June 9 – 14 (Sun – Fri) Mentoring – 10th Annual GEORGIA TROUT CAMP – Passing It On
Trout Camp 2013…21 boys and 3 girls. And..rain, high water and mud. However, with the help of 40 + dedicated volunteers from 9 of the 13 chapters around our state, we completed another successful camp. This year’s highlight was our opportunity to fish Nacoochee Bend on the Chattahoochee River in Helen, GA. This stretch of private water is managed by Unicoi Outfitters. Owner Jimmy Harris, a dedicated and generous member of Trout Unlimited, extended an invitation to fish and we accepted. All 24 campers were able to fish at the same time with mentors by their side. It was an exciting day for all.
As always, our hard-working partners from the Forest Service and Georgia DNR supported us in every way. Camp would not happen without them.
This was our tenth year to hold our camp. New volunteers showed up and some helped fill important roles in camp. “New blood” is important if we expect this camp to continue. From what I hear, all believe this is a good way to ensure our future and “pass on” our love of cold water and trout fishing, especially fly fishing. Georgia Trout Camp is truly a state-wide camp as all 13 chapters sent campers. Consider being actively involved in “your” Trout Camp next year. You will experience a sense of pride and satisfaction and probably learn something. The best way to learn is to teach…especially a kid.
Michele Crawford – Rabun Chapter – provided these links to some of the pictures:. http://michelecrawfordphotograph.smugmug.com/Other-1 and http://michelecrawfordphotograph.smugmug.com/Other
The Julie Stalnaker Memorial Award was created by The Georgia Women Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited to honor the memory of Julie Stalnaker. For years Julie and her husband Duane were strong supporters of trout fishing in Georgia. Julie passed away suddenly in 2010. Duane continues to be part of trout camp every year.
Each year a camper at the Georgia Trout Camp is chosen to receive the award. An ad hoc committee of camp staff selects a camper who shows the qualities exhibited by Julie…intelligence, positive attitude, helpful spirit and good natured personality.
The 2013 Julie Stalnaker Memorial Award was presented to Myles Hartley – Upper Chattahoochee Chapter
Report by Charlie Breithaupt – Director, GA Trout Camp