TROUT UNLIMITED GENERATIONS CAMP BY JOHN BERRY

The Arkansas White River Chapter of Trout Unlimited #698 it is holding its “Generations Camp” on June 18 and 19 at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. In the past, you probably remember this as the Youth Camp. For the past couple of years the Youth Camp has morphed into the Generations Camp. Before the kids were dropped off and participated in the camp by themselves.

Now they are accompanied by a Generations Mentor who must be over twenty one years of age. The Stream Explorers must be between ten and fifteen years old. A mentor can be a parent, brother, sister, grand parent, uncle, aunt or guardian. The mentor attends all sessions of the camp and all classes and learns along with the stream explorer. This is an incredible opportunity for the mentor and explorer to bond. I wish that we had something like this when my daughter was that age.

The mentors and explorers will be participating in a variety of subjects that include fly tying, fly casting, trout fishing, trout habitat and aquatic entomology. The highlight of the camp is fishing on Dry Run Creek, which is arguably the most incredible half mile of trout fishing in the United States and quite possibly the world. Dry Run Creek is adjacent to the Norfork National Fish Hatchery and is a Catch and Release stream that has been set aside for children under sixteen and mobility impaired adults. A mobility impaired permit issued by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is required for adult anglers.

The classes are taught by local Trout Unlimited volunteers, Arkansas Game and Fish biologists, United States Fish and Wildlife biologists and other community volunteers. Their goal is to develop in the mentors and explorers a sense of appreciation and respect for trout and our coldwater fisheries. The camp lasts from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Lunch and a shirt are provided to all participants.

If this sounds like something that you would like to participate in, contact Michael or Dawn Schraeder at (870) 421-1432, 1906 Rodeo Dr. Mountain Home, AR 72653 or michaelschraeder@gmail.com. Space is limited so register now. This camp is a great way to start the summer and I would recommend it to everyone.