NEW COLUMBIA, Pa. — Ella Sees of Winfield is working on catching her third fish of the day. She is participating in The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's HERYN Camp at Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia in Union County.
"It is really nice learning things and stuff because I live next to a creek. So, it is really nice to learn things that are useful to use," said Ella Sees of Winfield.
"Helping Engage our River's Youth with Nature. We try to get kids outdoors. This is our third summer we have been doing it and we have different groups of kids coming in each day," said John Zaktansky, the director of Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.
Kids are learning different outdoor skills like kayaking through different games and activities. But it's not all fun and games. Kids are learning safety tips as well.
"So, we went kayaking in the lake and we practiced flipping our kayaks back over in the pool," said Caden Hoffman of Selinsgrove.
"Ultimately learning about life vests and how they should fit," Zaktansky added. "How to hold a paddle. They have to flip a kayak on purpose and get back into it in the safety of a swimming pool so if they do flip it on the lake then they have that experience and confidence already so it is not a huge deal."
The other portion of camp teaches kids how to cast a reel and fish. The youngsters were excited to show off their catches to Newswatch 16.
"I have always loved fishing since I was little so it is like normal for me. They were some cute fish," Sees said.
Organizers and volunteers at the camp hope the kids take these skills home to teach their friends and parents.
"We need to train up the next generation of stewards for our outdoor resources and these kids are going to be it," Zaktansky said.
Organizers say the camp is completely free to attend and they already plan on doing it again next year. You can learn more about the program here.