The Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding the 20th annual Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp June 15 - 20 at the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, Cumberland County.  The deadline for registrations is March 31.

The highly structured curriculum is based on college level classes. Students are instructed in ecology, aquatic biology, geology, hydrogeology, erosion and sedimentation control, ichthyology, riparian corridor protection, watershed management, entomology, and much more. Students also participate in a hands-on stream habitat improvement project.

But it’s not all work. There are 10 fishing sessions and fly tying instruction. Over 30 instructors, all experts in their field, teach the various classes.

Admission will be limited to 32 selected qualified students, ages 14 to 17. The applicants must have been born between June 20, 1996, and June 15, 2000. The 32 students will be selected through an application process where they must state why they want to attend camp. The competition for admission is fierce.

The camp tuition is $350 per student for the entire week. All meals and accommodations are included for the residence camp. A student need not be an accomplished fly fisher or a budding aquatic biologist to attend. All the student needs is to be highly motivated and willing to learn.

The Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp was founded in 1995 through the efforts of the late Dr. John R. “Jack” Beck and the late Enoch S. “Inky” Moore, Jr., Pennsylvania Fish Commissioner. Their goal was to select 32 teenagers each year who were the leaders in their class. The thought is that today’s leaders in high school become the leader of tomorrow’s communities.

In a few short years, they will be the bankers, lawyers, realtors, municipal officials and the leaders in their communities. If the camp can implant a kernel of knowledge in today’s students about the importance of clean water, when those students become the decision makers in their communities, it may have a positive impact on how water resources are used.

For more information, visit the Rivers Camp website. Applications or questions may be submitted by email to: riverscamp@gmail.com.

2/24/2014