Drop a line at SNC’s 10th annual Youth Fish Camp

Catching the fishing fever
The SNC Youth Fish Camp will return this summer to introduce kids to responsible fishing practices. The group will get two full days of fishing along with lunch and some summer fun.      Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

WINCHESTER – Due to popular demand, South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) 10th annual Youth Fish Camp will host three camps this year: High Falls Conservation Area in Casselman, Cass Bridge Conservation Area in Winchester and Jessup’s Falls Conservation Area in Plantagenet.

“Our fish camp teaches youth the rules of fishing, where to drop a line, selecting equipment, baiting – including fly-tying, and casting. Each of the camp sites offer accessible docks, so youth of all abilities are welcome to join,” said SNC communications student Samantha DeVries.

The camps are for youths between the ages of 10 to 15 and will take place on July 4 and 5 at High Falls Conservation Area, July 18 and 19 at Cass Bridge Conservation Area and August 8 and 9 at Jessup’s Falls. Members from the Ottawa Flyfishers Society will also be present to teach youth about the fundamentals of fly-fishing.

Registration for the catch-and-release fish camp will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $10 per participant which includes a fishing rod along with lunch each day of the camp. Youth taking part must bring their own life-jacket. The camp will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

“There are no prerequisites required to participate in the camp,” DeVries said. “But youth need to show their respect and enthusiasm for nature.”

One of SNC’s primary responsibilities is to provide youth with hands-on environmental learning opportunities; tools obtained through this program helps youth learn to fish responsibly. The process is repeated in the fall with young hunters through SNC’s Youth Hunt Apprenticeship Program.

“We hope to foster a lifelong appreciation of the local environment that can be passed down for generations. As environmentalists, we advocate for responsible and sustainable fishing and hunting.”