Comments and Images from Past Conferences
The past Children in the Stream Conferences were very successful due mostly do to the committed participants who traveled from around the country to attend. The comfortable environment encouraged participants to ask questions and share their thoughts and experiences. Some of the past participants include:
- two educators from Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, OH
- an educational programming representative from Cornell Cooperative Extension in Marietta, New York
- a high school science teacher and junior guide instructor from Salem, Maine
- a middle school science teacher from Nichols School in Buffalo, New York
- a education program manager at Finger Lakes Institute of Hobart William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY
- a middle school teacher and junior guide instructor from Rangeley Lakes, Maine
- a high school chemistry teacher, Lakewood, New York
- a retired school teacher from Warren, Pennsylvania
- a sportsmen and designer at Cummins Engine Plant in Jamestown, New York
- a K-8 public school teacher and fly shop co-owner from Rangeley Lakes, Maine
- a fifth grade teacher from a private Montessori school in Buffalo, New York
- a sportsmen and dentist from Valparaiso, Indiana
- high school agricultural teacher, Cassadaga, New York
- a retired special education director from Buffalo, New York
- a high school physical education teacher and fly fishing guide from New Vineyard, Maine
- a biology high school teacher from Panama, New York
- a retired public school teacher from Buffalo, New York
- a elementary school principal, Cassadaga, New York
- a middle and high school science instructor from Frewsburg, New York
- a high school science teacher from Jamestown, New York
- middle and high school teachers from Fredonia Central Schools, Fredonia, New York
- graphic design professor from the State University of New York at Fredonia, New York
- an alternative education teacher of math, science, and art at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, New York
- a seventh grade life science teacher from Plattsburgh, New York
- a math teacher from Randolph Academy - Hamburg Campus, New York
- a teacher from South Seneca Elementary School, Interlaken, New York
The groups' fly fishing expertise ranged from those who had no exposure to the sport to others who were experts. All worked well together. By the end of each intensive four-day conference, all became quite close as we were connected by the shared experiences and our passion for the environment, teaching, knowledge and our commitment to improving children's lives.
From our surveys, the total outreach from the conferences averages around 300 students and community members annually and this number continues to grow each year !
- two educators from Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, OH
- an educational programming representative from Cornell Cooperative Extension in Marietta, New York
- a high school science teacher and junior guide instructor from Salem, Maine
- a middle school science teacher from Nichols School in Buffalo, New York
- a education program manager at Finger Lakes Institute of Hobart William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY
- a middle school teacher and junior guide instructor from Rangeley Lakes, Maine
- a high school chemistry teacher, Lakewood, New York
- a retired school teacher from Warren, Pennsylvania
- a sportsmen and designer at Cummins Engine Plant in Jamestown, New York
- a K-8 public school teacher and fly shop co-owner from Rangeley Lakes, Maine
- a fifth grade teacher from a private Montessori school in Buffalo, New York
- a sportsmen and dentist from Valparaiso, Indiana
- high school agricultural teacher, Cassadaga, New York
- a retired special education director from Buffalo, New York
- a high school physical education teacher and fly fishing guide from New Vineyard, Maine
- a biology high school teacher from Panama, New York
- a retired public school teacher from Buffalo, New York
- a elementary school principal, Cassadaga, New York
- a middle and high school science instructor from Frewsburg, New York
- a high school science teacher from Jamestown, New York
- middle and high school teachers from Fredonia Central Schools, Fredonia, New York
- graphic design professor from the State University of New York at Fredonia, New York
- an alternative education teacher of math, science, and art at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES, New York
- a seventh grade life science teacher from Plattsburgh, New York
- a math teacher from Randolph Academy - Hamburg Campus, New York
- a teacher from South Seneca Elementary School, Interlaken, New York
The groups' fly fishing expertise ranged from those who had no exposure to the sport to others who were experts. All worked well together. By the end of each intensive four-day conference, all became quite close as we were connected by the shared experiences and our passion for the environment, teaching, knowledge and our commitment to improving children's lives.
From our surveys, the total outreach from the conferences averages around 300 students and community members annually and this number continues to grow each year !
"Conference was first rate. An excellent orientation (and advice) for the novice as well as good review for advanced anglers. (1) Provided an opportunity to learn under the guidance of an outstanding Orvis endorsed guide. (2) See examples of how literature and the community are intertwined with fly fishing. Exciting to work with and learn from others who also want to enrich the lives of our children. Great opportunity to teach children about he exciting world we drive by every day and don’t think about."
