The Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp is now accepting applications for its 2008 camp to be held June 15-20 at the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, Pa.

The Camp was founded in 1995 through the efforts of the late Dr. John R. “Jack” Beck and the late Enoch S. “Inky” Moore, Jr. Their goal was to select thirty-two teenagers each year who are 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.

The highly structured curriculum is based on college level classes. The 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. Fly fishing and fly tying are included. Nationally known instructors teach the students fly casting, fly tying, stream etiquette, how to “read” the water, and of course there is fishing.

The camp begins on Sunday and ends the following Friday. The camp will be limited to 32 selected qualified students, ages 14 to 17. The applicants must have been born between June 20, 1990 and June 15, 1994. The thirty-two students will be selected through an application process where they must write an essay on why they want to attend camp and they must provide a reference from a science teacher or guidance counselor.

The competition for admission is fierce. The camp began accepting applications for the 2008 camp on November 1, 2007 and all applications must be postmarked not later than March 15.

The camp costs each student $275 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 to be is highly motivated and willing to learn.

In 2001 the RC&FFYC won the national Trout Unlimited National Coldwater Conservationist of the Year Award at the TU national convention in Portland, Oregon. Also in 2001 the Cumberland Valley Chapter, host of the camp received the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited Youth Education Award.

In November, 2001 the camp was featured on ESPN2’s TUTV show. In 2004 the Camp received the Jack Beck Youth Education Award from the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. The highly successful camp has been emulated in Michigan, North Carolina, Maine, Montana and Washington with other states looking to start their own programs.

Alumni are welcome to attend the Thursday evening picnic and share their experiences since they attended camp.

For more information or an application brochure contact the camp at the Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp website. Questions can be direct to Matt Lourdeau by sending email to: MLflyfish@hotmail.com .

1/18/2008