RMF NoCO Youth Camp Video

Just released! This video gives a taste of some of the activities of this past summer’s camp.

More of the story below.

Last updated: 16 Nov 2010

Photo gallery from the 2010 Youth camp.

RMF River Conservation & Fly Fishing Day Camp a Big Success!

Fish electroshocking survey

RMF’s inaugural NoCO Youth Conservation & Fly Fishing Day Camp in July was a success by all accounts based on responses from campers and parents. Following a last minute cancellation by a 10th camper, we proceeded with nine, enthusiastic youths, ages 14-15; two girls and seven boys. Six camp-days later they had completed extensive conservation ethics and issues studies and a willows-restoration project on the Big T,
Identifying & measuring fish as well as experiencing classroom and generous on-water fly fishing skills training. Conservation studies generally occupied the initial couple days, transitioning into a mix with fly fishing for the next couple, and fly fishing skills generally occupied the last couple days. Curriculum time was pretty evenly balanced between conservation and fishing. All of our river fishing was on the Poudre, and we also fished the Lower Valley ponds at Sylvan Dale.

Fishing the Poudre

Many RMF members generously volunteered their time and talents, and with a couple non-members we totaled 23 volunteers. This was terrific, because it enabled the campers to receive 1:1 skills instruction and mentoring, which resulted in every camper catching fish on both still and river waters.

Seining for insects and more

Many “Thanks!” to Todd Anderson, Rich Bader, Dennis Cook, Lee Evans, Ken Eis, Krista and Justin Deese, Cullen Emsing, Bryon Fessler, Amy and Dennis Galyardt, Alan Jones, Jamie Karlak, Phil Keller, Connor Murphy, Dennis Martin, Dave Piske, Dick Shinton, Bob Streeter, Seann Sweeney, Paul Wehr, Phil Wright, and Guy Turenne. Additionally, we were supported by 19 professional staff from the CDOW, NRCS, TU, CTU and Timberline Aquatics, Inc. who presented classroom material, led the willows planting and several on-water activities, and also handled the entomology sessions.
Instruction in reading the river

We also are fortunate to have partnered with the Larimer Boys & Girls Club which provided transportation vehicles and drivers in exchange for some members on scholarship and agreement for RMF to present some fly fishing related classes for their other member youths. We look forward to continuing this relationship in coming years.

Of course, we could not have done the camp without the support from our sponsors. Please be sure to patronize these generous community friends, and to thank them for their support.

Snorkeling to observe underwater RMF will be targeting to have about 15-18 campers for the 2011 Youth Day Camp, so please be thinking about your children, grandchildren and friends’ children who might appreciate learning more about the TU conservation mission and also learning fly fishing skills. The chapter board will soon be announcing dates for the 2011 Day Camp.