Shenandoah Reel Women: Overnight Fly Fishing Camp

Our conversation today with Joan Chapman from Shenandoah Reel Women included Julia Sargent, Director of Programs for Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River to talk about their upcoming overnight camp for girls to learn flyfishing. The pair explained why the camps are important, walked me through a typical day, and talked about the mentorship and growth that has come from the camps. Joan also explained that there are scholarships available for both camps and encouraged interested parents, coaches, and school personnel to reach out to her personally. The 2023 Virginia Wildlife Grant Program supports this program through a partnership between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia.  It is hosted by the Shenandoah Reel Women (SRW) in partnership with the Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River (FNFSR).  In these camps, young women will be mentored by established SRW members and volunteers. They will be introduced to the art of fly fishing, learning the basics of knot tying, the use of appropriate equipment, good casting techniques, river entomology, and watershed conservation education. Rods, reels, and tool lanyards used by the participants of the overnight camps will become their property when they leave camp. The overnight camps will be 5-day, 4-overnight camps at Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, VA. Girls will arrive at camp at lunchtime on Sunday, July 23, 2023, and depart late afternoon on Thursday, July 27, 2023. The registration fee for these camps is $150 and includes the lodging, meals, and equipment.  Find more information including how to register here: https://fnfsr.org/srw2023 or contact Joan via email: [email protected]. Before we wrapped up our conversation, Julia also gave us some details about North Fork Conservation Corp which will happen on Wednesdays and Fridays, beginning July 21, 2023, and ending on August 4, 2023. Learn more here: https://fnfsr.org/north-fork-conservation-corps-2023/