Youth Programs
ACTU recognizes that the current and future success of coldwater conservation depends on education and community involvement. Since its inception, ACTU has annually introduced thousands of youths to hands-on learning experiences that foster a lifelong appreciation for Pennsylvania’s natural resources. Through these programs, ACTU has educated thousands of young learners, building the next generation of conservationists and anglers as well as becoming a well-known contributor to the community’s youth outdoor education efforts. The list of programs and activities that the chapter leads or participates in is long and includes the following:
Trout in the Classroom (TIC)
TIC is an interdisciplinary environmental education program in which students (grades K-12) learn about current and past impacts, management, and protection and enhancement opportunities of Pennsylvania’s watersheds and coldwater resources, while raising trout in the classroom.
Since 2009, ACTU has provided the equipment needed for classrooms in local schools to participate in the TIC program. ACTU provides aquariums, filters, and educational resources, allowing students to raise trout from eggs to fingerlings while learning about aquatic ecosystems.
Throughout the year, students are introduced to the importance of watershed conservation efforts, ecosystems, habitats, natural resources, and management strategies to protect and enhance coldwater resources. They are also introduced to recreational opportunities in which they can enjoy those resources and to the coldwater fish species that call those waters home. In April every year, students enjoy releasing the fingerling trout into Middle Creek.
Adams County has historically been home to one of the largest TIC programs in Pennsylvania. Started in 2009 with a single school, the program has grown to include 11 schools in the 2016-2017 school year; second largest in the state. The Chapter supports 2 release events for the Elementary and Middle School classes at Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve each Spring.
To learn more about TIC, please go here.
Latimore Creek Youth Fishing Derby
Since 2004, the Latimore Creek Youth Fishing Derby, which is typically held in early May, welcomes scores of young anglers, ages 5 to 15, who first stock trout in the creek and then spent the morning fishing with their families.
Our purpose in holding the annual derby is to give children, ages 5 to 15, the opportunity to, first, stock trout which are provided by the Yellow Breeches Anglers & Conservation Association, and, second, enjoy fishing for and catching the trout along the Special Regulations section of Latimore Creek. Fishing at this section of the creek is restricted to children and the handicapped. The derby is at Latimore Creek Valley Park. Look for details of this event at adamscounty.tu.org
Participants get their catches measured by an ACTU member and the young angler with the biggest catch in each of the age groups gets to pick a special prize. Every participant also gets to pick a prize from a large cache of fishing-related gear and also enjoy a cookout lunch provided by the chapter. Over the years, the event has continued to foster excitement and engagement in the sport of fishing for both the young anglers and their families. Best of all, the young anglers can keep their catch.
Derby Rules
• Fishing will take place from 8:00-11:00 AM.
• Participants are encouraged to help stock the trout immediately before the derby.
• All fishing rules of the PA Fish and Boat Commission will apply. Adults CAN help bait hooks, net fish, remove fish from hooks, and untangle lines, but MAY NOT cast and retrieve for the children.
• Anglers who catch and KEEP their limit (5) must quit fishing.
• Only bait fishing will be allowed. No casting of lures (spinners or artificial lures with multiple hook points) permitted. Participants should supply their own bait.
• Lunch will be provided.
• All anglers will receive a prize!
• The event is sponsored and operated by the Adams County Chapter of Trout Unlimited, #323.
South Central Outdoors for Youth (SOY) Day
ACTU was a founding partner of SOY, which was started in 1992 to encourage youth’s interest in the outdoors in a safe and controlled environment, with knowledgeable volunteers on hand to instruct and promote that interest.
By giving youths and their parents a free day of various outdoor activities, children have the opportunity to experience various sports without cost to the family. ACTU volunteers introduce 6 to 17 year olds to fly fishing and fly tying during the day-long program.
Held the first Saturday in June each year, ACTU is one of many organizations providing activities for the participants to introduce them to a number of outdoor sports and activities. The Chapter hosts a session teaching the youth how to tie flies.
New Oxford Middle School Environmental Day
ACTU members have annually engaged approximately 300 eighth-grade over the past few years. Students are given fly tying demonstrations, instructed on the basics of fly casting, and then try their hand at casting.
Earth Extravaganza
On this community celebration of Earth Day, visitors can explore a variety of organizations that help make Adams County a healthy and safe place to live for both people and wildlife. The event is hosted by the Adams County Conservation District and the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program. Our chapter volunteers provide fly-tying demonstration and fly casting lessons. Other lessons offered include the future of energy production and availability in Pennsylvania, the importance of trees for clean water and ecosystem diversity, and the use of natural processes to enhance gardens.
Adams County Library’s FunFest
Chapter members instruct scores of children on casting using the Backyard Bass, which children thoroughly enjoy. Each plastic “fish” they catch has a picture of a fish on it, which the kids then compare to a picture board to identify the fish. This event is a hit with the children and their parents.
