WWU Men's Resiliency to hold 'Casting for Care' May 12

Casting for Care is a program created in collaboration with Men’s Resiliency, WWU Fly Fishing Club, and the Outdoor Center hosted on Saturday, May 12. Casting for Care combines reflection on male-identity in order to foster positive mentorship and healthier relationships. The purpose of combining these exercises is to help students learn to strengthen their connections amongst peers. The program encourages male – identified WWU students and staff to come together to engage in self-work while enjoying the great Pacific North West.

“We knew last year’s event would be a success because it was such a creative approach to programming. The participants were extremely engaged and really benefitted from the program. Teaching students how to fly fish was an opportunity for them to connect with one another off campus,” said Ian Vincent, Men’s Resiliency specialist.   

“We gained tools to unwind after a stressful day, work through a difficult breakup, piece together broken relationships, and become mentors to their peers. Tools we all have in the recesses of our mental banks that have become dull, dusty relics waiting for their craftsman to clean, sharpen, and wield. Casting for Care is simply an opportunity for such tender loving care,” said Colton Gully, WWU Fly Fishing Club president.

Due to limited space, registration is required and will remain open until the pre-trip meeting on Wednesday, May 9 at 6 p.m. in the Outdoor Center, unless full. Participants can register for the program at the Outdoor Center front desk in Viking Union 150.

After the event, participants will also have the opportunity to meet with Western Washington University’s Libraries Special Collection staff to learn about Western’s Fly Fishing Collection. The purpose of the collection is to collect, preserve, and provide access to diverse materials supporting study of the sport of fly fishing.

The collection includes books, periodicals, manuscripts, photographs, artworks, audio and video personal interviews and histories, and fly fishing artifacts such as rods, reels, flies, and fly tying materials. At the heart of The Fly Fishing Collection is the Paul and Mary Ann Ford Fly Fishing Collection of books, periodicals, art, and artifacts generously donated and endowed by Paul and Mary Ann Ford. The focus of the Ford collection is American fly fishing depicted in fine editions of American works of literature and art. You can learn more about Fly Fishing Collection here.

We thank Western Washington University Libraries, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Postfly, and The Confluence Fly Shop for supporting our efforts.

Fishing experience is not required, however participants will need to obtain a Washington State Fishing license. A single day Washington State fishing license can be provided to you through the WWU Fly Fishing Club. Fly fishing equipment will be provided for you by the Men’s Resiliency program.

For any questions or further information about the program, please contact Ian.Vincent@wwu.edu. For questions about the Outdoor Center or disability accommodations, please contact as.oc.excursions.coord@wwu.edu or call 360-650-7677.