Applications are being accepted for this year’s Northwest Youth Conservation and Fly Fishing Academy. Open to children ages 12-16, the camp will be held June 23-29 in Lacey.
The academy curriculum focuses on conservation, natural resource stewardship and fly fishing essentials. Fly-fishing classes include casting, fly tying, knot tying, reading water and water safety. There will be morning and evening fly-fishing activities on a pond and river.
“There is classroom time, but we spend a lot of time casting, tying, eating, sleeping and learning what’s in our streams,” said academy co-director Mike Clancy.
The cost is $275 for the week, but sponsorships are available and no one will be turned away for lack of money, Clancy said.
All meals are included, and campers stay in cabins with bunk beds. In addition, all fishing gear is provided, except waders and/or hip boots. All fly tying gear also will be provided.
The camp will be held at Hicks Lake, Gwinwood Community Center in Lacey. Enrollment is limited to 24 boys and girls.
Applicants must submit a written essay, explaining why they would like to attend and a letter of recommendation is needed from their school counselor or science teacher. The deadline to apply is April 15.
Applications are available online at nwycffa.com or by contacting Clancy at mtclancy39@comcast.net. For more information, contact Clancy at 360-753-1259 or co-director Jim Brosio at 360-943-9947.
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