camp wannawannacatch'em details
Camp Wannawannacatch'em camp details can be found here. Every thing from gear lists, FAQ, schedual, itinerary and much more.
camp wannawannacatch'em
Our goal is to share the incredible sport of fly fishing with your child. Fly fishing is a lifelong activity that blends outdoor skills, physical activity and stimulates thought and real-life decision making. They will have learned skills and gained confidence in the use of a fly rod, but also in a wide array of outdoor activities and skills. Rio Epic guides will coach in a fun and engaging manner.
Our goal at the end of the week is for each and every child to be worn out and full of fantastic memories. We want each child to say this was the best camp they have ever been to.​
kids camp details
camp wannawannacatch'em day camp details
Rio Epic day camps are the perfect way for kids to learn the sport of fly fishing or develop their skills. Our day camps are geared for kids that like to be outside and are willing to explore and learn. From beginning to advanced this is the perfect camp.
gear
Rio Epic will supply
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Wading boots and neoprene wading socks. Kids sizes are available. If you child is not comfortable being wet we can have waders on hand. Just let us know prior to the first day of camp.
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Rod and reel - if they have their own please have them bring it!
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Flies, tackle and other fishing supplies
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Insect collecting kits and nets
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Observation tanks
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Fish identification sheet
What the kids need to bring each day - Please put their name on thier gear
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Day pack for their stuff and a hydration pack
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Sunglasses (important to have for safety) with neck strap
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Hat (wide brim or ball cap)
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Light weight shirt, sun top or sun hoodie as well as shorts or light weight pants
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Buff for sun protection or a sun hoodie
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Rain jacket, even if it is sunny in the morning
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Fleece top or hoody for any morning or afternoon chill
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Sunscreen (please apply before the day too!)
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Medications (prescribed inhalers or epi pen) Please let us know of any health or dietary concerns at the start of each day
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Shoes that can get dirty, wet or muddy (river shoes like Keens or slip-ons are best)
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Beach towel (Lake Days)
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Change of socks (yeah, your kid will get wet!)
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Youth sized lifejacket (Bring day one) If you don’t have one let us know. We have extras.
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A willingness to learn, have fun and a big sense of adventure!
Food and Drink
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Please send your kiddo with a hearty lunch and lots of snacks (they will be hungry!)
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Personal water bottle. With the warm days the kids will go through a couple of them. We'll have extra.
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Feel free to bring personal fly rods if you have them. Just let us know if you plan to send your child with one.
Lake day/Animas or San Juan float: (This trip depends on guide staff availability)
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Youth sized lifejacket, Stand-up paddle board or ducky
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Any other small boat (non motorized) We will have a trailer to transport all boats and boards.
FAQ
How and where do we meet each day for camp?
Camp kids will be dropped off by a parent or guardian at a prearranged meet location. The location will not be public knowledge to help keep kids and guide crew safe. It will be supplied to parents and guardians via phone call, text and email.
Can we contact the guides during the day?
In most cases we will not have cell service, but when we are back in range we will check messages, both text as well as voicemail. We will have a set itinerary for each day so parents and guardians know where the kids are.
How will emergencies be handled?
Safety is our number one priority. In the event of an accident or illness we will administer field first-aid. If we feel the situation requires professional treatment we will head to the ER or nearest Urgent Care. Parents will be contacted immediately. In a more urgent emergency we will notify help through a satellite communicator.
How about avoiding injury and keeping kids safe?
We will be fairly strict on a couple safety points during the day. When we are casting flies and fishing we will ask kids to wear sunglasses at all times. It is super important for the parents to reiterate this at home when talking about the camp. That is prior to day one as well during the week. Life jackets will be worn at all times when on any lake or river we float and explore. No exception, when swimming, on a boat or paddle board they must have one on. Horse play that has the potential to endanger or harm another child will not be tolerated.​
Can we contact our kiddo during the day?
In some cases we will have cell service during the day, however, much of the time we will not. We will have a detailed itinerary available for each parent.
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Do you have a policy for bully and disruptive behavior?
