The John Thurman Trout Adventure Camp (formerly Great Smoky Mountains Trout Adventure Camp) is sponsored by the Tennessee Trout Unlimited Council and is open to Boys and Girls aged 12-16. The camp will run June 15-20 and applications are now open. Applicants should have an interest in fishing, science and the outdoors. Initial camper selection will be made the first two weeks of March 2026. Applications must be made by March 1 to be considered. Additional applications will be accepted until May 15. Learn more at the link below.
CYMI: Trout Camp Volunteer Opportunities
Trout Unlimited's John Thurman Trout Adventure Camp is run by volunteers. The camp runs runs from Jun 15-20. If you are interested in volunteering, some of the opportunities are listed below and you can sign up using the link at the end of this article.
🎣 Tuesday, 6/16
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Fly Casting… Help teach campers the basics of fly casting in a group setting at the Tremont Center
- 1:00PM - 5:30PM Reading the Water (on stream mentoring)… join the campers on the water and give advice as they practice casting, reading water, wading, (and fish handling, if the trout are feeling cooperative!).-
-7:00PM - 9:00PM Fly Tying..Spend the evening helping the campers learn how to tie their own flies during classroom fly tying instruction.
🎣 Wednesday, 6/17 | 12:00pm – 7:00 PM On Water Mentoring (Norton Creek - Private Waters)
Campers will continue to work on their streamside fishing skills and will pair up with volunteers (you!) for a full day of one-on-one mentoring on this beautiful stretch of private trout water. Expect some big fish and excited kids!
🎣 Thursday, 6/18 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM Fly Tying
Spend the evening helping the campers learn how to tie their own flies during classroom fly tying instruction.
🎣 Friday, 6/19 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM On Water Mentoring (In the National Park)
You will spend the whole day with a team of campers covering a lot of water, and ground, fishing the streams and rivers of the park. If you have some secret spots in the park this is the time to share them with the campers!
All-Week Overnight Counselors (Monday PM – Saturday AM)
As an overnight counselor, you will see to it that the campers have fun (and get some rest) during the evening/night hours. Volunteers team up with a Junior Counselor and stay with their camper group in Baker tents at the Tremont Center. You are welcome to join in on the activities during the day or do your own thing while the campers are attending the programs. The tents are on platforms and are equipped with bunk beds. This is a great way to connect with the next generation of TU members and share your fishing knowledge.