I am posting an e-mail that we received from a teacher at Kettle Falls Washington. I thought maybe someone in the area may be able to help with this program. If it inappropriate, please delete.
Bill
Steve Kroiss
Kettle Falls Middle School
1275 Juniper
PO 458
Kettle Falls Washington
99141
W (509) 738-6014
H (509) 675-1494
Hello, my name is Steve Kroiss; I am a 6th grade teacher in Kettle Falls Washington. Our small town is located near the Columbia River forty miles from the Canadian border. Recently due to a schedule change I was allowed a thirty-minute block of time each day to have a fly tying club. I started the club out very small (8 students) due to the fact that I am a novice tier myself. It has turned out that many other students are begging to join. It is my goal to eventually open the doors to allow more to join and be taught the art by the original members.
I have never found another activity that is as hands on and meaningful for kids as fly tying. It has been an awesome experience to watch them work together and be so engaged. We are currently getting by on borrowed equipment from community members. One gentleman is donating one day a week to come in and introduce a new fly for the students to work on for the week.
I am writing this letter as a request for any donations that your company may be able to send to us. We are in need of anything that has to do with fly tying: tools, materials, teaching videos, suggestions, etc. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Thanks for posting it Bill. Some of our readers may recall Kathy Scott’s article in Readers Casts about the kids she has worked with at her school in Maine. It has been very successful. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/readerscast/rc225.php
Now for help, Mustad, (Jeff Pierce) a long-time supporter of FAOL has a standing offer to help with hooks to any organized classes. Contact Jeff directly at: (315) 253-2793 or email: Jeff@mustad-usa.com
Flashabou also works with groups, contact Don Mears at: 651-430-9606 or email: dm@hedroninc.com
We do have other Sponsors who donate to specific groups (as the Boy Scouts) and it probably wouldn’t hurt to ask.
Wow does this post bring back memories. I went to Curlew High school in washington and played Kettle Falls in basketball, baseball and track. That is some excellent country up there will be finding some things to donate.
Thanks to Bill, who PMd me Steve’s e-mail address. I sent him an e-mail and we have hooked up.
His home phone # was posted incorrectly. The correct # Is: 509-680-1494 for any who are interested in helping his project.
We will be providing his class some good hackle and Ken & I are planning on driving up to help teach, etc.
Conranch is a very youth oriented business. Most of our donations go to the BSA on the national level.
I think it is a fantastic project for one of our teachers to not only take the time but to take on something like this. Time for we fly fishers and tiers to get on board. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated, I know.
i have some 6-0 danville thread and some fur, that i get out to you. i will be out for steelie and hunting for next 3 weeks so it will be after that. the thread will be asst colors. way to go denny i need some hen necks, and i WILL get them from you. flyman 3