Trout Camp 2009

    Once Trout Camp is over I am always amazed at how well it went and how much we accomplished. I shouldn't be surprised because so many TU members willingly volunteered their time and talent to pass on their knowledge and love of fly-fishing to another generation. Our camp is truly a statewide effort as mentors from 10 of the 12 chapters in Georgia showed up to help out. Some mentors even took vacation from their jobs and stayed all week; you can't ask for more than that!!   
    This year's campers, 22 boys and 2 girls, seemed very focused on learning the skills of fly-fishing. While most didn't enjoy getting up very early and some occasionally misplaced their equipment, overall this group was very teachable and all left camp with far more knowledge, skill and interest than they had upon arrival. Each one having their own set of excellent equipment made them ready to continue with their new sport.   
    Once again, Georgia DNR and USFS personnel provided great support. Stream entomology at Smithgall Woods, visiting Burton Hatchery, stocking the Tallulah River, building structures on Ramey Creek and electro-shocking brook trout all added to the experience for the campers. Even in these tough economic times, these agencies still find a way to give us all the help we need. We couldn't do it without them.       
    On the last day of camp we gave the campers a survey to rate camp activities and offer suggestions and comments. By far the favorite activity was "fishing". No one commented that camp was "too long" and all gave a top rating to fishing on the Tallulah River ...thanks to very cooperative and hungry brown trout from the Burton Hatchery. One camper referred to camp as "an unforgettable experience" and another simply said, "trout camp is awesome."  Several offered, "Foam is Home" as a quotable quote, which shows they listened to Jimmy Harris' presentation on "Where the Fish Are."  Some commented on how helpful the mentors were; one wanted to learn to filet trout and another's final quote was "Got Trout?" I know they all had a positive experience.
    This year we had a couple of special guest at camp. Jack Betchick from the Delta Chapter in Memphis, TN spent a few days with us. The Tennessee Council has plans to start a camp and Jack was "scouting" our camp. He also jumped in and helped mentor some campers.  Chris Wood, COO of TU, was with us one day and offered his knowledge to more than one camper as we worked on casting.  Thanks to both for being with us.
    Our camp is blessed with a great facility at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School and wonderful support from our sponsors. The Camp Committee will be making plans for next year and looking for ways to make Georgia Trout Camp 2010 even better. With Kathy spending months getting us organized we just have to take the fly and run with it. Plan on being a part of it; you'll be a better fisherman and will be giving back to the sport we all love.

Charlie Breithaupt – Trout Camp Coordinator  knc615@windstream.net

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