Over 90 youth and their families joined Smokey Bear, Fish and Game Officers, and University of Idaho Extension staff for a day of fishing fun May 19 at Hayspur Fish Hatchery in Picabo.
Hayspur Fish Hatchery celebrated its 100th birthday this year and provided a beautiful setting for activities, lunch and a lagoon stocked with trout for day campers.
In the brisk morning air, youth from the Magic and Wood River valleys met Smokey Bear and said the United States and 4-H pledge before they started a fast paced round of workshops.
Joe Chapman of the Idaho Fish and Game helped the youth understand the needs and differences of trout and other resident fish.
Gary Fornshell, University of Idaho Extension Aquaculturist, discussed aquaculture in Idaho.
Day Campers learned about trout products, fishing regulations, habitat and casting. Each person made a t-shirt with fish impressions before enjoying a lunch of grilled fish donated by Clear Springs Foods.
No camp is complete without camp songs and Nicole Fisher and Shea Goitiandia provided the group with some rowdy fun entertainment.
Finally it was off to the lagoon for an afternoon of fishing. Fish hatchery personnel stocked the pond and camp host, Kenny, helped kids clean their catches. Tours of Hayspur Fish Hatchery were available.
This is the third year, the District III 4-H Team has selected a topic and planned a day camp. Idaho Wildlife and its habitat were the first year in Shoshone and last year, campers traveled to Hagerman Valley to explore the Billingsley State Park and learn about our fossil heritage.
Coming up: Lamb Camp is scheduled for June 7 in Carey and Swine Camp is June 15 in Gooding. Each camp provides youth with a day of fun, learning about heritage, culture, animal husbandry, campfire and games.
Contact Kathi Kimball, 208-788-5585 or Marie Baucum, 208-934-4092, for more information about 4-H and camping opportunities.