We will not tolerate bully behavior or any behavior or actions that will cause mental or physical injury to another child. Mental and physical abuse will not be tolerated. The guides will handle every situation calmly and will not shame any child. If needed the child who has been disruptive will sit out and reflect on the situation for a short time. If the situation requires a chat with a parent we will do so. If the situation continues the child will be asked to skip the next camp day and potentially the rest of the week if the situation warrants.
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​Will the kids have screen time?
There will be no screen time during the day while we are in our actives. Simply no time! It will be left to the parent if the child will be allowed to use a screen during the time we drive to our destinations.
Extreme weather? Does Rio Epic have a weather plan?
As you all know, the weather in our region can be very unpredictable. Even though we have numerous beautiful sunny days, there are times that heavy rain can come in quickly. If it looks like a monsoon is going to force us off the water for an extended period of time we might have to call the day short. That will be at the discretion of the guides. A call and text will be sent out to a parent or guardian. Keeping it safe during a thunderstorm is paramount. Fly rods will be put down and we will move to safe location or a vehicle.
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Will my child need a fishing license?
Yes and No, if a San Juan trip in New Mexico is scheduled, a one day New Mexico fishing license is required for kids 12 and older. In Colorado kids 16 and up will need one.
a day at camp
​​8:50 - 9:10am
Meet your camp guides
Check your kiddo in and double check contact info and pick up details. Gear check and confirm the days plan. Split into groups.
9:30 - 12pm
Head out for the days destination and hit the water. Snack break throughout the morning.
12:15 - 1pm
Lunch break
1:00 - 4:00pm
Fishing and activities.
4 - 4:45pm
Head back to town and pickup location.
Kids help organize gear and have a snack
4:45 - 5:00pm
Meet parents/guardians.
Double check your kiddo has everything they brought. Quick reminder of the next days plan.
camp wannawannacatch'em sleepaway camp
Rio Epic's sleep-away camps were requested during our early days of our kids camps. So we said heck yeah, lets do it. Our camp is located in the Weminuche Wilderness and is supported by pack horses that bring our gear and food in and out of camp so we can move quickly to the fishing waters. This trip teaches advanced fly fishing techniques, wilderness camping, camping ethics, safety along with working in a group environment. Camping, hiking, fishing, campfire games, camp chores and building friendships are the main focus of this amazing week.
sleep-away camp schedule
​​Monday (day 1)
8am
Meet the guides in Durango. Then head to the trailhead to meet the outfitter and horses. Help load gear so the horses can get gear to camp.
9 - 5pm
Hike in and fish all day. Lunch break mid day.
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5pm to lights out
Set tents, camp chores, dinner, campfire fun. Off to tents for bed.
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Tuesday - Thursday (day 2 - 4)
Rise and shine for breakfast, pack lunches, gear up for the day and head out to fish all day. Back to camp between 5 or 6. Dinner, chores, camp fire and hit the hay.
Friday (day 5)
Break down camp after breakfast. Fish near camp till the packer shows. Help with getting the gear on the horses, then hike out and fish a bit. We'll hit the trailhead around 5.
Head back to town and to the pickup location around 6.
camp wannawannacatch'em
gear
Rio Epic's sleep-away camps require pretty much the same gear as day camps with a few extras to cover the camping part of it. We will email each family the gear list prior to camp.
emergencies & safety
Safety is our number one priority. In the event of an accident or illness we will administer field
first-aid. If we feel the situation requires professional treatment we will communicate with both emergency services as well as Search & Rescue. Parents will be contacted immediately. We also have a family friend that lives near the trailhead and can orchestrate emergency plans in the event of an emergency. Our packer will also be on standby.
grub!
With how hard these kids are going to work on the trail, water and in camp they will be hungry. Food is prepared and cooked by Amanda Blanchard, head guide Will Blanchard's wife. Dinners will range from lasagna, tacos, asian chicken/ramen to spicy chicken and rice. Breakfast will be cereal, bacon, sausage, hash browns and fruit. Lunch will be bars, fruit, jerky, BB&J and cookies. Trust us when we say they will be well feed.
durango | creede | south fork | pagosa springs
navajo dam | silverton | dolores​​​
