2017 Lancaster County Youth Conservation Camp Tying Demo

This past week we had the honor to once again offer a fly tying elective at the 39th annual Lancaster County Youth Conservation School hosted by The Lancaster County Conservation District. The school is for youth between 14 and 16 years old and teaches them the early skills they can use to become our next generation of self-reliant, stewards of our environment.

Rick shows students proper proportioning.

Students live in tents on the grounds of the Northern Lancaster County Sportsmen’s Club where they learn outdoor survival skills, archery skills, fishing skills, gun safety, and a wide range of conservation principles. Throughout the entire week classes are led by professionals who donate their time and materials to create the various classes for the students.

Rick shows students how to hold marabou to tie in.

Students can apply and submit a letter of recommendation to attend the school. Many students return to become counselors and give back to the school. Rick Purnell has been teaching tying at the school for 4 years. Rick is an accomplished tier who has taught many folks proper tying techniques over the years. His passion for precision is seen in his signature woven stonefly pattern, which he has even shared with several other local tiers.

 

after the students complete their pattern Rick shows them how to use the whip-finish tool.

We would like to thank the Lancaster County Conservation District and Josh Slaymaker for again asking us to share our time and allow us support this camp. It is programs like this that make a huge impact on the next generation and we are proud to be a part of that. For more information about the Youth Conservation School check out:

 

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