CTU STREAM Girls Camp with Girl Scouts of Colorado

What is STREAM Girls?
STREAM Girls is Trout Unlimited’s youth education program that builds on STEM learning by adding recreation and art—turning STEM into “STREAM.” The program helps young people explore their local watersheds by investigating streams, studying aquatic insects and fish, and developing a deeper awareness of river conservation. Through hands-on experiences as scientists, artists, and anglers, participants build a personal connection to their home waters.

Outdoor Adventure Weekend at Sky High Ranch
From April 11–13, 2025, Colorado Trout Unlimited’s Headwaters Youth staff—Natalie Flowers (Director of Education) and Cyndy Scholz (Colorado STREAM Programs Coordinator)—teamed up with the Girl Scouts of Colorado to bring the STREAM Girls experience to their Outdoor Adventure Camp at Sky High Ranch in Woodland Park.

The weekend began with a STREAM Girls training for about a dozen adult volunteers, including Girl Scout troop leaders and members of the Pikes Peak Chapter of Trout Unlimited (PPCTU). Volunteers practiced sampling macroinvertebrates, created insect replicas in a “Build-a-Bug” craft, and learned games like the Trout Survival Game—activities they can now take back to their troops.

When the Girl Scouts arrived Friday evening, they kicked things off with icebreakers and a creative cookie-decorating session—designing and naming their own fish-shaped treats.

On Saturday, everyone hiked to a small stream on the property to collect and observe aquatic insects. Back at the lodge, the Girl Scouts learned to tie a caddis fly, a staple in any angler’s fly box.

In the afternoon, the group headed to nearby Manitou Lake for casting practice and fly fishing—and several girls caught their first trout!

It was a joy to watch the Girl Scouts and CTU volunteers fully engaged in each activity, learning together, asking questions, and gaining confidence in both science and the outdoors.

CTU is excited to host more STREAM Girls and youth-focused events across Colorado in 2025 and beyond. We’re expanding to reach youth of all ages—and we’d love for you to join us in inspiring the next generation of river stewards.

Connecting with the Community: Colorado Trout Unlimited Trout in the Classroom Program

The Colorado Trout Unlimited Trout in the Classroom program is more than just an educational initiative; it's a bridge that connects students, educators, and the broader community through a shared passion for aquatic ecosystems and trout conservation. One of the most impactful ways we foster this connection is through our release events, where students have the opportunity to release the trout they've raised into local waterways.

Engaging with the Community

Our release events are a celebration of learning and conservation, bringing together students from various schools to sites like the Carson Nature Center. These events are not just about releasing trout; they are enriched with additional programming that enhances the educational experience. For example, the Carson Nature Center features a portable water table that allows students to see how a river is formed and understand its effects on the local landscape. This hands-on activity helps students grasp the dynamic nature of rivers and the importance of maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Highlighting CSU Spur's Homeschool Event

A standout moment in our community engagement efforts was the recent trout release event hosted by CSU Spur. This event was particularly special as it connected us with a part of the community that doesn't have a traditional classroom setting—homeschoolers. CSU Spur's Water Education Coordinator, Stefan, led the event, where visitors helped release trout into the South Platte River behind the campus.

CSU Spur's event marked the first time they hosted a trout release on campus, making it an exciting milestone. The program aims to foster a deep appreciation for aquatic ecosystems and trout conservation among students, and releasing trout into the stretch of water by the campus was a thrilling experience for all involved. CSU Spur plans to continue these events, inviting more community members to join in future releases.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow and expand our Trout in the Classroom program, we remain committed to deepening our connections with the community. Future release events will continue to be inclusive, educational, and fun, providing opportunities for everyone to get involved and make a difference.

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming events and how you can participate in our efforts to conserve Colorado's aquatic ecosystems. Together, we can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and ensure a healthy future for our trout and their habitats.

CTU Camper Registration Now Open!

Experience the CTU River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp

Do you know a teen who loves the outdoors, is curious about conservation, or wants to learn the art of fly fishing? The CTU River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp might be the opportunity they’ve been looking for.

Taking place June 8-14, 2025, at AEI Basecamp in Almont, CO, this camp offers youth aged 14-18 a chance to explore river stewardship, science, and outdoor recreation. Since 2006, our camp has introduced more than 250 teens from Colorado and beyond to conservation and fly fishing while building valuable skills and friendships.

What Makes This Camp Special?

Our camp combines STEM-based conservation education with hands-on fly fishing instruction. Campers learn about conservation by engaging directly with the natural environment they’re working to protect. Activities are designed to be fun and welcoming, connecting a passion for the outdoors with a commitment to conservation.

Here’s what campers will experience:

• STEM education: Learn about river ecosystems and water management in the west.

• Fly fishing instruction: Gain skills through one-on-one and group lessons.

