JMU College Ambassadors Take Fellow Students Fishing in Shenandoah National Park

Our fishing outing, “Fishin’ Food & Fun in Shenandoah National Park” was a historic and refreshing break from finals season. Participants rode together in UREC vans out to Shenandoah National Park, located a little over an hour away from campus. 

The event started with a history lesson about Rapidan Camp, Herbert Hoover’s rustic retreat throughout his time in office in the 1930s, from a National Park Ranger. Afterward, one group split off to learn the basics of fly fishing, and the other went off on the stewardship component of the event, where they practiced Leave No Trace (LNT) principles through weeding and cleaning up the surrounding area.

The event ended up with all participants lounging out by the river, either fishing or cooling off in the water. The group of students got to experience the historical aspect of Shenandoah and how the outdoors have always been a place for people to find solace for generations, even presidents.

Although no fish were caught, the participants enjoyed a day filled with good times and casting lines!