How the Powell Middle School Fly Fishing Club is Hooking Students on Conservation and the Great Outdoors!

Powell, Wyoming, is a charming and picturesque town in the state’s northwest corner. It’s nestled amid the Big Horn Basin, surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Powell is fly fishing, and this legacy continues in Powell Middle School, where Coach Oram takes time after school to teach kids about the sport of fly fishing.

The club was established to introduce young people (6^th to 8^th) to the joys of fly fishing and foster a love of the outdoors. Members of the club learn about the various types of fish found in the local streams and rivers, as well as the different techniques and equipment used in fly fishing. It’s also an excellent way for kids to connect with nature and learn about the importance of conservation.  The unwavering commitment to these values is precisely why the Fay Ranches Community Foundation wholeheartedly embraced this exceptional project.

“Supporting local communities and initiatives that foster a love of the outdoors and conservation is at the core of the Fay Ranches Community Foundation’s mission. We are thrilled to have been a part of the Powell Middle School Fly Fishing Club project and to see its positive impact on students. It’s inspiring to see young people connect with nature and learn valuable skills through activities like fly fishing.” Commented Susan Ferrin, Executive Director

Thanks to the generosity of Fay Ranches brokers JW Robinson and Neil Bangs, as well as other incredible donors, the club could purchase the equipment to make their own fly fishing rods and numerous fly fishing flies. These donations have been instrumental in allowing the club to continue growing and offering students more opportunities to learn and develop their skills. JW has spent most of his life on Rocky Mountain lands, which has fostered his desire to preserve the Western way of life, promote wildlife habitats, and protect the lands.

“I chose the Powell Fishing Club as an FRCF project for several reasons. First, many kids leave rural America and never come back. I believe something as simple as experiencing a brook trout on the end of a fly rod in middle school will keep them active and involved in our rural town as adult leaders for years to come. Second, I appreciate Coach Oram for investing personal time into our local youth. Finally, I love the leadership model the program provides to middle school students. The older students are assisting, the younger students in the learning process. This teaches them to be leaders and give back to others. I am excited to see how these young fishermen will lead our community in the future.” JW Robinson, Fay Ranches Broker

The Fay Ranches Community Foundation was founded to combat the lack of resources and opportunities indicative of small towns nationwide. We are dedicated and focused on helping rural America improve the quality of its healthcare, education, and youth resources. By concentrating on these areas, we can significantly impact residents’ overall well-being and quality of life and the community’s economic vitality. Providing resources and opportunities for these communities is our passion and mission. We invite everyone to join us in looking toward the future of rural America.