• Conservation projects: Participate in activities that make a tangible impact.

• New friendships: Meet peers who share similar interests and values.

Who Can Apply?

The camp is open to youth aged 14-18. Applications are open now and must be submitted by April 1, 2025. Campers will be selected based on their responses, including an essay about why they want to attend. First-time applicants will receive preference.

Costs and Scholarships

The 2025 camp tuition is $700, with an additional $50 registration fee. These fees cover meals, gear rentals, and other necessary costs. Campers aged 16 and older will also need to purchase a Colorado Fishing License.

To make this experience accessible, many local Trout Unlimited chapters offer tuition scholarships. If financial assistance is needed, applicants can indicate this on their application, and we’ll work to match them with a scholarship opportunity.

Why Choose CTU Camp?

CTU River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp is about more than just learning new skills. It’s an opportunity to develop a connection to nature and gain practical knowledge in a supportive environment. Campers leave with new abilities, friendships, and an understanding of how conservation efforts and outdoor recreation intersect.

For nearly 20 years, our program has brought together teens with shared interests in conservation and fly fishing. Campers take away valuable experiences that help them grow as individuals and future river stewards.

Apply Today!

Spaces are limited to 20 campers, and applications are due by April 1, 2025, so don’t wait to apply. The application process is straightforward, and scholarships are available to help make camp accessible for everyone.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, grow, and enjoy a week in Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. Apply today to take the first step toward becoming a river steward and fly fishing enthusiast.

Trout in the Classroom Biggest Release Year Yet!

Over 45 Trout in the Classroom (TIC) Sites have released the rainbow trout, they raised since October, into local watersheds. This year we had over 60 sites/schools participate in the TIC program, and thus far 2,865 trout have been released. We still have a few more schools set to release, but overall, the program has been a huge success and our biggest year yet.

Some schools even made the local news and made videos of their TIC Release Events!

Ute Pass Elementary TIC Release Event

Shepardson STEM Elementary TIC Release video.

We are excited to announce some additional capacity and training that will be added to the 2024/25 TIC Program. This summer we will be offering three (possibly more) TIC trainings for educators and TU Chapter Coordinators/Volunteers. Check out our dates and events below.

• July 22, 2024 - Western Slope TIC Training in Grand Junction

• July 27, 2024 - Front Range TIC Training in Denver

• Aug 3, 2024 - 2nd Front Range TIC Training in Denver

Charles Hay Wood TIC Release Event

Grand River Academy TIC Release Event

Outdoor Wilderness Lab TIC Release Event

To help with this training we have hired a part-time seasonal employee (who will be starting in late May/early June) and we will be hiring two part-time TIC Seasonal Coordinators (one from the Front Range and one for the Western Slope). These new TIC Coordinators will help coordinate the TIC program during the school year, support our TIC Sites and Educators, and connect the program more with CTU, TU, and TU Chapters.

AvidMax's Coffee Break Features CTU Camp

Coffee Break is an ongoing series at AvidMax where they talk about fly fishing, which sometimes includes supporting local fishing communities. In this episode, Noah sits down with TU member Barbara Luneau to learn more about the annual youth event, Camp, hosted by CTU. Camp is an amazing event for high school students that takes place here in Colorado and aims to teach students conservation and fly fishing. If you are interested in helping support the event or know a student between the ages of 14-18 interested in attending, please visit the CTU Camp Webpage.

We would like to thank AvidMax for their continued support of Colorado Trout Unlimited.

Trout in the Classroom Eggs Have Hatched!

We are thrilled to announce that 65 TIC tanks across Colorado received Rainbow Trout eggs, donated by CPW’s Crystal River Hatchery, in late October. These eggs have now hatched and are in their alevin stage! Check out some of our outstanding TIC Sites and Students as they celebrate this incredible program!

Video from Estes Park Elementary School

Video from the Academy of Charter Schools

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We need your help to support the Trout in the Classroom program across the state of Colorado.

Learn About Our New CTU STREAM Program Opportunities

We are excited to expand our STREAM Program offerings into a spectrum of river conservation, outdoor exploration, and angling STREAM programs. Traditionally CTU has been successful in hosting several STREAM Girl and STREAM Keeper program and we now have the ability to expand, adapt, and create unique STREAM programs to fit your TU Chapter area, Partner Organization, age demographic, diverse audience, and community. Check out our updated web pages below and our new program resources page.

We are also offering a STREAM Programs Rendezvous session on Saturday, Oct. 21st at 4 pm in Glenwood Springs on the Colorado River! Click here for more information about this session and others at our upcoming CTU Rendezvous.

