CTU Hosts Kids Summer Conservation Camp

Three outdoor organizations team to invest in the next generation of fly fishermen

 
By Frank Martin
 

What’s the secret to keeping the greatest and purest sport on the planet flourishing well into the future? You begin by seeing that the torch is passed to the next generation.

            In an effort to do just that, the Colorado Chapter of Trout Unlimited is participating in the first ever Kids Summer Conservation Camp.

            The Event will be held on May 15, at the Magness Boy Scout Camp, nestled among the pines of Peaceful Valley, just outside of Elbert, Colorado. Activities will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m. Over 500 Cub Scouts, from 1st through 5th grade will converge on the campsite for a full day of fly-fishing, archery, trapping, turkey calling, and fly tying, along with other scheduled activities. Sharon Lance, President of CTU, will be conducting a “Nature Craft Class,” where kids will learn how to tie a woolly bugger that they can take home with them.

            Most of the boys involved will come from seven different districts of Metro Denver, including Aurora, Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties.

            The event is a joint venture between Colorado Trout Unlimited, the U.S. Sportsman Alliance Foundation, and the Department of Natural Resources. All three organizations will be donating supplies, equipment and volunteers to work with the boys in learning outdoor skills and activities.

            But teaching fresh-air sports is only one aspect of the camp. The primary goal is to train children to be good stewards of the beautiful land that we all love and share. “We’d like to teach kids how important conservation is, in addition to introducing them to fly fishing,” says CTU President, Sharon Lance.

            Kids will learn the joy of “Catch and Release” by being allowed to set free the fish they catch. And an Entomology expert will be on hand to demonstrate the beauty of creation, and nature’s cycle of life; how everything—the fish, bugs, plants, flowers, water, wildlife, etc.—works together in harmony to replenish the earth and keep life flourishing.

            The next scheduled camp for kids will be a three-day event, held on August 13-15, 2004.

            To learn more about Kids Summer Conservation Camp, or to volunteer your services, contact CTU President, Sharon Lance at 303-694-3409. Or visit their website at www.cotrout.com.