Apply Now for the 2023 Michigan TU Youth Conservation and Trout Camp

by Jonathan Chizmadia

To quote George Eliot: “We could have never loved the earth so well if we had no childhood in it.”

What better way to give back to the pastime we consider so sacred than to teach a youth to fish? Time, work, and other duties tend to get in the way more than most of us like to admit. Fortunately, the Michigan Trout Unlimited 2023 Youth Conservation and Trout Camp allows up to 20 youth, ages 13-16, to be introduced to fishing and conservation.

This year’s camp will be held June 18-22 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Center on beautiful Higgins Lake in Roscommon. This is more than just a fishing camp. Counselors and speakers from throughout the country volunteer their time to teach campers to conserve, protect, and restore Michigan’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Campers also learn the fundamental skills and techniques of trout fishing and then build upon these skills.

No matter the level of experience or interest, this camp has something for everyone. Along with TU’s history, campers are taught skills, including conventional fishing, fly casting, spinner making, rigging, fly tying, water safety, knots, proper catch and release, reading the water, conservation threats, and what goes into a healthy stream. Campers are completely immersed in the outdoors, collecting and identifying insects, completing stream restoration projects, sharing outdoor stories, and, of course, fishing.

In addition, this camp is an excellent opportunity for those considering a future career in the outdoors. Speakers from Michigan DNR, biologists, TU staff, guides, authors, conservationists, anglers, boat captains, and other industry professionals share their experience and education. Campers can ask questions and see firsthand what these people do daily to make the outdoors a special place for us all.

Most fishing during camp will be on the historic stretches of Michigan’s Au Sable River. Since many of the stretches are part of the “Holy Water,” fly fishing techniques will be emphasized. However, small stream spinner fishing is also taught to campers who find this their preferred fishing method.

If you know a youth who would be a good fit for this awesome experience, send them to the camp website at michigantucamp.org. Campers must be 13-16 years old at the time of camp and cannot have attended a previous camp. Applicants are asked to submit an essay on why they would like to attend, as well as one letter of recommendation. Camp is limited to 20 campers, so we encourage applying well before the April 30th deadline.

A special thank you to TU members who contributed to this fall’s pin fundraiser campaign, allowing us to keep costs the same at $700. In most cases, half of the cost will be the responsibility of the camper’s family. However, an important goal of the camp is that no qualified youth is unable to attend because of financial limitations. If this is the case, please make a note on the camper application for possible scholarship consideration.

If you purchased a limited 2023 sponsorship pin, expect to receive it in the upcoming weeks if you haven’t already. There are still a few remaining pins available. So if you would like to show your support for the camp, please reach out to the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter or check out the Clinton Valley Chapter’s booth at the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo on March 11 and 12, 2023.

If you have additional questions, would like to assist with the camp, or sponsor a camper or the camp itself, reach out to admin@ michigantucamp.org. Thank you again to all the TU chapters, volunteers, and multiple organizations that make camp possible!

There is no greater gift you can give a young person in your life than the gift of the outdoors. Even if camp doesn’t fit the schedule this year, remember to take time out of yours and mentor someone this trout season. You may be surprised to find who benefits the most.