I never knew I could be so good at fly fishing. Than you for teaching me!
Birmingham, Alabama Project
Project Lead Mentor: Casey Campbell
Project Co-Lead Mentor: Hugh Cheek
Project location: Birmingham, Alabama
Year project founded: 2023.
Mentors on this team: 14
Children mentored to date: 10
Children to be mentored in 2025: 10
Local foster care partners: Currently searching for foster care partners.
Local companies that support this project: Medical Properties Trust
Apply to Mentor Here!
Contact Lead Mentor: casey1067@me.com
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Birmingham, Alabama Project
Teaching children the skill of fly fishing is more about showing them the healing power of nature than the art of catching a fish. One never returns from the river without experiencing renewal and rejuvenation.
Project Mentors
CASEY CAMPBELL, LEAD MENTOR
Birmingham, Alabama
Casey is native of Birmingham, Alabama and fell in love with all things outdoors while spending 2 summers in northern California as a whitewater river guide. It was during this time he learned the healing and restorative powers of being on the water. His first experience with fly fishing (2011) was in Big Sky, Montana where he was immediately hooked. As a father of two, Casey understands the value of getting children outside to experience the world around them. Casey and his son have been fishing side by side for many years and it’s on these many fishing/camping trips that he has seen his relationship with his son deepen. He is looking forward to sharing his love of the outdoors and fly fishing with another generation.
ANDRE DAVIS, MENTOR
Birmingham, Alabama
Growing up in central Missouri, I’ve been around water my whole life. From the Missouri to the Mississippi Rivers, and all the tributaries and streams that flow into and well up from our endless cave systems, a hook and line were never far away. I found fly fishing due to the kind guidance of the folks at Tochterman’s in Baltimore just over a year ago, now I teach fly casting and tying at Orvis as a volunteer! When not on the water, my wife (a 6th grade teacher) and I historically work with local housing communities and kids through volunteer work. We love being able to give back the many blessings that life has afforded us and look forward to doing exactly that alongside the wonderful team at the Birmingham Mayfly Project!
ANGELA TERRY, MENTOR
Hueytown, Alabama
I grew up in Alabama. My early years were spent growing up off a dirt road in the country and fishing local waters with my pawpaw. The simplicity of growing up in rural Alabama ignited my love for the beauty and peace found in nature. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family, kayaking, hiking, and fishing. My husband introduced me to fly fishing in 2018. Since then I have found that I really enjoy fly fishing. The serenity found on the water is unmatched. I look forward to mentoring with The Mayfly Project to help kids learn a new hobby. My hope is to help these kids create fun, positive, and lasting memories that will remain with them a lifetime.
PAUL TERRY, MENTOR
Hueytown, Alabama
Paul grew up fishing for trout and salmon in the great Pacific Northwest. He didn’t fly fish at all in the south until recently, when he learned that someone put trout down here. And then, when he was enlightened to the joys of fly fishing for our native midland and upland species in their native places, it was game-on! You almost can’t keep him off the water, and he’s looking forward to sharing what he’s learned with everyone he meets, including the next generations at TMP.
TREY CAMP, MENTOR
Birmingham, Alabama
I’m from Carrollton, Ga. I’ve loved to fish for as long as I can remember, and once I picked up a fly rod there was no going back! I have worked with special needs children in the past, and am looking forward to being able to get outside and give back while fly fishing and meeting some new people.
JANE SMITH, MENTOR
Birmingham, Alabama
Retired grandmother that wants to volunteer as a hospitality worker for Alabama projects. I have a passion for helping others especially children and since retiring, would love to work outdoors with this group.
I love fly fishing but limited in experience.
I have a degree in Microbiology and have worked in healthcare and medical software for years before retiring
HUGH CHEEK, MENTOR
Homewood, Alabama
Greetings! I am thrilled to be a part of the Birmingham, AL project. My everyday job is in primary care pediatrics in Bessemer, AL, however, my passion lies around the water with a fly rod. Fly fishing came in to my life during a time of great suffering. I know first hand what kind of healing and power the water has on our nervous system and personal experience. Fly fishing has granted me opportunity to be part of a community, provided joy in recreation, and connects me to my best self. I hope that this small offering may be a step in that direction for many who need positive experiences and practical outlets. Tight lines and new connections!
-Hugh
ALEX YARBROUGH, MENTOR
Born in Georgia, raised on the Illinois/Wisconsin border, and transplanted to Alabama in 2011, Alex is a mother of two boys whose husband is her tie to the Fly Fishing community. Alex has personal experience with those with special disabilities and that have been in foster care and looks forward to being a helping hand with other mentors that are able to share their knowledge and expertise on fishing to the mentees.
News & Events
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We’re honored to highlight one of our mentors who is not only a huge asset to TMP in Boone, North Carolina, but has been a hero in her community during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, 2024. Her name is Kelly McCoy—she is known in her community as the ‘Rivergirl’—a...
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Birmingham, Alabama Project
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