SNC Youth Fish Camps Educate Dozens
South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) 11th Annual Youth Fish Camps have officially reeled-in for the 2019 season. In total, 65 children aged 8 to 13-years old were hosted at five camps, which took place at Cass Bridge Conservation Area in Winchester, High Falls Conservation Area in Casselman, and Jessup’s Falls Conservation Area in Plantagenet.
“These camps deliver an invaluable outdoor learning experience for youth,” explains Holly Nyenkamp, SNC Communications and Outreach Assistant. “They help to familiarize young people with the natural environment through responsible and sustainable fishing.”
Young anglers enjoyed two fun days of stewardship education, catch and release fishing, and were provided with a complimentary fishing rod and tackle box to take home.
Special guests from the Water Rangers were also on-site to teach youth about water quality through citizen science testing kits, while members from the Ottawa Flyfishers Society provided participants with the basics of fly fishing.
“There is a lot of value in these camps, like promoting eco-health,” adds Nyenkamp. “Kids are given the chance to fish all day, make new friends, and connect and learn about their local environment.
SNC works in partnership with its 16 member municipalities to share natural spaces and offer recreational opportunities on land and water.
Since the Youth Camps began in 2008, SNC has hosted 2 camps per year at local sites. Over recent years, fundraising revenue has helped construct larger accessible docks at it’s Conservation Areas and public boat launches, allowing SNC to expand its summer recreational and education programming to offer 5 camps this year.
SNC also lends fishing rods and water quality testing kits for free from their office in Finch. Free fishing rod lending is available through a partnership with Ontario Power Generation.
To learn more about Fish Camp activities: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZhLSex25Qc
To learn more about recreational fishing opportunities: www.nation.on.ca/recreation/fishing
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Holly Nyenkamp, SNC Communications and Outreach Assistant, 1-877-984-2948, hnyenkamp@nation.on.ca.
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