Comments from the conference participants:
"The conference was a terrific experience for me. It reminded me of why I love the outdoors, fishing, wildlife, habitats, streams, rivers and creeks. I always re-charge my soul in a stand of pines and listen to the wind. The sound, smell & sight of the creek during steelhead time is something one can not really describe, but for me it provides solace and puts all things into perspective. It has always been a goal of mine to connect students to the outdoors and show them the realm of possibilities that lie beyond the cityscape. Happiness does not need to come from the emblems on clothes, designer wear, gangs. All students have a brain, heart and soul. We must teach them to listen, observe, write and articulate their thoughts, ideas and feelings. The outdoors is a positive means & venue to encourage students to do these things. Catching a fish is the extra gravy."
"The conference was a terrific experience for me. It reminded me of why I love the outdoors, fishing, wildlife, habitats, streams, rivers and creeks. I always re-charge my soul in a stand of pines and listen to the wind. The sound, smell & sight of the creek during steelhead time is something one can not really describe, but for me it provides solace and puts all things into perspective. It has always been a goal of mine to connect students to the outdoors and show them the realm of possibilities that lie beyond the cityscape. Happiness does not need to come from the emblems on clothes, designer wear, gangs. All students have a brain, heart and soul. We must teach them to listen, observe, write and articulate their thoughts, ideas and feelings. The outdoors is a positive means & venue to encourage students to do these things. Catching a fish is the extra gravy."
"Excellent conference. As an educator & intermediate fly fisher, CITS (Children in the Stream) proved to be invaluable with the presentation given on how to incorporate ELA, social studies, & other activities into fly fishing. It provided substantial resources and & tools available to get youth involved in the outdoors while they unknowingly are being educated NYS STEM curriculum standards. Through the program I have been enlightened in the obstacles in starting a youth program and how to circumvent those obstacles. Lastly, I’ve made life long relationships and connections with individuals that are willing to help and support me in bringing the CITS experience and education to my region. I strongly believe in this type of learning for youth as a means of healthy internal and cognitive development!"
"If I had a single word for the experience it would be “inspiring”, and the most inspiring part was at Chico and Janeil’s home. It is so rare to see someone invest so much of themselves into the thing they love for other people. So, thanks for being great sharers and showing me what it looks like when you build something beautiful that matters. Also, I’m so happy to have met Mike who I can tell will be a great go-to guy and ally. "
"I appreciate that (my school district) they saw this as an opportunity for me to be able to teach, connect with and support my students better on educational, recreationally, and social levels. Taking part in the conference will allow me to incorporate multi-disciplinary content areas into the curriculum I’m currently assigned to teach (SS and ELA). Being an elementary certified teacher (N,P-16). I already bring all content areas into my instruction........... Thanks for the introduction to fly fishing that I’ve been looking for for years. AND for the suggestions in sharing these experiences with the youth population in the communities I work and live in. "
"First off, it is always refreshing to work with people that have a passion for what they are doing. This was very true for both the participants and the staff that organized and presented. In particular, Alberto, Mike and Janeil complemented each other with their varied learning styles and experiences. Although I am not an artist, the inclusion of art in this conference was significant. Art takes time, patience and the refinement of all our senses, none of which today’s society places enough emphasis on. Personally, lying in my tent each morning listening to the song birds was a great way to start the day before coming to the conference. The idea of listening and looking from a specific vantage point for significant periods of time make us enjoy the journey much more than getting to the destination.
"Upon receipt of the e-mail from Dr. Jabot about this conference, it took me only minutes after looking through the information that I was clearing my schedule to attend. I am so happy I did. The staff that conducted the 4 day-long conference have so much more knowledge than what they could fit into 4 days. They have a true passion and love for their community, the outdoors, fly fishing, Lake Erie tributaries, getting kids outdoors, and teaching people like myself about all of this. When you spend 12 hours a day learning, working, participating and you feel like only 2 hours, or you can’t wait for the next day, or you don’t want the week to end, you know they have done a wonderful job planning and preparing. For someone interested in influencing children, regardless of an interest in the outdoors, by the end of the week you will have a new hobby that you would want to pass on. Being someone who lived in Fredonia during my time in college, experiencing the great creek and fishing, I have even more of a respect for this great town and what it has to offer. I would like to thank the sponsors of the event, which allowed me to experience something great. Most importantly, the individuals who did all the work putting on the event. Dr. Mike Jabot, Alberto Rey and Dr. Janeil Rey. It was definitely a treat learning from a professional guide in Alberto, asking him questions, offering us feedback and giving us his years of knowledge on fly fishing, steelhead and starting an outdoor program. I definitely feel lucky to have learned from someone so knowledgeable and well known."
