Education

Trout in the Classroom
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is an environmental education program in which students in grades k-12 . . .
   • raise trout from eggs to fry.
   • monitor tank water quality.
   • engage in stream habitat study.
   • learn to appreciate water resources.
   • begin to foster a conservation ethic.
   • grow to understand ecosystems.
Most programs end the year by releasing their trout in a state-approved stream near the school or within a nearby watershed.

During the year each teacher tailors the program to fit his or her curricular needs. Therefore, each program is unique. TIC has interdisciplinary applications in science, social studies, mathematics, language arts, fine arts, and physical education.

In each state, Trout in the Classroom is funded by a number of generous supporters and made more rich through varied partnerships.
We currently have trout programs in several of the local schools and also at the Grafton Lakes State Park. Trout will be released in the early spring into nearby waterways

Fly Tying Get Togethers

- Winter Fly Tying
  
  Home-Waters Chapter will be hosting a series of fly tying sessions for all that are interested. No experience necessary. We have vises, tools and materials, and will help you tie flies that work. Experienced tyers are also welcome to use the chapter materials and to share your wisdom. No need to divulge your secret fishing spots, but that would be a plus!
  
  Sessions will be held every Tuesday beginning early January at 6:30 pm at the Bailey Mountain Fish and Game Club and continuing into March. Join us in 2025!
  
  Thanks to Bailey Mountain for the use of the facility. The club is located at 531 Snyders Lake Road, Wynantskill, NY 12198.

The class is free to all Trout Unlimited members. Get a friend to join and bring them also

- If you have any questions please text or call Tom Carroll (518) 795-5818.

Department of Environmental Conservation Education Camp

About the DEC and the Camp Program

Each year we sponsor up to Two (2) young adults to a One (1) week summer Environmental Education Camp held at one of New York State’s Environmental Campgrounds.

We open the enrollment process each October and close enrollment by January 2nd of each year. We inform the Two (2) applicants that are chosen by the second Tuesday of January. Applicants will be required to fill out the NYS DEC application and return to Home-Waters at the address below no later than the last Tuesday in January:

HWTU will file the applicant’s registration form with New York State DEC no earlier than (The date has not been finalized yet…stay tuned).

Qualifications for Sponsorship
– Applicant must be between 12 & 17 years of age at start of camp
– Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen
– Applicant must be within regional area of our chapter

We look at a couple of items to help us choose a qualified applicant:
– Child of one of our members
– Friend of one of our members
– Student of our Trout in the Classroom program

For more information about these camps as well as their specific locations, please visit Department of Environmental Conservation Education Camps.

For over 60 years, the DEC has provided a residential summer camp program in conservation education for young New Yorkers. All four camps, Colby, Pack, DeBruce and Rushford, serve children who are 12 to 14 years old. In addition, DEC offers a week-long Ecology Workshops for teens who are 15 to 17 years old at Pack Forest during the first five sessions of camp.

At the camps, youth become immersed in conservation education, participating in fun activities and games that teach the wise use of natural resources. There are eight weeks of camp a student can choose from in the months of July and August. Campers are encouraged to return the next year for a Returnee Week, offered only to campers who have already enjoyed the camp program. Special trips and activities are planned for this week. Sportsmen Education courses are offered at Camps Colby, DeBruce and Rushford, and shooting sports are offered for a few weeks at Pack Forest.

Dyken Pond Outdoor Adventure Camp 2023

Registration opens on April 1st, 2023

Exploring nature is the best way to enjoy summer. Catching salamanders, fishing, roasting s’mores and building new skills engages the mind and fosters a love of nature and continued learning in the summer. Each one-week session will offer age-appropriate activities. Kids learn to build their own campfire, discover what animals live here, how plants were used as medicine and best tips for fishing. Each day will be an exciting blend of fun and learning taught through games, crafts, hikes, and hands-on discoveries.

Why Choose Outdoor Adventure Camp?

The Outdoor Adventure Camp fosters a love of nature by:

allowing kids to “unplug” and explore their environment
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dedicating time each day to unstructured outdoor play, which research shows nurtures creativity, problem solving skills, higher level thinking, and independence
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keeping campers excited about learning and growing in ways that keep their minds engaged and focused throughout the school vacation

Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center

The Dyken Pond Center has over 600 pristine acres and eleven miles of trail to explore. Kids will discover “Land of 1,000 Dead Trees” (wetlands), “Grandfather Rock” (bog), “Fern Meadow”, “Fantasy Forest” streams, ponds and Dyken Pond. We are a natural area filled with opportunities to explore, discover and learn about the natural world and our connection to it.

COMPETENT LEADERS

Professional environmental educators and trained staff members enjoy sharing their expertise and enthusiasm with young people. We limit group size to 25 children per week to ensure a safe and optimal experience for participants.

SCHEDULE

All programs run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. After care hours are available until 4pm for $10 per hour. Participants must bring their own lunch, snack and drink.

REGISTRATION AND FEES

One week session: $250 per participant or $225 members.

Two week session: $480 per child or $430 members.

Membership rate is given to those holding a current FAMILY MEMBERSHIP. Upon receipt of your reservation form and fee, you will receive confirmation of acceptance. Acceptance is on a first-come—first-served basis. Membership forms can be found here

Camp Sessions for 2023:

Children can attend one OR two week sessions.

TOUCH THE EARTH—AGES 6 -10 July 17 – July 21 and/or July 24 – July 28

Let’s get curious! Kids get to “unplug” and discover fun ways to get a close look at wild things. Playful activities focus on developing a connection with nature through expanding a sensory awareness. A focus on nature discovery keeps young minds growing and learning while fostering a comfort in and love of nature.

SIBLINGS WEEK : AGES 6 – 13 July 31 – August 4

This week is for all ages. Campers will break up into different age groups for activities. Adventure continues for all ages with more advanced activities for older campers and a focus on connections for younger kids.

ADVENTURERS—AGES 10 -13 August 7 – August 11

Venture into the natural world through adventure-based learning. Build confidence through learning new outdoor skills. Wander your way on forested trails, navigate a map and compass course, build a campfire with one match, build a debris shelter, find and purify water, practice archery and paddle a canoe or kayak. Learn to have fun unplugging and foster a life long connection to the natural world.

Pay for Summer Camp now On-line!

Registration Opens April 1

Click here to register your child on line

Click here to pay by check

SCHOLARSHIPS

Limited full scholarships are available for those who would be unable to attend otherwise. Scholarships will be awarded based upon financial need and the child’s desire to attend.

Download a scholarship application