Thank you for taking the time to teach us how to fly fish!
Colorado Springs, Colorado Project
Lead Mentor: Amber Leach
Project location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Year project founded: 2021
Mentors on this team: 15
Children mentored to date: 6
Children to be mentored in 2023: 5
Local foster care partners: Currently looking for partners.
Local companies that support this project: Currently looking for community support!
Support The Mayfly Project
Colorado Springs, Colorado Project
Project Mentors
AMBER LEACH, LEAD MENTOR
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Born and raised in West Virginia, Amber was fortunate enough to have been given an early introduction to mountain rivers and streams. Fishing, hiking, and camping in the Appalachian Mountains with her father developed her deep-seated fervor for the water and love of the great outdoors. Amber is passionate about the therapeutic effects of nature and is excited to pair that with her love of fly fishing to help bring healing and wholeness to foster kids in Colorado. Amber kick-started the Kentucky Mayfly Project in 2019 as well!
TERRY FARSTAD, MENTOR
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Born in North Dakota and grew up in Nebraska fishing (not fly fishing) and hunting. Enlisted into the Marine Corps and served a few years (22). Moved to Colorado Springs in July of 2007 and one goal was to learn fly fishing, and I’ve not looked back. I’ve been working with veteran’s groups that look at fly fishing as a way of healing. I also help with the Boy Scouts each summer at Camp Alexander during June and July teaching them fly tying, aquatic bugs, casting and then put it all together on the water. I was a foster child for 2 years during my teenage years. I look forward to being a mentor for the Pikes Peak program.
SEAN SMITH, MENTOR
Woodland Park, Colorado
Sean grew up in the southeast US but calls Tennessee his childhood home. He had an affinity for fishing but never had a mentor to show him the ropes. He was given a fly rod the day before his wedding and has been casting fur and feather ever since. Once he stopped hooking himself in the back of his head and arms, he taught wounded veterans fly casting/ tying through Project Healing Waters while stationed in Washington, D.C. As a pediatrician, he witnesses the phenomenal resilience that kids can demonstrate when an adult makes them feel valuable and important. Sean eagerly anticipates meeting these incredible kids, sharing his love of fishing, and witnessing the joy of a new discovery on their faces.
News & Events
Salt Lake City, Utah Project News!
SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Children in foster care are getting the chance to learn a new hobby: fly fishing. It's part of a free program that pairs a child with a safe mentor who also teaches them life skills. "I'm hoping these kids can just step out of their normal...
Clabough Foundation Support, Bend, Oregon!
The Bend Mayfly Project is excited to be the recipient of the Clabough Foundation grant! The Clabough Foundation emphasizes environmental stewardship, education activities, arts and culture, social services, and community based programs that create a positive change...
First Annual, Kings River Smallmouth Shootout!
What's better than a fly fishing tournament to support TMP in Fayetteville?! What: First Annual Kings River Smallmouth Shootout, sponsored by Mclellan’s! Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023 Time: TBD, around 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: Kings River Outfitters in Eureka...
Support The Mayfly Project
Colorado Springs, Colorado Project
Questions or Need to Connect?
Stay in the loop with news, events, and updates from The Mayfly Project
