Reeling in Memories

How one Camp Experience Turns into Summers Full of Fun

What’s your favorite fish? This is likely a question you don't get asked often. Well…unless you are a summer camper at the Urban Ecology Center. With flowing rivers and a big blue lake in our backyard, having a “favorite fish” is common here! 

During our Adventures & Fishing summer camp in the Menomonee Valley, Korbin (pictured below) not only discovered his favorite fish, he caught it – a smallmouth bass! Other water wonders in his catch were bluegills and even a snapping turtle.

For Korbin - and many campers like him - this was his first time fishing! He enjoyed being able to “just look at them for a little bit and then release them”. When you try something for the first time it can be a daunting task, but the right mentor can make all the difference! Korbin praised his camp leader, “Miguel taught us how to use the hook right and make sure you don’t hurt anybody or yourself”.

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Korbin’s grandmother, Jane, explained that, “sometimes it's the people with the kids who really get them excited. Everyone at the UEC is just very nice and enthusiastic about nature.”

Connecting to nature in this way has been really profound for Korbin. His favorite thing about summer camp is the wildlife. He explained that “going to the zoo is kinda like going into nature; it shows you animals that you've never seen before”.

Jane is ecstatic to see her grandson enjoying the outdoors and, grateful for the opportunity: “UEC offered us a really nice scholarship because we do need scholarships. That’s probably the only way he’d be going to this camp”. Your support makes scholarships possible - with over40% of our campers receiving assistance each year.

Jane and Korbin are eager to utilize community offerings (and the “new, big, beautiful building”) at Washington Park now, too. Their plans include walking the trails, fishing on the lagoon, and attending seasonal festivals. We always encourage our summer campers to visit again with their families. Our hope is that the first experience at summer camp will turn into a second and third, with a lifetime of outdoor adventures ahead! 

Make a Summer Camp Gift!

By making a gift today, you’ll give a child the opportunity to catch their first, and maybe favorite, fish - just like Korbin!

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