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Join Us For Trout Adventure Camp
June 20 - 25, 2022

Sponsored by the Tennessee Council, Trout Unlimited

The mission of the John Thurman Smoky Mountain Trout Adventure Camp is to instill in youth 12 to 15 years of age the importance of conserving, protecting, and restoring our nation’s aquatic resources.  The tool we use to help accomplish this is instruction of our campers in the fundamentals of the sport of fly fishing. We believe that sharing our knowledge of and passion for the sport will help develop an understanding not only of how to enjoy the pursuit of trout in streams of the Great Smoky Mountains, but also the responsibility we all share for the integrity of our coldwater ecosystems.

If we have learned anything from the covid lockdown in 2020, flexibility is key—and we are committed to providing the safest possible environment for campers and staff. With those two concepts in mind we will be evaluating our plans for camp as time progresses toward June. Any changes in plans will be posted here and any applicants for camp will be notified directly. We will continue accepting applications until April 1.

John R. Thurman III of Norris, TN, who along with Jack Betchick of Memphis planned and created what was first called Great Smoky Mountains Trout Adventure Camp, passed away in October 2020 after a battle with cancer.
Trout Camp represents John’s commitment to the education and encouragement of young people in the joys of conservation and activities in the out of doors. As a lifelong fisherman, hunter and entomologist, John lived the activities he wished to pass on to future generations. His guidance and encouragement are missed by all those involved in Trout Camp.
In his honor we have renamed Trout Camp the John Thurman Smoky Mountain Trout Adventure Camp. Those involved in Trout Camp look forward to continuing John's legacy of youth education through this program.