2012 Tennessee Trout Unlimited Youth Summer Camp for Middle School-Aged Kids

The Tennessee Council of Trout Unlimited is pleased to announce its second annual youth summer camp for middle school-age kids, The Great Smoky Mountains Aquatic Biology and Trout Fishing Adventure. This weeklong event will be June 18-23, 2012, at the internationally renowned Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (GSMIT) in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Summer camp is designed to give youngsters an awareness, appreciation and understanding of the importance of our nation's aquatic resources with an emphasis on conservation, protection and restoration of coldwater ecosystems. The kids will learn about stream ecology, brook trout restoration, stream physics and chemistry, fishing for trout and aquatic entomology. They will experience fly tying, fly fishing and snorkeling in the Little River and Middle Prong; and they will also do some hiking and swimming.

Trout Unlimited is extremely pleased to partner with GSMIT, a private, nonprofit, residential environmental learning center that has operated for 38 years in the national park. The Institute's mission is to provide natural and cultural resources, educational programs, workshops and camps for groups of all ages.

GSMIT is in Walker Valley on the banks of the Middle Prong of Little River, a coldwater stream containing brook, brown and rainbow trout. Facilities include dormitories, dining hall, classrooms, outdoor meeting shelters, bookstore/gift shop and full-time professional staff.

Summer Adventure 2012 will begin on Monday afternoon, June 18, and end at noon on Saturday, June 23. Girls and boys 12 to 15 years of age as of June 18 are eligible to apply. Trout Unlimited will accept a total of 14 participants. Tuition is $488; insurance coverage is supplied by GSMIT.

Middle school-age youngsters interested in attending 2012 Summer Adventure must complete an application form available on the Application tab. Application deadline is March 1, 2012; selections will be made by March 15. Applications should be mailed or e-mailed to: John Thurman, P.O. Box 546, Norris,TN37828; jthur727@bellsouth.net.

When families are notified that their child has been selected, they will be provided with a GSMIT registration form; TU will be happy to help families complete this form. All applicants will be notified of their selection status no later than March 20, 2012.