Mayfly Project

Learning how to fish is something every child should have the opportunity to learn from their father. It teaches patience, survival, and gives children an appreciation for nature. Not every child has that opportunity so the Mayfly Project is trying to change that. After Jess Westbrook saw the need to mentor foster children, he was driven to start the Mayfly Project. The organization uses fly fishing to build relationships with children in foster care. They are trying to give the children a hobby that will allow them to have fun, feel supported, and develop a meaningful connection with the outdoors. The program takes the children through five stages they call life cycles. They walk through those stages with mentors. The mentors are there to help them develop their fly fishing skills and provide an environment for them to flourish. What started in Arkansas has now spread to Missouri, North Carolina, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and other states. The work that the Mayfly Project does for foster children in Arkansas and other parts of the country makes them an excellent recipient of the Spirit of Arkansas Award.