Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter of Trout Unlimited (RMF) is expanding its youth outreach initiatives. This expansion will continue until all programs have been implemented, with a goal of full implementation during 2012.

Progress Has Been Good, as Follows:

Students working with fish eggs

NoCO Youth River Conservation & Fly Fishing Day Camp: Applications are being accepted for this year's camp. Many contacts have been completed making arrangements for instructional resources and other arrangements. The Sierra Club has confirmed it will donate some rod/reel/line sets.

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) 2010 startup: A member has offered to fund the costs that may exceed any grant received through Embrace-A-Stream. Also, Initial informal feedback from a local high school is very promising regarding the faculty and administration interest to host our first TIC installation.

Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge: A member has volunteered to serve as a counselor for the program, with a plan to start up after the year-end holidays.

We invite local fly shops, merchants, civic and public organizations to share a collaborative role through support and involvement. We will promote our program through the schools, churches, Boy & Girl Scouts and other youth organizations. Public promotion will be needed when we’re ready to launch various programs, and we will seek local newspaper, radio, and TV support to gain visibility and support.

NoCO Youth River Conservation & Fly Fishing Day Camp

RMF has developed a curriculum that introduces local youths to similar subjects as are presented at the six-day residential CTU Youth Camp, to include conservation and fly fishing.
See more details and the 2010 program.

Scouts

Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge

This merit badge is specifically targeted at teaching fly fishing. It is more of a hands-on, one-on-one, or one-on-several, instruction and counseling role. The Scout Council requires each counselor to become “approved” as an adult counselor.

Trout In The Classroom (TIC)

This Trout Unlimited program was recently approved by CDOW for use in Colorado. Three pilot introductions will occur this fall (one is in Loveland) and will be jointly monitored by CTU and CDOW. RMF is hopeful that we can sponsor TIC in one of our area schools as soon as expansion of the program is approved. Initial installation cost for each school location is approximately $2500.

CTU Youth Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp

RMF Chapter will continue its successful participation and financial support of the Colorado Trout Unlimited five-day residential River Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. This year's Youth Camp will take place June 6-11, 2010. See more information on the Colorado TU site.

Rocky Mountain Flycasters sponsored campers in 2006 through 2009.

Other Ways You Can Help Youth Outreach Succeed:

• Inform leadership of...
  • indoor classroom space that is available at no cost, or inexpensively
  • private lake or private river frontage that is available at no-cost
  • “influence center” individuals with organizations that would be interested in promoting youth participation
  • “influence center” individuals with fly shops and merchants that would be interested in supporting Youth Outreach in any of numerous ways…
    • equipment (fly rods/reels/lines, basic flies, fly boxes, videos & books, nippers/forceps/zingers/etc.,
    • fly tying vises/tools & materials,
    • hats, waders/hip boots, vests, spinning rods/reels/line/lures, etc.)
  • Recommendations for high school & junior high conservation “projects”
• Volunteer to serve as a Grant writer and/or general fundraiser or equipment donation solicitor
• Donate good quality fishing videos & books
• Donate “youth designated” funding to help Youth Outreach succeed

Watch our www.rockymtnflycasters.org website for additional information and updates. Please inquire to discuss your possible interests, and to receive information.

Contact:

Thank you for all demonstrations of interest, volunteerism and donations.

Donations

Financial contributions to Youth Outreach Program can be made by sending a check made out to: Rocky Mountain Flycasters with your intent that your contribution be for Youth Outreach.

You may also use this Donation Form (pdf 192KB) to make your contribution. Simply download the form, print it out, fill it with your information and mail it to the Treasurer. Your donation will be greatly appreciated.

Donations of materials, tools, and gear in good condition should contact Dennis Cook for those items that can be used in the Youth Outreach program.

“Youth Designated” donations will be used exclusively for RMF Youth Outreach purposes. All donations and contributions are tax-deductible at a fair market value as allowable by law. Rocky Mountain Flycasters is a registered 501(c)3 organization and a recognition letter/receipt will be sent in return for all contributions. Consult your CPA.