Applications are now being accepted from young people ages 14-17 for one of the best short summer camps in the area. The third annual Northwest Youth Conservation and Flyfishing Academy will be held June 18-24.
Sponsored by the Trout Unlimited Chapters of Washington and the South Sound Flyfishers, the academy camp is located on Hicks Lake at the Gwinwood Conference Center in Lacey.
The camp is coeducational and limited to 24 participants. The purpose is to educate youth about the importance of conservation and natural resource stewardship. It also includes hands-on development of fly fishing skills among campers.
Acceptance to the academy is based on a written essay indicating an applicant's desire to attend and what he or she hopes to learn from it. Candidates need not be experience anglers, according to Dick Nye of the academy.
A limited number of scholarships are available to help defray the cost of $275 for a regular campership. The scholarships are available through local Trout Unlimited Chapters. Nye urges applicants desiring scholarship information to contact a TU chapter president in their area.
The curriculum provides students with a background in fundamental science and includes classes on ecology, hydrology, aquatic animals, invasive species, trout behavior and other appropriate subjects.
Each day also includes instruction in fly fishing skills, casting, fly tying, fly selection, streamside ethics and etiquette, knot tying, water safety and more.
The camp tuition includes all meals and flyfishing rods, reels and equipment are furnished.
Applications must be received by April 15. For information and an application form, contact Nye at 491-9227 or by e-mail at 2006academy@comcast.net as soon as possible.
