This year the number of graduates from Trout Camp went over the “300” mark. As we closed up our thirteenth camp, we reflected on all the years and realized that some of our graduates are approaching 30 years old and some of our campers this year weren’t even born when we held our first camp. Time flies and it goes faster each day!!

The weather was as good as it gets with cool mornings, mild afternoons and no rain. However, we need rain so now that camp is over…bring it on!! The campers all seemed focused on what they were learning and picked up the skills quickly. The trout cooperated and, by the second day, every camper had caught a fish. We didn’t break a single rod this year and only one person got hooked and that was a mentor so it doesn’t really count. We had a happy, bright bunch of young folks who were interested in fly fishing and also in TU’s mis- sion with clean, cold water. This year we enjoyed a visit from Tara Granke, Headwaters Youth Program Co- ordinator, who spent a day interacting with the campers and staff. Her enthusiasm and good nature were a boost to all and we hope she’ll return often.

About two-thirds of the chapters in Georgia sent volunteers to mentor the campers. That wide spread support has been the strength of our camp from the beginning. We even had three college-age mentors, along with our four “Young Mentors,” who added much to the camp and bodes well for the future. Those guys sure have more energy than some of the rest of us.

As always our agency partners, Georgia DNR and the Forest Service, supported our activities and helped the youngsters understand more about the fish and the importance of the quality of their habitat. Our campers al- ways enjoy the day of toting logs, shoveling rock and driving re-bar. And…their efforts make a difference in a stream.

We would also like to thank Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School for allowing us to use their wonderful facility for these 13 years, and that includes great food and a trout stream on campus!

While we like to talk about “over 300 campers,” what we really like to see are young folks with the heart and mind to carry on the mission of Trout Unlimited. We can give them some skills and ideas and information and then hope it all comes together for the good of trout and water and the sport that we all love. We know our efforts are making a difference.

Gotta start getting ready for 2017………………………. Charlie & Kathy