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. The list of programs and activities that the chapter leads or participates in is long and includes the following:
Latimore Creek Youth Fishing Derby – Since 2004, the 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. Participants get their catches measured by an ACTU member and the young angler with the biggest catch in each of the five age groups gets to pick a special prize. Every participant gets to pick an item 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.
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.
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) – 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. In April every year, students enjoy releasing the fingerling trout into Middle Creek.
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.
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.