THE BIGHORN RIVER ALLIANCE AND INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FLY FISHERS ARE AGAIN SPONSORING BIGHORN RIVER YOUTH ADVENTURE
A great opportunity for young people to expand their knowledge of fly fishing is on the horizon. The Bighorn River Youth Adventure is currently taking applications for the 2013 program at Fort Smith, MT on the banks of the world famous Bighorn River. Twelve young fly fishers will be invited by the Bighorn River Alliance for a four day fly tying, fly casting and fly fishing adventure. All meals, lodging, airport shuttles and guides will be provided free of charge. Air transportation to Billings or transportation directly to Fort Smith must be secured by the participant’s parents, guardian, fly fishing club.
The dates for the Bighorn Youth Adventure will be June 16 through 19, 2013 with a travel day before and after. All clubs, councils and individuals are urged to encourage applications from young anglers.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE GRANTS AVALIABLE
Travel assistance grants are available on a limited basis and granted based on financial need. Thru the generosity of donors and supporters we are pleased to be able to help with transportation expenses for some of our attendees. We are sincerely encouraging applications from youngsters who would otherwise be unable to attend our program. We are also encouraging fly fishing clubs to participate in the travel grant program. Contact Frank Johnson for information. (Contact Information below)
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS: Any youth, male or female, ages 14 thru 18. All applicants must ‘KIND OF’ KNOW HOW TO FLY FISH AND ‘KIND OF’ KNOW HOW TO TIE FLIES. We are seeking youngsters who want to experience the joy of a ‘big time’ fly fishing adventure and are willing to return home to mentor other young people and encourage others to take part in the great activity of fly fishing.
We encourage applications from youngsters who do not otherwise have the opportunity or means to experience a big time fly fishing adventure.
During their stay at Fort Smith, the Bighorn River Alliance will provide at NO COST all of the meals beginning with lunch June 15th (travel day) thru breakfast June 20th (travel day).
Lodging will be provided at NO COST by several of the local lodges (double occupancy) in and around Fort Smith.
Guiding will be provided by Mature, licensed, professional guides who have logged thousands of days on the Bighorn. There will be a total of 24 guide days at NO COST to the kids. (Our 17 volunteer guides for 2010 had combined guiding experience of more than 330 years.)
We take our hats off to the Fort Smith angling community for their generous donations!
Anyone who is interested in attending must fill out an application form. The form asks for general information including names and addresses of both parents and applicants, questions regarding angler experience, health and diet questions, and more. There are also three essay questions at the conclusion of the application. Twelve youths will be asked to attend. Application deadline is March 31, 2013.
The following is a quote from Dr. Rick Williams, FFF Director, Executive Council Member and Conservation Committee Representative (Rick observed the entire 2010 program and spoke at our closing Banquet): “I can't say enough good things about the program you and the Bighorn River Alliance have put together for the youth anglers. What a world-class experience for the kids and what a first-rate operation you and the many other wonderful volunteers have created. We met so many wonderful folks there that we feel like friends already. We will be back up for the fishing again.”
For more information please refer to the Bighorn River Alliance web site www.bighornriveralliance.org Click on NEWS then look for Youth Adventure information.
TO GET AN APPLICATION CONTACT:
Frank Johnson
11 Spring Creek Lane
Sheridan, Wyoming 82801
Phone 307-672-5164 or cell 307-752-7083
Email: bighornjohnsons@gmail.com
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