"The stream monitoring was the most impressive part of program; window to another world I vaguely knew became real when we turned over rocks and saw life. "
" Looking back at the week, I am pleased by the great variety of experiences provided. The three leaders, each offering their specialties, were a great, enthusiastic team. Thanks for the opportunity to feel more comfortable with fishing and the possibility of fishing with kids and/or making it part of as many lessons as possible – integrated. I expected the week to be more common core focused since it seemed to be designed for teachers, but in some ways it doesn’t need to be – we’re professionals and can make these connections."
"I was extremely excited about this conference when I first heard about it and as the days drew closer, I was concerned about the drive (1300 miles) and if the expense of time and fuel would be worth it. This experience was priceless. It allowed me to view how fly fishing touches us all in so many aspects of life through education (science, ELA…) to life experiences (patience, conservation, respect…). The ability to now have a new/expanded avenue to bring this information to my students/community members. It gave me an opportunity to reflect upon how communities and people are affected through water and how it affects me as an individual. The ability to try new opportunities (fly fishing) and become more comfortable with those that have historically caused anxiety (journaling, sketching) in my life. I have a new understanding of why/how these can be important aspects in life and education. Above all else, it provided an opportunity to meet new people, develop friends/relationships and experience their accomplishments and strengths through the eyes of a participant, instead of a leader, like I normally do. Thank you for a phenomenal experience. "
"I arrived at this conference feeling quite a bit out of my comfort zone as I really knew nothing about fishing, fly fishing, etc. The anxiety intensified at first as I quickly learned those around me each seemed to have had some experience. However, by opening up myself to this experience, I feel like I have gained the most in many ways. I have learned so much information about the philosophy and sport of fly fishing, acquired many skills, and have been provided with a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, with my place in the environment in a new way. This conference enabled me to truly appreciate the value of the experience and it reminded me of how important it is for me, as a teacher, to encourage and support my students to experience nature and their place within it. It is this core idea that I will carry with me. As an incredible bonus, I have met and connected with some of the most passionate and enthusiastic educators I have ever met…I feel exceptionally blessed to have been a part of this fabulous group of individuals who were very quick to extinguish my anxiety."
"Excellent! All materials were more than Excellent. The opportunity to see Alberto’s studio was Excellent. I always thirst for more knowledge on fish, flies, fishing tying and expanded on the connectors between the animals and the environment. Life cycles were excellent and made real world connections to the life of flies and fly fishing. All Excellent….would love to continue for more. Hope to have all my living environment students tie a fly and if possible get their hands on a pole and reel to experience casting. The trip to the stream will be the next step if I can get poles. Thanks for opening my eyes to all the new possibilities. Can’t wait to start. Can’t wait to get out and practice casting and continue to tie new types of flies and look for rods and reels. Science club or Fly tie club doing flies…The workshop has really inspired me to continue learning about fly fishing, tying, techniques and water stewarding to maintain the quality streams we have. I was not a fishing person and “catch and release” is a very nice way to relax and hopefully not harm the environment. The challenge of tying flies to match the hatch is great. Thanks for introducing me to all these new things."
Short video from the conference's field trip to the Randolph Fish Hatchery, Randolph, NY.
"First I want to thank you for putting on this conference. You guys did a great job! ..........Coming into it, I did not know what to expect, but I enjoyed it very much. I learned a lot about stream studies, which I have never done before. The fishing and fly tying was very enjoyable and relaxing. History of the area and how to research was very interesting. The program that you have set up for the kids is outstanding. Looking forward to help if you need some. If the opportunity arises, I would like to do something to take kids fishing who don’t have that opportunity, I hope that I could do it with my son. If you guys ever set up another conference geared more to fishing, tying, and studying the area and its ‘rich history’, let me know. Congrats, Job well done!"
"It (the conference) ran well; was low key meaning that we could ask questions as the presentations were shown. Nice, friendly atmosphere."
" You have a gem of a program. Thank you for sharing so much with us. I really enjoyed the intimacy of the conference and the variety of perspectives from Alberto, Mike and Janeil. Alberto, your humility accompanied by your palpable passion for getting kids fishing combined with an amazing artist focus was truly inspiring. Your commitment to helping others to bring programs to kids is wonderful and I was inspired by the way you weave all the strands together. Mike, you brought both the scientific piece and an emotional connection to learning. Reference to sustainability and your deep respect for Aldo Leopold’s teachings remind me of the innermost environmental concern which I hold and which drives any effort I make to get kids outside. It is the most important thing I bring to education. Janeil, your reference to the reserved New Englander as well as the supportive non-fisherman’s love of the history and literature surrounding fishing complemented Alberto and Mike to make for a wonderful program. Where will we take this knowledge? That is yet to be determined. Where will you take this conference, that also is yet to be determined. Please know that I would be willing to work with you on the logistics of bringing a session to Maine. I look forward to exploring the materials, practicing fishing and fly tying and sharing any of it with kids. Thank you so much."
