Youth Programs

2026 Kids Fishing Derby

The Fishing Derby will take place on Saturday April 25, 2026 . Registration opens at 11am and the Derby will start with lines in the water at 12 noon. Fishing will run until 1:30pm.

The Derby is great fun and provides many of the younger kids a chance to catch their first fish! It never takes long after the bait hits the water for trout to find it and start bending rods. Many fish can be caught on a "Superman" rod to reel, even big trout! Kids will vie to catch a variety of fish including fiesty bluegills, big old bass and flashy trout. The goal is to get kids hooked on fishing, so adults be ready to assist and get the kids started on a lifelong pursuit of fishing fun.

Dave Messics has been organizing the Derby for a number of years now, and will be running the event on Saturday. IWLA members will be available to explain how to bait a hook and take the fish off the line. All we need now is the weather to cooperate!

2025 Kevin Riley Memorial Kids Fishing Derby

Dave showing the kids how to clean a trout!

IWLA Youth Club

The Izaak Walton League of America is a longtime defender of the nation's soil, air, woods, waters and wildlife. We are very excited to start a youth club. Meetings will be the last Monday (with a few exceptions) of every month. Each meeting will have a different theme.

October - Make your own camo

November - Decoy painting with carver Pat Vincenti

December - Winter Solstice celebration!

January 2025 - Build a Bluebird nest box

February - Learn about woodpeckers and their different bills, Also, make a woodpecker treat

March - Learn how to ties flies.

April - Identify common grasses and weeds

September - Learn about bonsai and make a bonsai to take home

October - go on an "Owl Prowl" with members of the Harford Bird Club

November - learn Basic Field First Aid and make a First Aid Kit

December - learn about upland bird hunting from Kim Lewis, Mason-Dixon Game Outfitters

January 2026 - Build a Bluebird nest box

The Youth Club is for ages 6-15, parents must accompany their child

Please RSVP, PM or email Kelly Vaughan at hillbetty-bliss@hotmail.com, if you plan to attend so that we have adequate supplies for the activity.

How do you become a member of the Youth Club?

by a family membership at Sportsman's Chapter IWLA
by a youth membership at Sportsman's Chapter IWLA
or by participating in monthly meetings when your interest/schedule allows and paying an attendance fee

IWLA Youth .22 Pellet Rifle Shoot

New program for 2026!

The first IWLA Youth member .22 Pellet Rifle shoot will take place onSaturday, March 28 from 10am - 12pm.

Participants should be age 8+ to 16 and current IWLA members. Parents are to accompany the shooter during their time on the range. Rifles, ammo, safety glasses and targets will be provided. There will a safety talk to discuss the rules for using rifles on the range, followed by some instruction time. Targets with 25 shots to be scored at 15 yard distance. Depending on the ages of youth signed up will determine if different age brackets will be made.

A link to sign up will be sent to members via email.

Bluebird Nest Box Workshop - 2pm Saturday January 24th, 2026

Learn about the Bluebird and what you can do to be a part of their comeback. Bluebirds live in open country around trees and usually make their nests in natural cavities or nest boxes. Each spring they begin to look for homes. If they choose to live in your backyard nest box, then you'll be entertained as they fill the box with nesting material and raise one, two or possibly three broods over the spring and early summer. Watching the fledglings learn to fly and then seeing how they interact with their extended family is a fun and interesting learning experience for all ages. Bluebirds love to feed on insects on the ground and berries. Invite Bluebirds to live on your property by building and putting up a nest box!

Annual Kids Fishing Derby

Here are some pictures from past Fishing Derbies. They are always a fun day of fishing for kids and families!

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