Fourteen participants engage with numerous areas of June 20, 2026, HERYN day, including cooking

Among the various lessons and programs offered during a typical HERYN (Helping Engage our River's Youth with Nature) program day, one of the most popular is the fish cleaning and cooking demonstration. 

"We offer this as an option for any participants who want to learn how to take a fish they caught, safely get a filet or two off it and cook it in a way that they'll enjoy," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "We don't require this part because not everyone is into that, but it does provide a nice full-circle element to go from the basics of knot tying and casting all the way to providing a meal for your family from what you catch. Plus, it is cool to see how many kids who are squeamish at first wind up begging for more cooked fish to try afterward."

During the Saturday, June 20, 2026, HERYN program, 10-year-old Max Machesic, of Lewisburg, was among those who enjoyed that part of the program especially.

On his exit survey, the only thing he listed about the day that he did not like was "not having more fish to eat." 

Thirteen-year-old Denson Hall, of New Columbia, enjoyed learning the fundamentals of kayaking.

"I know how to better examine a kayak before using it, like checking for holes and making sure it is ready for the water," he said. 

Eight-year-old Theo Walburn, of Turbotville, had more of an issue pinpointing just one area of the day camp he liked the most in his exit survey.

"I loved the whole camp," he said. "My favorite part, I guess, was fishing, but I learned things like paddling I can go back and share with others."

Some photos from the program day include: