunity to learn from industry professionals and develop contacts that could lead to future employment and a career in natural resources. Visit www.marylandforestryboards.org/nrcc.cfm for more information.
Virginia’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts Youth Conservation Camp
For 40 years, the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts has sponsored a week long summer conservation camp for Virginia high school students (currently enrolled in grades 9-12) on the campus of Virginia Tech. The program brings together about 70 interested students for a week of learning about Virginia’s natural resources from conservation professionals and faculty from Virginia Tech. Most of the instruction is hands-on and outdoors. Youth Conservation Camp is open to all Virginia students enrolled in High School for the current year. Visit vaswcd.org/conservation-camp for more information.