Fishing Derby 2020!

Held April 3-5, 2020 at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation, Fishing Derby is open to ALL Scouts, parents, and leaders.

CUB AND WEBELOS SCOUTS can complete advancement requirements and SCOUTS BSA can complete requirements for their Fishing or Fly Fishing merit badge.

Registration is now open on Tentaroo!

COST:
Scouts – $15 each
Adults & Siblings – $7 each.
All payments are non-refundable/non-transferable and the event will be held rain or shine.

Items To Bring With You

  • Anyone age 16 and older who is fishing must have a PA fishing license.
  • Fishing rod, bait, and lures
  • Rain gear and hat
  • Merit badge card signed by Scoutmaster
  • Hip boots or waders for Scouts BSA who will be working on the Fly Fishing merit badge.
  • Any unit who will be tent camping for the weekend must bring all camping equipment and food.

Leadership Requirement

All Scouts must attend the event with a parent or two registered adult leaders.
Cub Scouts must be accompanied at all times by a parent or two registered leaders.
Scouts BSA can fish during the day using the buddy system.

Cub and Webelos Stations:

  • Basic Tackle.
  • Knot Tying.
  • Conservation (Size and Creel limits, how to measure fish).
  • Stewardship (Safe Handling, Catch and Release).
  • Casting and Safety (Hands-on instruction and practice).
  • Rods and Baits (Turn in completed Passports to check-out equipment)
  • Fishing!

Scouts BSA Stations:

  • Rules and regulations
  • Merit badge orientation
  • Health and safety
  • Fishing equipment and casting
  • Knots
  • Baits and lures
  • Leave No Trace and Outdoor Code
  • Fish identification and catch and release
  • Cleaning and cooking

NOTE: Any in-council unit wishing to tent camp can do so at no additional cost but must provide all camping supplies and meals. Saturday lunch and event patches are provided to all participants and guests registered prior to March 31, 2019 

SCOUTS BSA PROGRAM SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
7:30 – 8 PM at the Dining Hall Early check-in for those who want to start fishing Friday night or early Saturday morning (Bring your Blue Card)
8 – 10 PM at the Dining Hall Fishing and fly fishing merit badge sessions (Part A)

SATURDAY
Sunrise – Noon: If you checked-in Friday evening, go fishing; keep track of your catches
8:30 – 9 AM at the Dining Hall Check-in for day trippers. (Bring an updated Unit/Family roster with you and Blue Card)
9 AM –  Noon at the Dining Hall Fishing and Fly Fishing merit badge sessions (Part A) for day trippers.
Noon – 1 PM at the Dining Hall Soups and Sandwiches!
1 – 4 PM at the Dining Hall Fishing and Fly Fishing merit badge sessions (Part B)
4PM – dark Fishing opportunities continue as long as the Scouts are interested and the fish are hungry. Merit Badge Counselors will be available in the Dining Hall to sign off Blue Cards as Scouts complete their requirements.
Prior to 7 PM Turn in Fishing Derby Report Cards in the Dining Hall.
7:30 – 8 PM Fishing Derby Award Ceremony in the Dining Hall (Winners need not be present to claim their prizes)
8 PM at the Dining Hall Popcorn and movie! Hot & cold drinks and a variety of snacks will be available.
SUNDAY
8 AM – Noon Merit Badge Counselors will be available in the Dining Hall to sign off Blue Cards as Scouts complete their requirements.

CUB SCOUT PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY
8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon at Central Camp Pavilion: Pre-Check in.
Arrive early Pick up information on PA Fishing Regulations, Popular Sport Fishes of Pennsylvania, and a map showing good places to fish; pick up Fishing Derby Report Cards for all paid participants; then go stake out your favorite fishing spot. Bring Snacks and fishing tackle for your Cubs and their families. (Picnic tables are provided on the shore) Family and Pack free fishing time lasts until Noon.

NOTE: If you and your Cubs need loaner equipment or instruction before heading out to go fishing, plan your arrival for 12:00 Noon.

12 Noon – 1 PM at Central Camp Pavilion: Check-in and Lunch.
Please bring an updated Unit/Family roster with you. Soups and sandwiches will be provided for lunch. Information on Regulations, Popular Sport Fishes and Where to Go Fishing will be available; pick up Passport to Fishing Program Checklists, and Fishing Derby Report Cards for all paid participants; Staff will be on hand to answer questions.
1 – 3 PM Passport to Fishing Stations (Complete Stations 1-5 to earn an “IGFA Recognition Certificate”)

  • Basic Tackle.
  • Knot Tying.
  • Conservation (Size and Creel limits, how to measure fish).
  • Stewardship (Safe Handling, Catch and Release).
  • Casting and Safety (Hands-on instruction and practice).
  • Rods and Baits (Turn in completed Passports to check-out equipment)
  • Fishing!

3 PM – dark Fishing opportunities continue as long as the Scouts are interested and the fish are hungry.
Prior to 7:30 PM Turn in Fishing Derby Report Cards in the Dining Hall
7:30 – 8 PM Fishing Derby Award Ceremony in the Dining Hall (Winners need not be present to claim their prizes)
8 PM at the Dining Hall Popcorn and movie! Hot & cold drinks and a variety of snacks will be available.

Registration for Fishing Derby is now open on Tentaroo!

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION OR ARE YOU INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
For all questions, please contact Todd Weidner at 717.502.4190 or todd.weidner@scouting.org
If you or your Troop/Crew is interested in volunteering, sign up today! (NO COST!)

All Participants are expected to follow the New Birth of Freedom Council Camp Rules.