CTU STREAM Girls Opportunities September 9th & 10th

Colorado Trout Unlimited and the Cutthroat Chapter are excited to host a STREAM Girls 1.0 and STREAM Girls 2.0 this weekend at the Kassler Center and Lake Lehow in Littleton! We still have 10 slots available for our STREAM Girls 1.0 on Saturday, Sept. 9th from 8 am - 5 pm at the Kassler Center and 7 slots available for STREAM Girls 2.0 on Sunday, Sept. 10th from 10 am - 2 pm. 

 STREAM Girls is an outdoor watershed experience that employs STEM-education (science, technology, engineering, math) plus recreation and arts to explore a local stream.  By visiting a local stream and having the opportunity to observe it as scientists, anglers, and artists, Girl in the 4th through 8th grade will get the complete picture of what their stream could mean to them.

 STREAM Girls 1.0 is a full day program which includes local stream exploration, collecting flow data, sampling macroinvertebrates, tying flies, and learning fly casting. If you aren't a Girl Scout no worries -- you can join in the fun too. Please note STREAM Girls 1.0 does not include fly fishing due to our limited time, that comes in STREAM Girls 2.0.

 STREAM Girls 2.0 is a half day program which builds upon their already learned casting skills and grow into confident anglers and river conservationists. It is highly recommended that you have already taken STREAM Girls 1.0 before enrolling in this event.

STREAM Keepers Program Has a Busy July and August

STREAM Keepers at Lincoln Hills Cares in Black Hawk, CO, The Nature Connection in Delta, CO, and Hotchkiss, CO

By Lauren Hacke - 2023 Colorado Trout Unlimited Intern

Colorado Trout Unlimited had a great time with kids exploring our rivers and streams in Black Hawk, Delta, and Hotchkiss in July and August! CTU joined Lincoln Hills Cares, Sun Valley Youth, and The Nature Connection in hosting STREAM Keepers for dozens of kids to teach them about fly fishing and what makes a healthy stream.

CTU headed to Black Hawk on July 28th to learn about watershed ecosystems, fly-tying, casting, and fly-fishing with the kids of Sun Valley Youth at Lincoln Hills Cares. The kids investigated macroinvertebrates in Lincoln Hills Cares’ creeks and found mayflies, caddisflies, water striders, and more! Then, CTU volunteers taught the kids how to tie flies, and all of the kids got a fly to take home. The kids also practiced casting with Lawntrout to prepare to fish in the ponds. A few kids caught trout and learned how to release their trout!

CTU partnered with The Nature Connection for a STREAM Keepers program in Delta on August 1st and Hotchkiss on August 2nd. First, the kids evaluated how healthy or polluted the Gunnison River was at Confluence Park and the Delta Fairgrounds based on the macroinvertebrates they found. We found plenty of crayfish! The kids used their knowledge of macroinvertebrates to build their own bugs with crafting supplies. Then, the kids learned how to cast fly rods with Lawntrout!

Thank you to Ray, Dan, Andy, and Scott for volunteering and all the Lincoln Hills Cares and Sun Valley Youth staff for collaborating and helping with STREAM Keepers in Black Hawk! Thank you to our volunteer David and our partners at The Nature Connection for supporting STREAM Keepers with their counselors and staff!

If you would like to learn more about our STREAM Keepers programs click here to visit our website.

2023 River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp - Building Leaders While Building Leaders

This year’s CTU River Conservation & Fly Fishing (RCFF) Camp was June 11th - 17th in Almont, CO, and was a huge success! After receiving several camp counselor applications (from 2022 campers and returning Junior Counselors) as well as new camper applications, we had the excellent idea to not only accept 20 awesome campers but also accept 12 Junior Camp Counselors at this year’s RCFF Camp!

Each of these Junior Counselors had already completed camp. This year, they had the opportunity to build up their leadership, teamwork, and angling skills as they helped lead small groups, guided campers, and helped the Seasoned Counselors keep camp organized.

This morphed beautifully into incredible relationships between our Campers, Junior Counselors, and Seasoned Counselors. Seasoned Counselors introduced discussion topics, while Junior Counselors led small groups of interested Campers. Campers received one-on-one tips from leading Seasoned and Junior Counselors as they fished, tied flies, designed posters, and even learned how to build their own fishing leaders!

Campers grew in their angling skills and confidence throughout the week, and Junior Counselors grew in their leadership skills. This leadership model for CTU’s River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp helped streamline some of the organizational parts of the camp. Still, it also allowed us as an organization to promote our ‘Stream of Engagement’ model for the CTU Headwaters Youth Programs. Through this program delivery model, we strive to engage new participants in our Youth Programs and ensure that people of any age can "plugin" to TU and continue their relationship with coldwater conservation and fly fishing through various age-appropriate opportunities and programs.

CTU’s River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp is not only teaching how to build fishing leaders but also building leaders within Trout Unlimited and fostering the next generation of river conservationists and anglers! Thank you to all the Camp Counselors, Volunteers, Campers, and Camp Supporters! We could not do this without you!