Joey’s Foundation, an organization focusing on mentoring kids through fly fishing, recently came to NC and held a fly rod building class. Coach Grogan, who coordinated the visit, explained “a guy named Joey Puettman, who I went to school with here at Natrona County, started a foundation called Joey’s Fly Fishing Foundation and he wanted to have a presence in Casper, and asked me if I’d be willing to start that here at Natrona.” For a man who loves to fly fish, Grogan seems like a natural fit to be the leader of this kind of club, and share his passion with students. Coach Grogan is hoping the rod building day leads to more interest and the possibility of a Fly Fishing Club at NC.  

Many NC students enjoy having the opportunity to experience the outdoors and gain knowledge for what they love. Ramsay Myers (9) participated in the rod-building class. He explained, “Take two pieces of one rod. Start by adding the handle, then the detail with threads.” He, along with other students that participate, like having the ability to customize their own rod, and use what they learned about craftsmanship. The first club meetings took place in Mrs. Ramsey’s room (Science) the weekend before winter break. Myers’ reasons for joining the club may be similar to why others might want to participate. He joined “because I wanted to build rods, and (I) like the one made. And I like fishing.” 

A lot of work went into creating the extra curricular activity, so it really shows the worth of the club’s opportunities. “You have to go through district protocol and stuff,” Grogan explains, “and really the partnership between Joeys foundation and getting kids involved in it, it just organically happened.” Though his plans for the club’s future are not quite concrete, his goal comes from personal belief that “The ability to master the art of really paying attention and building a fly rod is a skill that can be used in other areas of your life.” He also knows that “very intentional things goes into building a rod. All those things can help us have asperation, for all the pieces of our lives that maybe we don’t see a lot of value in.”

Joey’s Foundation may be hosting another NC fly rod building session again in the spring. For more information, ask Coach Grogan or any student you know that has participated in the activity. It will be a great opportunity to learn, explore, and get involved in the outdoors.