"Very enjoyable. Fun catching fish on something that you made."
"When Bob first asked if I was interested in attending the conference, I was so excited I talked about my upcoming adventure in the teacher’s lounge. My enthusiasm made many faculty members jealous. I promised to share ideas and I will. I was not disappointed. I learned a great deal about fly fishing and tying. The instruction was explicit and I felt I didn’t need Bob to hold my hand. The instruction gave me a feeling of accomplishment and independence. I believe I will go fishing more than twice a year, which is my usual limit book in tow. I am going home with the thought of sifting through the core curriculum and applying many of the project wet ideas as possible, including environmental issues. I thought about journaling with students and drawing pictures of outdoor or nature activities with accompanying written paragraphs. Lastly, our administration asked for teachers to provide a one week summer program around a theme. Now I feel I have a worthwhile offering for next summer which could be extended into the fall for students who have an interest."
"I have not done much with GIS, so all of Mike’s presentations involving ESRI and the mapping programs were extremely valuable. I am very much looking forward to making use of that and passing it along to my colleagues. I also very much enjoyed the discussion about all of the literature that involved fly fishing and have passed along the list I made of titles to our English department. The overview of entomology and the life cycle of different insects was very valuable, as I now find myself able to read hatch charts. Also, the conversations we had about what type of fly to fish based on observations of the behavior of the fish in the water was extremely interesting. I feel a tremendous amount of autonomy over my fishing now, and I have gone out numerous times by myself since the conference. I have also tied a box full of flies on my own…it has become what I do when I have a rare night without something scheduled.I enjoyed the discussion of the origins and historical significance of fly fishing, and the trip to Chico’s studio was really valuable as well."
"The CiTS conference was inspirational. I'm certain that students will feel the same way as we integrate the lessons learned into our curriculum."
"Holy Mackarel! Mike is such a COD, Alberto Rey is a SHARK, Janiel STREAM LINES the group to keep everyone from getting a HADDOCK. This was a great SCHOOL and on a SCALE of one to ten, TEN-HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER (though I don't like using lead)."
"Thank you for the education, time, and amazing patience. You are true humans to do what you do."
"A truly unique and inspiring approach to environmental education! I am "hooked!"
"Children in The Stream was an amazing experience!"
"Through the CiTS conference I not only gained knowledge and experience to advance the youth fly fishing program I am involved with, but feel confident that I could create and launch a successful youth fly fishing program anywhere, anytime."
"I thought the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History was great. I really enjoyed the exhibit that was on display and the VIP access to the archives."
" I loved the conference. It was the best professional development I’ve ever been to. The few days that we had at the conference were a wonderful opportunity to decompress from last school year and get the cogs turning about the possibilities for the next school year. I work with middle school students in an alternative education setting and I’m always looking for ways to connect students to our community and the academics that they need. When I first found information about the Children in the Stream conference I thought that it might be a good fit to engage students, connect them to their natural environment and their community and have some fun while learning. I was not disappointed! The conference gave me some experiences that I feel like I can share with students without being an expert at fly fishing ( tying flies, sketching, identifying aquatic insects and testing water) and lots of ideas of where to go to find more resources to use with students. Thanks for this opportunity- I hope that you continue to share this wonderful experience! "
"I really enjoyed the whole conference but the session on stream biotic indexing was particularly valuable to me."
"It was a real pleasure to be able to attend this conference. Being familiar with Children in the Stream it was nice to finally be able to attend. The instruction and pacing of the conference has given me the tools to immediately share fly fishing with future students."
"The conference has inspired me to expand my own personal research and set new goals for community service."
" Loved going to your workspace and seeing your work. The owl painting brought tears to my eyes and squeezed my heart. It was such a switch from the cool underwater paintings we had just viewed upstairs. I’ve tried to describe this painting to some people telling them about the workshop. It is a haunting image. Journaling was a relief after that. "
" The hosting venue (RTPI) felt reverential and churchlike."
"Great venue (RTPI)! Easy to find, park, etc. Perfect backdrop for the sessions presented and philosophy."