Riverkeeper board members, staff, interns gear up for popular HERYN kayaking, fishing day programs

6/17/2024

Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association intern Sarah Joy shows off a panfish she caught after helping with numerous preparations at a recent HERYN program workday at the Central PA Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia.

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, many of the board members of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association along with family members, interns and employees of the group met at the Central PA Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia for a workday preparing for its annual HERYN (Helping Engage our River's Youth with Nature) kayaking and fishing program, as well as enjoying a picnic together and holding its monthly meeting in person.

Check out some images from the workday and some fun shared afterward in the photo gallery below.

"We have a great team that is dedicated to clean water and connecting people to our resources to inspire the next generation of stewards," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "It was great to have everyone together preparing for one of our flagship programs and bonding over some kayaking, fishing, a picnic and then our monthly board meeting."

The annual HERYN program days start Thursday, June 20, and run each day with a different group of 9-13 year-olds through Wednesday, June 26 (except for Sunday).

“The best part about helping kids is seeing how fast they learn and how far they come in such a short amount of time,” said Walt Bingaman, association board member and fishing instructor for the HERYN program days. “One neat thing I noticed last year more than in the past was how some of the participants with a little more experience in fishing jumping in and helping others when instructors were busy.”

Instruction is built around giving participants fundamental skills for both fishing and kayaking, and then building their confidence. Last year, in six program days, kids in the program caught more than 800 fish.

While the program days are currently full, there typically are some openings as we near each day as different circumstances come up. To sign someone up for the waiting list, you can use this form:

HERYN program wait list registration

* Indicates required field

Participant's name *

First

Last

Participant's age *

Hometown *

Parent/guardian name(s) *

Email *

Phone number *

Which program days is this participant available? Check all that apply ... he/she will only be used one day as each day is a different group of students) *

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE ANY ALLERGIES, SPECIAL MEDICAL CONDITIONS OR OTHER THINGS WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF BEFORE THE PROGRAM DAY? IF SO, PLEASE EXPLAIN HERE SO WE CAN BE PREPARED. *

HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR CHILD'S SWIMMING ABILITY? HAS HE/SHE KAYAKED BEFORE? GONE FISHING BEFORE? PLEASE GIVE US ANY ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND THAT MAY BE HELPFUL HERE. *

How did you hear about our program? *

Submit