I'm writing an article for submission to a Trapping Magazine to highlight Trapping Associations, whether state or local, that offer Youth Trapping Camps or other training methods to the young aspiring trappers in their state or locales.

For example, here in NY we have the Pat Arnold Youth Trappers Camp. It is held on Columbus Day weekend and kids 12-14 spend from Friday through Monday noon setting and checking traps, evening seminars and trapping activities, as well as skinning and putting up their catches, all taught by volunteer mentors. They also go home with plenty of gear donated by trapping supply companys, trapping associations, and other donators. They stay in cabins provided by the NYSDEC.

My question to trappers on here is do your state or local associations offer anything similiar and if so could you briefly describe how it works. It doesn't have to be a weekend camp as described but perhaps you hold a day or 2 day seminar, or a series of seminars, etc.

By responding and replying I'll be certain to highlight your organization in the article. Thanks for the help!

Ohio (OSTA), we do a two day hands on, on the line class for that was originally called the youth trapper workshop. We call it the advanced workshops now because we have more adults wanting to learn. Of course we do have specific to kids activities at the convention. We also give out traps for kids that write articles for the Buckeye Trapper.

Wisconsin offers two annual youth camps, weekend hands-on events (includes housing and all meals, trapper education, set making and fur handling skills) at two northern locations in the state, supported by the WTA. Both camps fill up quickly and have waiting lists. The offering of an additional youth camp in the southern portion of the state is being looked at if an acceptable facility can be found and volunteer instructors can be scheduled. Participants receive donated traps and other trapping supplies to take home with them.
https://wistrap.org/future-trappers-ftw-camp-1

Several of the Woman's Trap Camp past participants have become Trapper Education instructors and will be teaching at the youth camps for the first time this year.

Wisconsin is also investigating the possibility of a second Woman's Trap Camp in a alternative geographically location in the state.

All these camps are in addition to the in-person trapper ed classes and field days that are offered throughout the year in all eleven WTA districts. Trapper Education is also available through several correspondence options (see
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/TrapEd for a full description).

u,p,trappers offer, a winter workshop for beginner's and a fall one also,

Thanks for the input so far guys!

One of our local sportsman's club puts on a Youth Outdoor Activity day where kids and adults can come out and experience anything to do with the outdoors. Number one rule is that NO money changes hands. Kids walk away with fishing rods and fishing gear, bows and archery equipment, BB guns duck calls and all sorts of other items and it's all free. You can usually find anything to do with the outdoors there. The DNR, law enforcement, national guard, dog training, ATV's, trap shooting, trapping and etc. Kid's learn how to cast, shoot bow, identify fish and birds, play games and such with prizes. One rod and gun club gives away a lifetime sportsman's license to some lucky kid. Family's come from several states just for this event and make a day out of it. One family I see every year changed their date for their family reunion just so the entire family can attend.
https://www.youthoutdooractivityday.org/

VTA puts on basic trapper classes

Check out the Montana Trappers Association website and look at the Youth Trappers Class we've had attendees from all over the country .
There's scholarships available for kids if they apply early so little or no cost to attend a very hands on experience .

The 4H club here offers a trappers ethics course free to local youth it offers workbooks along with a course trained by what they consider experienced trappers for hands-on training. In class workshops along with outdoor experiences for Settings/handling traps, lures and baits along animal knowledge are all combined in the course.

Equipment is provided during the course some of the more expensive items need to be returned. Donated traps are also given to the children to keep. Many are supplied by the instructor giving the course on an as needed basis mostly from extra equipment they have on hand.

Other youth are encouraged to join in during the training none of them are turned away parents get involved also which is very nice and during the busy times other local trappers are recruited to help out like with fur handling.

PM me I can get you in touch with the lady that runs the course and give you her number.