Press Release
  
Family Tyes Brings the Outdoors to the next generation

Family Tyes Fly Tying Class Begins February 6, 2008@ 7:30 P.M.
The class meets every Wednesday evening in the Baldwin-Whitehall’s Harrison Middle School Cafeteria. 

Pre-register by calling Chuck McKinney at 412- 884-5866, or Rich Jones at 412-882-1873.  Registration forms are available online at our website www.Familytyes.com > Events Calendar > double strike February 6.  A class Registration Form will appear.  Register via e-mail or regular mail.  The class is open to any students, their families and adults from the tri state area.   All are welcome.  All materials and tying tools are included in the class tuition. 

Registration Fee:
$40.00 class tuition (only). 

Curriculum:
Beginner level includes basic patterns, casting, stream reading, stream etiquette, knots, leader construction and covers all equipment used in the sport. 
Intermediate Class includes intricate fly patterns and emphasizes the identification and fishing techniques used to catch fish using Caddis, Stonefly and Mayfly patterns representing the various life cycle phases.  Many advanced patterns are included.

Trips:
A 15-trip schedule is prepared for the spring and a summer
A 13 day Dream Trip to Montana, Idaho and Wyoming for students and their parents. 
Get started now and meet the members of the most active youth fishing club in the nation. Call now for further information, contact: Rich Jones @412- 884-5866.  Check out the Family Tyes Web site under “Family Tyes News” for articles or pictures of last years activities from all of our chapters.    www.familytyes.com      

                 E-mail:    iguy.flyfsh@verizon.net      or               Familytyes@verizon.net
 
 
Purpose
     This web site has been designed to provide Physical Education teachers with everything needed to implement a fly fishing program in your school:
 
A Little History
     Over 25 years ago, Baldwin teachers Paul Hindes and Chuck Mckinney started a fly fishing club to provide life-long positive alternatives to the negative influences challenging youth, schools and families. Today, our Pittsburgh Model serves over 200 fishing club members that include a cross section of youth and families representing over 15 communities. 26 weeks of fly fishing classes are taught with teachers and community volunteers serving as mentors. We organize local trips and a Montana Dream Trip for youth, families and teachers.      

     Today, Family Tyes is a 501-C-3 Non-Profit organization currently managing Phys Ed Fishing Curriculums and Fishing Club Programs in 34 schools in 5 states. Elementary, Middle, High School, Special Education and College level programs are currently operating in rural, urban and suburban communities. These programs were funded by grants from the Mellon, Grable, Hunt, Rockwell, Robinson, and McKenna Foundations in Pittsburgh, PA.

     For the past 4 years, Family Tyes has worked closely with PSAHPERD to distribute school programs and provide seminars and orientation programs at the PA State Phys Ed Conventions. We are presenting at the 2003 National AAHPERD Convention.

     Family Tyes has joined Trout Unlimited, Federation of Fly Fishers and the Community Fly Fisher to create the Alliance for Fly-Fishing Education. The AFFE provides the foundation to support school programs nationally.

      The AAHPERD grant program funded by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation creates the opportunity to start new school fly fishing programs nationally.
 
The Alliance for Fly Fishing Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alliance for Fly Fishing Education?

     The Alliance for Fly Fishing Education is a partnership between several non-profit organizations that have a long history of youth fly fishing education. Although our organizations exist as separate entities within the world of fly fishing, we have come together to offer a complete school fly fishing package that includes a comprehensive curriculum, quality fly fishing equipment, and the connection to a network of knowledgeable mentors and volunteer. Together, we have everything you need to design a Fishing and Boating Grant for Physical Education.

What do I need to get started?

     The grant application can be found at www.futurefisherman.org, just click on PE Grant on the lower left-hand side. The grant application will give you a list of requirements and criteria that must be met if you are going to apply. Make sure you are eligible before you start. Then, familiarize yourself with the application instructions and the accompanying form. There are also a number of items on page 3 of the grant application that you should keep in mind as you begin designing your own grant for your phys ed class.

If I’m not a fly fisherman, how will I know what kind of equipment and materials to include in my grant application?

     Our organizations have a wide range of fly fishing education programs, both technically and geographically. We have worked with schools, clubs, state agencies, the Boy Scouts, 4-H, and many other entities. Based on our experience, we have put together a standard package that includes everything you need to start a fly fishing program in your school. We also offer supplemental materials for teachers who would like to start a more extensive program, or design their own. Basically, the package is designed to be flexible so that it will work for you.