Submitted by tara.granke on Mon, 2015-09-21 11:02 TU Teens Youth Camps & Academies Stream Explorers Fishing with kids Vote Up Down +12 + Lyon.jpg Every summer, TU Camp and Academy graduates are invited to enter the TU Teen essay contest, in which they share their camp experiences. This year we have five winners, and we'll be sharing the winning essays and a little bit about the writers throughout the month of October. Our first to share is the honorable mention essay by Thomas Lyons. You can read his essay and more about him below. We appreciated Thomas' entry for his meaningful reflection. Thomas was our youngest entry at the age of 12! My Camp: WITU Camp My TU Chapter: Blackhawk Chapter My Favorite Streams: Pine River in Wild Rose in Waushara County, Wisconsin. The Best Part of Being Outdoors: I love to be surrounded by nature, and I especially like to fish with my grandpa. TU Camp is... By Thomas L TU camp is an unforgettable outdoor adventure. TU camp gives a teen more than any video game, amusement park, or summer vacation. It gives one a respect for nature, a new set of skills, a great group of friends and mentors, and a hobby for life. The TU camp is really a circle of giving. It teaches one that what he or she gives to nature, nature gives back in its own unique way. What can a group of young adults possibly give to nature? TU camp explains how one person can make a difference, and how together, we can make an impact. TU camp teaches teens that they can be stewards, or protectors, of our waterways and fish habitats. One can join in to help preserve the habitats through the TU workdays and helping to sample the streams. Teens can put their energy and enthusiasm to work to build structures for fish habitats. They can also construct fences to prevent grazing animals from breaking down the natural undercut banks. When fishing, one can also practice proper catch and release, such as keeping the fish in the water, and minding the fish’s protective slime. Getting out and understanding nature can be like unlocking the door to an intriguing world. TU camp gives teens the keys. One learns how to read the water, and how to stay safe around it. It encourages fishing with a buddy for safety and fun. The dedicated TU mentors and volunteers teach the campers how to identify hatches, which is a valuable clue to help one select the perfect fly. TU camp gives teens the opportunity to fish and learn alongside others who share the same interests. Early morning fishing with friends is a very cool way to experience a sunrise. Participating in casting contests encourages teens to work on their technique while having a little friendly competition. TU camp even includes spin casting and spinner construction so that teens can try different techniques. The TU camp experience is something that a teen will have his or her whole life. It is something a teen would tell his grandpa about now, and tell his grandkids about later. TU camp impacted my life, and I hope it impacts others too.