Last year when we started the Company we set out to do something more. Each year we pledge to donate 20% of profits to fishing conservation and education. Well, being our first year, we realized the chances of us making money were slim but what the heck! So we decided that there is no better way to support our sport, then to help the kids. It was Amanda’s idea to work with Franklin Tate, director of the Trout Unlimited Youth Programs, to get the camps new rods. Most of the camps were using outdated rods and were in need to get new gear. Also most of the rods were standard rods for adult fly fishers.
This led us to making the Green Series. We started with an 8’6” 4wt, medium fast action rod. The rod would have a larger locking ring on the reel seat, a slightly smaller and thinner cork grip and would be made from IM 6 graphite. We wanted to make this rod kid friendly but also make it so parents would be a little jealous! The rods were shipped out to 20 camps across the country. Ten fly rods going to each camp.
I had the pleasure of going to the NY Chapter kids camp lead by Kurt Nelson and crew. This was an unbelievable camp. These kids learned everything from Casting and knot tying to entomology and fly tying. What amazed me the most was how interested the kids were. The class was a mix of boys and girls and everyone one paid attention and participated. It was obvious that every kid was excited to be learning about fly fishing. I spent the afternoon working on casting with the kids and was blown away at how well the kids listened and how well they could cast. It was a great experience and made me extremely excited to be working with this program.
One thing I would also like to mention is the dedication of the adult volunteers who make these programs a success. Everyone there donates there time for the week of the camp. They put together the itinerary and keep these kids busy throughout the day. I would like to say thanks for helping the sport of fly fishing to Kurt Nelson, Art Salomon, Rick Narro, Ron Urban, Bob Mead, Michael Walchko, Kim Walchko, Karol Sundholm, James Gowans, Russ Smith, Kyle Frank, and Collin Jenks. This NY event is not possible with out them.
If you are interested in finding out more about these camps please go to TROUT WATERS for more info. Also, reach out to these camps if you are interested in volunteering. Help is always needed and appreciated. The future of fly fishing depends on getting kids in to it. These kids will be the next generation to manage our fisheries, protect species and hopefully return the favor and volunteer to teach their kids about the sport we all love.