The Mayfly Project: Angling to Help Foster Kids
October 10, 2025
October 10, 2025
By Bruce Ingram
“Have you heard of The Mayfly Project?” asked my fellow Lord Botetourt High School teacher Greg Hupp, and I had to confess that I had not. He explained the program, and I believe it’s one that Virginia’s public school teachers might want to take advantage of and even volunteer for.
The Mayfly Project is a national nonprofit that helps foster kids develop better mental health and cultivate respect and knowledge about the environment through spending time outdoors and fly fishing. Greg, a history teacher, noted that the program pairs mentors and mentees and the pair take five outdoor outings over two months. Young people, who have often experienced trauma, can develop confidence, learn a rewarding hobby, have a good time outside, and maybe even forge a lifelong connection with the environment.
“Our foster son absolutely benefitted from The Mayfly Project,” Greg’s wife, Tasha, told me. “He learned how to set up a flyrod, cast accurately, catch fish, and develop confidence in himself, plus have fun outside. The adult mentors were outstanding, and some of them were veterans, which is another positive about the program.
“I also liked the emphasis on conservation issues, such as the importance of clean air and water and how entomology fits into an overall understanding of the environment,” Tasha added. “Our foster son turned 10 during his time in the program, and there was even a birthday cake and celebration for him.”
Both Greg and Tasha noted that a number of these young people are very much at-risk, and some have even been in residential treatment facilities. As a result, they may be enduring difficulty integrating themselves into society and being successful in a school setting. Yet, the couple has observed that The Mayfly Project has shown the ability to calm and inspire even the most troubled individuals.
“I think teachers would be especially good volunteers for this type of program,” Tasha said. “They know kids are often struggling with issues that go far beyond the classroom.”
Scott Barrier, lead mentor for The Mayfly Project in Roanoke, has also been involved with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, which serves to rehabilitate veterans with both emotional and physical disabilities. So, he is very aware of the tonic that the outdoors in general, and fly fishing specifically, can provide.
Helen Barrier, co-lead mentor for the Roanoke project, has a background in special education and inclusive practices, having spent 20 years at Virginia Tech’s T/TAC (Training and Technical Assistance Center), where she served students with disabilities. Helen said that Roanoke and Pearisburg host the only Virginia Mayfly projects in the Old Dominion, but many more are needed…which is where VEA members come in.
“First, we need Virginia’s teachers to be aware that this program exists, as it only began in 2015 in Arkansas and many people understandably have not heard of us,” she said. “Second, we need teachers, guidance counselors, and other school staff to recommend foster kids 8 to 18 that would benefit from the mentorship our program offers. Mentors are welcome, even if they don’t fly fish.
“Many foster kids have spent their entire lives dealing with adults who have let them down and disappointed them. Our mentors show these kids how to develop patience, self-confidence, environmental awareness, brain rest, and, well, the word is grit. When these kids finish the program, they receive all the fishing gear they need to fish the rest of their lives.”
Mayfly Project success stories abound. Scott relates that one boy had been in foster care since he was five months old, was adopted when 15, and was one of Roanoke’s first mentees. “His adoptive parents told us that the boy so much looked forward to coming to the five sessions and constantly talked about much he loved being outside and fly fishing,” Scott said. “We were thrilled when he came back the next year as a junior mentor.
“He said he wanted to give back to others what the program had given to him. It brought tears to our eyes to see him in a leadership role and working so passionately with kids.”
Foster parents also have expressed their gratitude.
“One foster mom came over to me and started crying,” Helen recalled. “She said she couldn’t believe the focused affirmations we gave these kids. This is just what they need she said.”
For more information: https://themayflyproject.com/ or https://themayflyproject.com/roanoke-virginia-project/.
Bruce Ingram (bruceingramoutdoors@gmail.com), a member of the Botetourt Education Association and a veteran educator, teaches English and Creative Writing at Lord Botetourt High School. He’s also the author of more than 2,800 magazine articles and 11 books.
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