River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp
“Our hope is that kids who attend our camp today will become the conservation leaders of tomorrow.”
What is it?
The River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp is an annual week long experience in early June designed to educate 14 to 18 year old students on the importance of cold water conservation and provide hands-on fly fishing instruction. Approximately 20 students are selected each year based on their qualifications and a written essay on why they would like to attend the camp.
Camp classes include: Principles of Ecology, Hydrogeology, Aquatic Vertebrate and Invertebrate Sampling, Hydrology, Trout Behavior, Trout Stream Entomology, and Politics of Conservation and Human Effects on the Rocky Mountain.
In addition, the camp will include hands-on instruction on Fly Tying, Fly Casting, Stream-side Ethics, Angling Literature, Stream-side Botany, Wader Safety and Survival, and The Evolution of an
Angler. Campers participate in a watershed conservation project that demonstrates the Trout Unlimited ethic and mission.
Check out the coverage of our youth camp in the High Country Angler magazine!
Interested in becoming a Youth Camper?
registration period open from january 15 to april 15
The camp is limited to 20 selected qualified students, ages 14 to 18. First time camp applicants receive preference. The camp selection committee makes the selections based upon the candidates’ qualifications and essay.
Cost: $50 registration fee plus $450 camp tuition. Registration fee will only be applied to accepted applications, and will be due with submission of camp registration forms. Many Trout Unlimited chapters provide financial aid, so please reach out to your local chapter representative. Registration fee will be charged after camper application is accepted.
Interested in becoming a Youth Counselor?
registration open from january 15 to april 15
Competition for Youth Counselors is strong and only a few counselors will be chosen. Youth Camp staff selects counselors based on these criteria below as well as all other applicable experiences, service work and Trout Unlimited involvement.
Applicants must:
• Be at least 19 years of age*
• Have attended a Trout Unlimited Youth Camp*
• Have demonstrated proficiency in Fly Fishing, conservation and other topics covered during camp
• Have previously demonstrated leadership qualities and a high level of maturity
• Be available to attend the entire camp; Youth Counselors are expected to arrive on June 8, 2019 and stay the entire week through June 15, 2019
• Understand that youth counselors are only allowed to fish with special permission from camp staff; you are expected to aid other campers in learning about river conservation and the sport of fly fishing
• Assist adult counselors and flight leaders with daily activities, coaching and instruction
• Complete the application below
*Exceptions are allowed based on camp staff recommendation, character and demonstrated leadership skills
Interested in other volunteer opportunities?
Colorado Trout Unlimited is also looking for persons interested in volunteering as a Full Time Camp Counselor or a Day Camp Counselor — if you are interested, please fill out the form and someone will contact you shortly.
