Join the Outdoor Recreation School and Gary’s Custom Fishing Rods while you visualize and construct your personalized keepsake. Each participant will receive a six-foot, medium light graphite rod blank. You will get to select between spinning and bait casting rod design. All participants building a rod must register and pay. Participants aged 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult actively engaged in assisting their child; this adult can also register to build their own rod while assisting their registered child or simply assist their child during the program at no additional fee. This program is entirely indoors. $150/person.

In Extreme Fishing Camp – Ice Fishing Edition, participants will learn to ice fish different bodies of water in search of various species like: panfish, northern pike, walleye and more! Try different techniques and hone skills while learning from experienced Outdoor Recreation School instructors. Learn how to check frozen water for thickness and quality. Try a hand auger, different types of rods and reels, bait applications, tipups and basic flasher-style electronics. Drop-off and pick-up on each day of camp will be at Fish Lake Regional Park. Transportation to specific fishing locations within the Park District will be provided by Outdoor Recreation School staff during camp hours. Warm, waterproof boots are strongly recommended for each day of camp. $325/person.

Discover the hidden world beneath the winter landscape. Families will learn how animals survive winter, search for life under the snow, explore frozen lakes and try out ice fishing. $24/student.