Green CommUnity School Grants: Hampton High School, New Brunswick

By Ryley Murray
Communications Intern
After my conversation with New Brunswick high school teacher, Hardy Cameron, my faith in the education system is renewed. Cameron is a new teacher at Hampton High, leader of the Fly Fishing and Angler Education Club, and recipient of WWF-Canada’s Green CommUnity School Grants. The funding, provided by Loblaw Company Limited will allow his students to create a sustainable fishery in the Kennebecasis River.
During our conversation, I was in awe of Cameron’s passion for the Fishing Club and I couldn’t help but wonder if his students shared the same excitement.
“The students already have a huge sense of respect for the environment,” says Cameron. “So when I asked them if they’d be interested in something like this, they jumped all over it! Cameron added that even though the club is still in its initial planning stages, and it’s the dead of winter, students are asking to begin the club right away with an ice fishing lesson. Cameron chuckles, “They’re really excited to get out there and get the club going.”

The club is open to everyone in the high school and will meet weekly as soon as spring arrives. With the river only a 20 minute walk from the school, students will be able to fish on their lunch break and right after class.
Cameron stressed that even though there is a strong emphasis on environmental education and conservation, he still wants the club to be fun.
“There’s a lot to be said about hands-on learning. The kids are less likely to forget what they’ll learn here than if they were to read about it in a text book. We’ll have guides showing them how to properly catch and release and other fishing etiquette but I’d really like them to be able to explore and stumble upon the surprises that nature has in store for them.”
“Basically the club will have an educational component,” he continues “but fishing is the hook that reels them in.”
What inspired Cameron to start this club in the first place?
“Every time I see a student catch a fish for the first time, it takes me back to when I caught my first fish. That’s something I’ll never forget. And if I can pass that along then this is something that the kids won’t need to be reminded how to do. They’ll go out there and do it themselves, year after year.”
And that’s how environmental leaders are made! Hardy Cameron and the students of Hampton High, on behalf of Canada’s rivers and wildlife, I thank you.