HERYN June 19, 2025 (Day 1): Day camp kicks off with 100+ fish caught, watersports lessons learned

In this photos by photographer and Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association Board President Michael Kinney, HERYN participants and staff play a kayaking game called yakball that challenges them to use skills they learned earlier in the day.

Twelve young people ages 8-13 caught more than 100 fish and learned a wide variety of kayaking skills on Thursday, June 19, 2025, kicking off the first of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association's summer slate of its flagship HERYN (Helping Engage our River's Youth with Nature) day camps near New Columbia in Union County.

Entering its fifth summer since a PA Fish and Boat Commission R3 grant helped make the program a reality, students continue to rotate through hands-on fundamental learning sessions, working toward fun competitions that bring the lessons together.

"I learned how to take a fish off the hook and learned how to get back on the kayak," said 12-year-old Katie Treat, of Bloomsburg. She admitted starting the program day knowing "nothing about kayaking. I love it now."

Beyond the kayaking and fishing instruction, participants were also given a presentation on watersheds and pollution and how they can make a difference at home. Those that were interested were also able to see how a fish could be cleaned, fileted and cooked and could sample freshly grilled bluegill.

"Our older children participated in this," said Amber Nadolny, of Selinsgrove, on the exit survey for her youngest son, Paul. "We love this program."

Learn more about our HERYN program and additional upcoming days. Register in case an opening pops up from our waitlist. All of that is available here: ​https://www.middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org/heryn.html

Some photos from our Thursday, June 19, 2025, program day (compliments of Michael Kinney):