Truchas Chapter Youth Education Program (T.C.Y.E.P.)
The mission of the Truchas Chapter’s Youth Education Program (T.C.Y.E.P.) is to create and develop New Mexico’s next generation of coldwater conservationists by involving our youth in educational trout related activities.
Our goal is to provide uninterrupted, year-round educational opportunities for our youngsters through the programs listed below.
Kid's Blog
A forum for our New Mexico youth to learn more about local fishing, conservation and local outdoors. The Kid's Blog has Kid’s contests, Kid’s links, fishing locations, and other fun items.
Teach Fly Fishing at Local Schools
The Chapter has also developed a classroom program to be incorporated into regular school curricula. Trout biology and riparian ecology will be the subjects of Chapter instruction, as will fly fishing fundamentals and field trips. Interested schools should contact the Truchas Chapter for more information.
TU's Trout in the Classroom
In Trout in the Classroom (TIC), students rear trout from eggs to adults, which are then released into an area stream by the students. This is a popular program nationwide, requiring the purchase of tanks and various supplies. A Chapter volunteer will be assigned to each TIC project to shepherd it through to completion.
- 2009-2010 TIC sites.
- Georgia Okeeffe-2nd grade
- Mountainview-3rd grade
- Pecos-7th grade science
- Eldorado-7th grade science
- 21st Century-8th grade science
Conservation Camps
Summer months provide the opportunity for more in-depth ecological education. In partnership with the Cimarroncita Ranch, the Chapter will be hosting multi-day seminars focused on coldwater ecosystems in order to create intimacy between young people and the outdoors.
Support for Resource Agency Initiatives
Youth fishing outreach programs are available through agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. As in the past, we are committed to providing volunteer support to these parallel ventures.
First Cast
This is a TU program with the simple goal of getting youngsters interested in the outdoors. Focused on after school, summer school and youth clubs such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the First Cast Program involves classroom instruction on fish and fishing by Truchas Chapter volunteers. The Chapter will also host fishing trips where children can apply what they learn in the classroom. [This program is planned, but not begun as of January 2009.]
Boy Scouts of America
Trout Unlimited has a national program whereby scouts can earn merit badges by completing trout-related projects with the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge Program. This is a great way for boys to progress through their scout training, and Chapter volunteers stand ready to support interested troops. [This program is planned, but not begun as of January 2009.]
WE NEED YOU
As New Mexico continues to grow and develop, it will become increasingly necessary to create in our young people a stake in protecting the state’s limited coldwater resources. As with all Truchas Chapter initiatives, the youth education program will depend heavily on active volunteer support.
Here’s what you can do right now:
- Enroll your child in Trout Unlimited ($12)
- If you are interested in volunteering for any of our youth activities, contact us.
- Even the smallest time commitment can help.