Activities
On the first day of camp, campers engage in a “Get to Know You” team-building exerciseS. IN ONE ACTIVITY THEY BUILT A BRIDGE OF PLANKS WITHOUT USING ANY VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS. aNOTHER ACTIVITY IS 'LEARNING THE ROPES'; WORKING TOGETHER TO PASS ARTICLES VIA A SWINGING ROPE.
SNORKELING
Accompanied by aquatic biologists, campers discover the exciting biodiversity that lies just beneath the surface. Snorkeling provides a unique view of the stream environment. Campers are able to see a variety of fish species as well as some invertebrates and an occasional salamander in their native habitat.
Accompanied by aquatic biologists, campers discover the exciting biodiversity that lies just beneath the surface. Snorkeling provides a unique view of the stream environment. Campers are able to see a variety of fish species as well as some invertebrates and an occasional salamander in their native habitat.
STREAM FISHERIES STUDIES—HYDROLOGY, STREAM INVERTEBRATES, AND FISH SPECIES
Campers learn about stream flow and where fish reside in mountain streams. They also work with National Park fisheries personnel to collect fish species and learn what their presence indicates about the health of streams in the National Park.
Campers learn about stream flow and where fish reside in mountain streams. They also work with National Park fisheries personnel to collect fish species and learn what their presence indicates about the health of streams in the National Park.
FLY CASTING INSTRUCTION
Campers are given instruction by a highly experienced casting instructor on basic fly casting techniques, particularly those that are most effective in mountain streams, as well as information on care and rigging of a fly rod.
Campers are given instruction by a highly experienced casting instructor on basic fly casting techniques, particularly those that are most effective in mountain streams, as well as information on care and rigging of a fly rod.
OTHER INTERACTIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Campers learn to tie flies, examine ‘fish food’ bugs collected under a black light, and hear well known professional guides share their enthusiasm for fly fishing in mountain streams.
Campers learn to tie flies, examine ‘fish food’ bugs collected under a black light, and hear well known professional guides share their enthusiasm for fly fishing in mountain streams.
CAMP LIFE
Campers reside during the week in wooden-floored tents, and eat in the Great Smoky Mountain Institute cafeteria. They do have some free time for recreation including extra fishing (most popular!), swimming, hiking, and (in bad weather) fishing-related board games
Campers reside during the week in wooden-floored tents, and eat in the Great Smoky Mountain Institute cafeteria. They do have some free time for recreation including extra fishing (most popular!), swimming, hiking, and (in bad weather) fishing-related board games
TROUT FISHING
Campers are paired with Trout Unlimited mentors who are experienced in catching trout in mountain streams
Campers are paired with Trout Unlimited mentors who are experienced in catching trout in mountain streams