New Birth of Freedom Council > Camping > Hidden Valley Scout Reservation > Year-Round Opportunities HV > Fishing and Angling Events > Family Fishing Day

Family Fishing Day

Get ready for the Family Fishing Day at Hidden Valley! 

Special programs are offered for Cub Scouts and for Scouts BSA. 

Cub Scouts will learn basic fishing skills with a special emphasis on safety. Instructional stations will be set up, focusing on how to use fishing equipment and how to rig tackle, baits, and lures. Cubs will also be taught conservation, stewardship, and a basic understanding of fishing regulations and why they are important. The stations provide activities for Cubs to complete the Fishing Adventures.

The Scouts BSA Program will offer requirements for the Fishing Merit Badge, the Fly Fishing Merit Badge, and the Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge. Scouts who are new to fishing should participate in the instructional stations in the morning. Counselors will be available throughout the afternoon to assist with requirements and to document blue cards. Scouts can also earn credit toward their “Complete Angler Award” by helping teach basic fishing skills to Cub Scouts or inexperienced Scouts. This service can count as a “conservation” service project.

Date: April 12, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, All Day Event
Cost: $15 per Youth Participant, $5 per Adults, Counselors and Fishing Instructors attend FREE
Location: Hidden Valley Scout Reservation (268 Hidden Valley Road, Loysville, PA 17047)

Schedule

8 – 11 AM

  • Check in will be open. It will be at the Commissioners Corner (by the big red keystone).
  • Once you’re in, pick up the program information, set up a family, Pack, or Troop picnic site on the shore of Shermans Creek. 
  • The Scouts working on Fishing, Fly Fishing, and/or Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badges should meet with a Merit Badge Counselor at the Commissioners Corner. Be sure to bring your Blue Card.

9 AM – NOON

  • The Passport to Fishing Stations will be open at the Nature Lodge.
  • The basic Tackle Station will show how rods and reels work, and will discuss terminal tackle choices, such as hooks, bobbers, sinkers, baits, and lures.
  • The Knot Tying Station will teach how and why we use fishing knots.
  • The Conservation Station will teach how to measure your fish, along with size and creel limits.
  • The Stewardship Station will show safe handling of fish and ten tips to protect the environment.
  • The Casting and Safety Station will have hands-on instruction and practice.
  • The Rods and Bars Station will show your Completed Passport to check out bait and tackle.
  • Start fishing! Be sure to take pictures and record your results.

NOON – 8 PM

  • Be sure to bring a picnic lunch for your family, Pack, or Troop.
  • Free fishing time!
  • Merit Badge Counselors will be available at the Commissioners Corner and the Nature Lodge to provide advice and assistance. Guided fishing experiences will be offered if time permits.
  • Please remember to pick up blue cards before departing.
  • Please turn in all the borrowed camp equipment before departing.
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