Column: HERYN fishing, kayaking programs going strong thanks to staff who share heart for kids, conservation

​The drive along the line of pines out of the Central PA Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia was especially frustrating to me … it was only 11 a.m. during one of our six HERYN (Helping Engage our River’s Youth with Nature) kayaking and fishing program days.

It wasn’t time to leave. According to the dry erase board, the schedule suggested it was time for fishing, then group kayaking, followed by lunch.
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Instead, I was on my way to Urgent Care.

The medical issue was of my own doing … something I hadn’t monitored as well as I should have previously that came back with a vengeance the night before and lingered into that morning’s activities. I got through the two pool/kayaking sessions before it was obvious I couldn’t keep pushing through the pain.

Of course, our team didn’t miss a beat despite extreme heat indexes and a modified schedule.

“I wanted to say thank you so much for running this program. My children absolutely loved their time at camp! They said it was their favorite camp of all time and can't wait for next year,” said Linsey Courtney, of Danville, who had three participants go through the program. “Please send our appreciation to all the volunteers. They are truly making a beautiful impact on our community!”

Those volunteers included four original “staff” members … Walt Bingaman and Mike Arnold on the fishing side, Michael Kinney with the camera and assistance with education and my daughter, Paige Zaktansky, helping with the kayaks.

More recently, we added Walt’s longtime friend Jack Giblin to the fishing instruction side as well as rotating in four new interns this summer: Maggie Yonkin, Ibrahim Alqassass, Abbie Mack and Caley Treat. Walt’s wife, Sherry, has been a key behind-the-scenes runner/contributor, and we had assistance on single days from Ty Magargle and Missy Gray.

“In a world obsessed technology, I’m grateful for programs like HERYN and people like you, your staff, and the interns dedicating time and resources to outdoor activities, teaching kids valuable skills that boost their confidence and give them something to be proud of,” said Kelly Graboski, also of Danville, in an email a few days after her daughter and some cousins went through the course. “I recently made a donation and plan to do so again in the future to help support this program.”

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission was a major sponsor for the program this past year, as was Clark’s Wiggly Worm, which donated all of the live bait for the 77 participants who graduated the six days of program days, nearby chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Goodwils Restaurant and numerous individual donors.

As for me, the frustration of driving out that one day wasn’t because I was worried our team couldn’t cover the bases while I was gone – it was because I knew I’d miss more of the signature “aha” moments we only get to see when doing these sort of programs from early morning fundamentals to late-day competitions. When everything clicks and the confidence shines through.

And it isn’t just the fishing and kayaking epiphany moments … it is also later in the day when we share the Enviroscape conversation. How everything we do connects back to the watershed. Suddenly it isn’t just about baiting a hook, landing a bluegill or splashing a friend with a paddle, but something much bigger.

Those moments make the long, hot, muddy days all worth it.

Check out our reflection on each program day with photo galleries here:

• HERYN June 19, 2025 (Day 1)
• HERYN June 20, 2025 (Day 2)
• HERYN June 21, 2025 (Day 3)
• HERYN June 23, 2025 (Day 4)
• HERYN June 24, 2025 (Day 5)
• HERYN June 25, 2025 (Day 6)

If you’d like to get involved with our work, please consider filling out our online Susquehanna Survey. You can make donations to our association by clicking here.