SUMMER 2021 IN CTU’S HEADWATERS YOUTH PROGRAM

Throughout 2020 and the first half of 2021, Colorado Trout Unlimited’s Headwaters Youth Program was forced to cancel or postpone many programs, while others were adapted for virtual deliveries. As we began planning for this past summer, we leaned into optimism and planned for the worst amidst the uncertainties around the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, Colorado Trout Unlimited excitedly (albeit, cautiously) returned to in-person youth education programs in June 2021, thanks to help from incredible program volunteers and guidance from TU National’s Headwaters Youth staff.

The 2021 River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp kicked things off in mid-June. Amidst the uncertainty around the pandemic leading up to camp, CTU followed CDC guidance to reduce overall capacity by limiting camp applications to youth who applied in 2020 or participated in the TU Teens Live program last summer. Beyond the reduced capacity, we integrated several other protocols including daily health screenings, masks indoors, and cohorts for small group activities.

With the mitigation measures in place, thirteen high school students joined eight volunteer counselors for a seven-day experience at AEI Base Camp in Taylor Park area of Gunnison County. Over the course of the week, campers:

• Conducted a fish population survey with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;

• Sampled macroinvertebrates to evaluate stream health; • Learned about hydrology and stream flow from Natural Resources Conservation Service; • Participated in water management discussions with TU National staff; • Developed and honed fly fishing and fly tying skills; • Restored a river corridor by removing abandoned and problem beaver dams; • Practiced Leave No Trace and Keep ‘Em Wet principles; and,

• Built a community of young fly fishers to carry their experience and passion moving forward.

To reflect upon their camp experience, we asked campers to submit a “Spirit of Camp” creative project. On the last night of camp, the counselors gathered to review submissions. Submissions ranged from photo collages to sculptures to poems. The artwork highlighted new skills, friendships, or interests they developed throughout the week. Beyond demonstrating the incredible creativity of the campers, the projects underscored the transformative power of the camp experience. Campers from Colorado and New Mexico came together and established friendships. Young adults explored possible futures for themselves. New anglers and fly tyers developed their skills alongside peers and passionate volunteers. Counselors of all ages left with smiles inspired by the energy and passion of the high schoolers.

The post-camp evaluations reinforced this sentiment. Campers indicated growth in their fly fishing (specifically casting) and fly tying skills, an increased awareness and understanding of fisheries conservation, watershed management, aquatic ecology, and a desire to support on-the-ground conservation efforts moving forward. In addition, all campers identified increased desire to share outdoor experiences with friends and family and explore post-secondary opportunities in natural resource management and outdoor recreation. With the goal of developing the next generation of river stewards, these evaluative outcomes recognized the success of camp and provided opportunities to build upon this year to enrich the experience further.

In addition to the River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp, CTU piloted two new programs this summer. The first of these was an adapted STREAM Girls program focused on reaching underrepresented and di-

verse audiences through partnerships. In June and July, CTU hosted three STREAM Keepers events in partnership with Littleton Public Schools Extended Middle School, Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement – A GOCO Generation Wild Coalition, and Lincoln Hills Cares. In partnership with these groups, CTU provided hands-on STEM-based opportunities to more than 100 youth and families. This included students who struggled amidst the pandemic, Latinx families, and youth from immigrant communities. STREAM Keepers participants explored local riparian ecosystems, learned fly casting skills, surveyed macroinvertebrates, and fished local waters. At the conclusion of these STREAM Keepers programs, participants expressed their excitement to continue fly fishing (some participants even caught their first fish during STREAM Keepers) and shared their appreciation for local watersheds. Furthermore, these pilot programs helped CTU foster partnerships with organizations that will carry forward to allow for further opportunities to connect with youth audiences.

In addition to STREAM Keepers, CTU offered its first reengagement program for STREAM Girls alumni, STREAM Girls 2.0. After a year of virtual programming, we had over 80 STREAM Girls participants who completed the selfguided program with their only guidance and interaction through a Zoom call and educational videos. After reviewing evaluations from these virtual programs, it was clear the self-guided program fell short in the skill-based learning opportunities. To reconnect with these audiences, we welcomed 8 STREAM Girls alumni back for a fly fishing clinic focused on setting up fly rods, knots, fly casting, and fishing in mid-August. Volunteers provided individualized mentorship to reinforce and build

upon skills introduced during the virtual programs. We are excited to continue these STREAM Girls 2.0 programs to provide opportunities for the STREAM Girls community to grow across Colorado!

A big thank you to the volunteers, chapters, and donors who help to support Colorado Trout Unlimited’s Headwaters Youth Program. Across all these offerings, we supported opportunities for over 125 youth and families to connect with watersheds, develop fly fishing skills, and learn about conservation efforts. To learn more about Colorado Trout Unlimited’s Headwaters Youth Program, explore volunteer opportunities, or donate to support our efforts, visit coloradotu.org/youth-education or email youth@coloradotu.org.

About The Author

Geoff Elliot is the Youth Education Coordinator for Colorado Trout Unlimited, based out of Glen Haven.

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