The Mayfly Project
As passionate anglers, Grundéns recognizes how lucky we are to experience the peace, excitement, and fulfillment that being on the water brings to our lives. We are also aware that not everyone has the same opportunities without a bit of help and know-how, which is why we endorse the inspiring 501c3 non-profit, The Mayfly Project, to help ensure that their mission of supporting and introducing children in foster care to fly fishing can be spread a little further.
The Mayfly Project is committed to 1:1 mentorship that introduces kids to their local waters, building confidence and developing a meaningful connection with nature. Ultimately providing them an opportunity to have fun with a positive and rewarding new hobby. The Mayfly Project has built an international footprint, connecting thousands of foster children all across the globe to their mission.
Their program is broken out into five different stages. Each session is built around the premise of having fun, building self-esteem, and getting as many high fives as possible. The first is the “Egg Stage,” where they start with an introduction to fly fishing and their mentor. Then, the “Nymph Stage” teaches the basics of casting, knot tying, and fishing. In the “Emerger Stage,” they learn about hooking fish, conservation, and casting (with more fishing time). The “Dun Stage” teaches reading water, mending the line, and roll casting (with more fishing time). And “The Big Catch Stage” is the final fun day that’s spent fishing a special location and when mentees receive their fly rod and gear.
Each kid leaves The Mayfly Projects program with a fly rod, gear, and everything they need to continue down the path of being an angler. Even if they never pick up a fly rod again, the most important outcome of this program is that they leave with a positive association of the outdoors, their mentors, and local waters.
