HERYN June 25, 2025 (Day 6): Participants learn value of watersports, protecting our watershed

In between catching fish and learning a wide variety of kayaking skills, 10-year-old Peyton Maurer, of Northumberland, joined with 13 other participants of her June 25, 2025, HERYN (Helping Engage our River's Youth with Nature) kayaking and fishing day program to hear about watersheds, pollution and how she can make improvements in her daily live to make a difference.

"One thing you can do is recycle," she said afterward. "Another think you can do in your free time is pick up trash."

"And you can use less product (when taking a shower)," added 11-year-old Ruth Killiri, of Benton.

The group was the final in a series of six days worth of different day camps designed to expose kids to the fundamentals of fishing and kayaking.

"I've never fished before today, but I did kayak," said 10-year-old Hashimi Abdelrahman, of Hughesville, who caught six fish during the program. "I definitely want to do both more."

It was a similar story for 13-year-old Greyson Stroble, of Montoursville, who caught 24 fish in the hour-long fishing period after the casting and knot-tying instructional session.

"I fished a lot and kayaked a little before this," he said. "I want to kayak even more!"

The HERYN program is made available free to participants thanks to donations by community members and local businesses. Learn more about the program here.

Check out photos from the June 25 program day below: