PHOTO PROVIDED Kids pose for a photograph during the West Branch HERYN kayaking and fishing program days recently in this photo by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.

As the second day of West Branch HERYN — Helping Engage our River’s Youth with Nature — kayaking and fishing program days wrapped up on July 2, West Branch Regional Director Andrew Bechdel received an email from Susan Hart, of State College, whose son participated the day before.

“Noah had a fantastic time at the HERYN program yesterday,” she wrote. “He was raving about it! Thank you so much for offering this great opportunity for kids in our community.”

The July 2 program day repeated the opportunities of July 1, with fishing and kayaking instruction and programs followed by a pond study experience, Enviroscape watershed model demonstration and more.

At the end of the day, the participants received awards and certificates for graduating the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association program, which has engaged hundreds of students from dozens of counties across central Pennsylvania over the past five years.