I love fly fishing! Thank you for your help!

Mentee

Medford, Oregon Project

Lead Mentor: Sha Juniper Orton

Conservation Mentor: Tabbitha Bruce

Project location: Medford, OR

Year project founded: 2022

Mentors on this team: 8

Children mentored to date: 0

Children to be mentored in 2024: 6

Local foster care partners: CASA, DHS, Jackson County Foster Parent Association

Local companies that support this project: Currently search for community support.

Contact our lead mentor: Sha Juniper Orton, shajuniper@gmail.com

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Medford, Oregon Project

“Mentor a kid and you’ll help guide their path. Give a kid a fly rod and they’ll wade their own path.”

Sha Juniper Orton

Lead Mentor, Medford, Oregon Project

Project Mentors

SHA JUNIPER ORTON, LEAD MENTOR

Medford, Oregon

JOHN KOBAL, MENTOR

Medford, Oregon

I love the out-of-doors and I have been fishing since age 8. I also love backpacking!
I was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America and led raft trips during college. I was a day camp director during my Master’s Program and I hold a degree in Recreation Administration. I am currently a Master Gardener and teach gardening through Oregon State University Extension. I was a group leader in a children’s summer gardening program in Jackson County, Oregon.
I have been interested in learning to fly fish for a long time and now I am taking advantage (after retiring) of fly fishing opportunities. Looking forward to helping foster kids gain an appreciation for the out-of-doors, and gain self-confidence.

DAVID DEDRICK, MENTOR

Eagle Point, Oregon

I am a Native of Oregon I was introduced to fly fishing and fish conservation at a very young age. I have had a fishing rod in my hand since I could walk.
Now days 99% of my time is spent doing various forms of fly fishing from dry flys to fishing with a spey rod!

TAMMY DEDRICK, MENTOR

Eagle Point, Oregon

I am a Medford, OR native. I have been fishing lakes and rivers for most of my life. I grew up with a passion for the outdoors. Camping, fishing and hiking, it’s part of who I am. When my husband and I met over 33 years ago, he introduced me to fly fishing and I fell in love with it! The art of it, the tranquility and the challenge bring me such joy and I am excited to share that experience with a new generation.

JOLEEN SMITH, MENTOR

Talent, Oregon

A Seattle native now living in Talent OR. Joleen is now retired.
In her past she spent lots of time on the river white water rafting, now she gets pleasure hiking and spending time fishing creeks and rivers in Southern Oregon with her dog. She’s been fly fishing for about 2 years, so still lots to learn. Nature heals, rejuvenates and teaches us so much. I look forward to sharing my passion for nature, balance, and all the life lessons we learn from fly fishing with the foster children.

JOHN KOBAL, MENTOR

Eugene, Oregon

Retired. Love the out-of-doors. Getting children enthusiastic about outdoor activities in a healthy program is very important to me. Giving time and energy to children in the foster care system seems very beneficial. These kids need a healthy tie with others.

 TAMMY DEDRICK, MENTOR

Medford, Oregon

This is my 2nd time as a Mayfly mentor. I love sharing my passion for the outdoors and fly-fishing. Working with the youth, showing them the joys and benefits of connecting with nature.

 DAVID DEDRICK, MENTOR

Medford, Oregon

I have been a mentor for mayfly project before. I have been involved with fly fishing for over 50 years.

News & Events

A Journey to Joy!

A Journey to Joy!

A Journey to Joy: Mayfly Project Mentor to Big Sister In the spring of 2022, a dear friend of mine, involved with the Mayfly Project in Bend, Oregon,reached out with a unique opportunity. The offer? To become a mentor, teaching kids in foster carehow to fly fish. I...

Thank You, TMP Sponsors!!

Thank You, TMP Sponsors!!

TMP had a wonderful year! We could not have served and outfitted so many kids without the huge support of our donors and company partners! We have so many companies that support TMP, but we would like to especially highlight our Dun, Emerger, and Nymph Sponsors, who...

It’s Giving Tuesday, 2023!!

It’s Giving Tuesday, 2023!!

November 28th, 2023 is Giving Tuesday, an important day for TMP where we work together to raise funds for 2024 Projects! If you cannot donate, please share our fundraisers with your friends and family. It takes a village!!! More Exciting News:We have a donor that will...

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Medford, Oregon Project

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