Reeling in confidence

Warnell leads the charge at Steve and Marjorie Harvey mentoring camps

Under a bright Georgia sky at the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Legacy Ranch, more than 300 teens from across the country participated in two dynamic mentoring camps hosted by the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation.

From June 6–8, Marjorie Harvey’s Girls Who Rule the World camp offered young women a weekend of empowerment focused on leadership development, financial literacy, etiquette and mentorship. The following week, from June 11–15, the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men centered on building character, personal responsibility and future readiness for boys ages 14 to 18 being raised in single-female-headed households.

The foundation’s mission is rooted in equipping youth with the tools to grow into confident, responsible leaders. Through mentoring, educational enrichment, mental wellness support and career exposure, both programs provide access to positive role models from business, military and community sectors.

Hook, line and sinker: The fishing station

But the real hook? The fishing stations hosted on June 7 and 14 — coordinated by the Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources — quickly became the highlight of both the boys’ and girls’ camps.

Led by Georgia AFS Executive Secretary and Treasurer and Warnell alumna Rebecca Brown (BSFR ’94) and Warnell associate professor of fisheries Jay Shelton, the effort brought together more than 50 volunteers across the two weekends. Experts from Warnell, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, Georgia Women Fly Fishers, Georgia Trout Unlimited and the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club gathered at the pond’s edge, ready to guide campers in the basics of casting, reeling and landing fish.

Thanks to gear provided by both the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation and WRD’s Gateway to Fishing program — complete with its Mobile Catch Center — campers received a hands-on crash course in one of Georgia’s favorite outdoor traditions.

The buzz was contagious: Cheers broke out as campers landed bluegill, largemouth bass and hybrid striped bass. For many, it was their first time holding a fishing rod. By the end of their session, they weren’t just catching fish — they were building confidence, patience and an appreciation for the outdoors.

“Fishing events like this go far beyond simply teaching kids how to cast a line —they’re about building up a kid’s confidence, fostering their curiosity, and creating lasting, core connections with nature,” said Hunter Roop (MS ’15), a Warnell alumnus and fisheries regional supervisor for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help young people realize they too can be stewards of Georgia’s natural resources.”

Beyond the pond: Career fair connections

Before heading to the lake, campers rotated through a vibrant college and career fair featuring universities from around Georgia and across the country, along with trade schools and industry leaders such as Bank of America and Lowe’s. Professional development was front and center — with opportunities for résumé reviews, job shadowing advice and even complimentary professional headshots. The station gave campers a clearer view of what’s possible after high school, reinforcing the camp’s message that the future is wide open.

Behind the scenes: Teamwork made it happen

It took planning, coordination and a lot of heart to bring these fishing events to life. Warnell’s leadership in partnership with AFS and support from WRD and other organizations ensured smooth logistics, fully stocked ponds and a seamless rotation for all campers.

“Partnerships play such an important role in making opportunities like this both possible and successful,” said Shelton. “Say you had to call someone and organize 30 experienced instructors that you could trust with high school kids — you need people you know will deliver. That’s where the power of partnerships really shines.”

“As a WRD fisheries supervisor and proud Warnell alum, it’s meaningful to participate in these programs that reflect the values and education I gained at Warnell,” added Roop. “Representing both WRD and Warnell in these moments is a full-circle experience I’m honored to be part of.”

Casting toward tomorrow

The fishing station embodied the spirit of the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation’s work — experiential learning, personal growth and connection. Campers left not just with fish stories, but with a stronger sense of self, new skills and role models they could look up to.

“For a week, these kids are afforded amazing opportunities,” Shelton added. “And at the same time, they’re taught important life lessons. One day, hopefully, they’ll complete the cycle and be the ones giving back.”

One camper beamed, “I’ve never caught anything before — but now I feel like a real pro!”

“How many people can say, ‘Today I helped 150 inner-city, single-parent kids do something they’ve never done before?’ That’s a pretty big thing,” Shelton said. “And to be part of something like that — it’s pretty cool.”