Cherokee on the Fly 4-H Club is starting back with some additional focus areas to go along with fly tying and fly fishing. The club is still open to all youth in grades 6-12.

We will still be learning about fly tying and fishing, but we will be more of an outdoor skills and adventure club. We will combine traditional skills like fly fishing, sport fishing, hunting, and trapping to develop curious, skilled youth who foster conservation of natural resources and safety.

Members will learn knot tying, casting, and retrieval techniques. Youth will learn to identify insects and observe water cycles, and foster a lifelong commitment to protecting cold water habitats. The club will provide gear, including fly rods, reels, and tying vises, so that every teen can participate regardless of their personal equipment

Youth members will work with adult mentors to learn about safety and sportsmanship, helping teens become self-confident adults. Participants will study animal tracks and habitat patterns. Through club activities, youth can experience a "digital detox," reducing stress and improving concentration.

This club meets on the 1st Thursday of each month, at 6:00PM, at the Extension Education Annex, 699B Connahetta Street, Murphy. To learn more about this club or other Cherokee County 4-H clubs, contact Shannon Coleman, shannon_coleman@ncsu.edu, or call 828-837-2210 ext. 4.