Casting Connections:

In the serene waters of northern New Mexico, a remarkable program is casting ripples far beyond the riverbanks. The Uncivilized Outdoorsman, in partnership with Trout Unlimited, has created a unique initiative—the Indigenous and Hispanic Youth Fly Fishing Camp. This all-inclusive, multi-day program not only teaches the art of fly fishing but also serves as a powerful tool for cultural education, community building, and environmental stewardship. Thanks to funding from the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF), the program has expanded its reach and impact, changing the lives of countless youth and their families.

The Indigenous and Hispanic Youth Fly Fishing Camp, established in 2022, serves youth aged 9 to 18 from underserved Indigenous and Hispanic communities across north-central New Mexico. With a focus on bridging cultural knowledge and environmental education, the program connects participants to their ancestral lands and traditions through the art of fly fishing.

Vidal Gonzales, founder of The Uncivilized Outdoorsman, explains the program’s mission: “Fly fishing is a tool, not the end goal. It’s a way to teach and pass on traditional knowledge, connect youth to their cultural landscapes, and instill a sense of community and stewardship.”

Each camp day begins with a culturally significant location, such as Canjilon Lakes, where elders from local Indigenous and Hispanic communities share traditions, stories, and histories tied to the land. Participants learn the basics of fly fishing while engaging with mentors who share knowledge about language, conservation, and ethnobotany. The program emphasizes respect for natural resources, with lessons on sustainable practices like harvesting only what will be consumed.

One of the program’s core principles is accessibility to their ancestral lands. Recognizing the economic challenges many families face, the camp provides all necessary gear, transportation, food, and mentorship at no cost. This ensures that youth from single-parent households or those cared for by grandparents can participate without financial strain.

“We remove every possible barrier,” says Gonzales. “All they have to do is show up and be ready to learn. From there, the transformation begins.”

The camp’s impact extends beyond individual participants. Families are encouraged to join the experience, fostering a sense of communal learning and bonding. A single youth’s participation often brings along parents, siblings, and extended family, creating a ripple effect of connection and shared cultural enrichment.

Initially run on a volunteer basis, the camp’s growth was accelerated by OEF funding, secured in 2024. This financial support allowed the program to expand from a single-day event to a comprehensive multi-day camp, providing participants with a deeper and more holistic experience.

“The OEF grant was a game-changer,” says Gonzales. “It gave us the resources to host camps at multiple culturally significant sites and bring in a diverse range of mentors and elders–ensuring our participants get an immersive education in culture, history, and conservation.”

With the added funding, the program also introduced stipends for youth mentors—graduates of the camp who return to guide new participants. These young leaders embody the camp’s mission, inspiring others while gaining valuable experience and professional development.

The camp’s influence reaches far beyond the waters. By reconnecting youth with their cultural heritage, the program instills a sense of purpose and community pride. For many participants, the experience has sparked new aspirations, including careers in conservation, environmental science, and cultural preservation.

“We’ve seen kids who were shy and uncertain leave the camp with confidence and direction,” says Gonzales. “Some now want to become park rangers, biologists, or even start their own outdoor-focused businesses.”

One standout story is that of a young participant who, after attending the camp, wants to pursue the Youth Conservation Corps at Bandelier National Monument. Inspired by the program’s emphasis on cultural and environmental stewardship, they now aspire to a career in historic preservation.

Trout Unlimited’s Saba Ijadi highlights another critical aspect: “The camp introduces youth to professionals in environmental fields, from guides and ecologists to policy experts. This exposure helps them see the outdoors as more than a place of recreation—it’s a space of opportunity and growth.”

For many participants, the camp also provides an emotional outlet and a sense of healing. The program’s immersive experiences foster mental health and well-being, particularly for youth facing challenges such as economic hardship or family instability.

“We’ve had kids tell us this camp changed their lives,” Gonzales shares. “They’ve reconnected with their ancestral lands, learned about their histories, and found mentors who look like them and share their experiences. That kind of connection is transformative.”

Families have expressed gratitude for the opportunities the camp has provided. In one memorable instance, a grandparent spoke about how their grandchild’s involvement inspired hope for the future, igniting a passion for learning and growth that had been missing.

As the program enters its fourth year, the vision for growth is ambitious yet grounded in community needs. Gonzales and Ijadiaim to expand the camp’s reach while maintaining its focus on cultural relevance and accessibility. Additional OEF funding would enable the program to include more participants, explore new locations, and deepen its impact.

The long-term goal is to transform the camp into a year-round initiative, offering a continuous pipeline of opportunities for youth to engage with their cultural landscapes, develop professional skills, and contribute to their communities. “This isn’t just about fishing,” says Gonzales. “It’s about fostering the next generation of leaders who understand the importance of tradition, conservation, and collaboration.”

The Indigenous and Hispanic Youth Fly Fishing Camp is more than an outdoor adventure—it’s a movement to reclaim and honor cultural heritage while preparing youth to navigate and shape the future. With the support of the Outdoor Equity Fund, Trout Unlimited, and The Uncivilized Outdoorsman, this program is weaving a tapestry of tradition, education, and leadership that will impact generations to come.

In the words of a young participant: “Fly fishing taught me more than how to catch fish. It taught me about who I am and where I come from. And now, I feel like I can do anything.”