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The Western Kentucky University Recreation Administration program will offer their second annual summer fly-fishing course in Montana for high school students. New this year is a high school student scholarship made possible by a current WKU student. This year’s unique fishing program is supported by the Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, a WKU student and the WKU School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport (KRS).
Cabela’s Outdoor Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to efforts that promote and protect hunting, shooting sports, trapping, fishing, camping, and conservation. Through donations from generous Cabela’s customers who choose to “round up” their purchases to the nearest dollar at Cabela’s stores, Cabela’s Outdoor Fund contributes to like-minded organizations in communities across the country.
“This is a great opportunity for students to experience the outdoors and learn about fly fishing,” said Scott Wanetka, vice president of Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. “Cabela’s Outdoor Fund is proud to support this program and we hope these students will come away from this experience with a lifelong hobby and a strong passion for the outdoors.”
“I was overwhelmed with the generosity demonstrated by a current WKU student who approached me with a donation to cover the expenses for a high school student,” said Dr. Raymond Poff, Recreation Administration professor. “Our WKU student donor wanted to share this special fly-fishing experience with hopes of helping make a difference in a young person’s life. We are so honored this donor believes in our new high school fly-fishing program and its potential benefits.”
High school students will travel to Montana with Dr. Raymond Poff, KRS professor, to learn the skills and experience on world-renowned rivers. In addition to course requirements completed in Montana, students will participate in coursework before and after the trip. One course project will involve increasing fly-fishing awareness in the students’ respective communities. Upon successful completion of the course, the high school students will earn university credit through WKU.
“Through my eight fly-fishing trips to Montana (six leading groups), I’ve gained a tremendous appreciation for the community of Missoula, the area’s gorgeous natural resources, and the amazing fly fishing. It’s a pleasure to share this with the people I lead here,” stated Poff.
The priority registration deadline for the initial 10 participants (high school students and parents / grandparents / guardians) is March 29 or until those spots are filled. Based upon interest level, additional participants will be considered.
The program cost for high school students is $1,897 and includes the following: course instruction from a WKU professor; round trip flight to Missoula, MT; four nights lodging; three full days of guided fishing, guide tips and instruction; use of necessary fly-fishing equipment and flies; and lunch and dinner for three days.
Parents, grandparents or guardians are especially encouraged to participate in the Montana portion with their high school students ($2,197). http://bit.ly/wkuFish.
For more information, contact Dr. Raymond Poff at (270) 745-2498 or raymond.poff@wku.edu.
