The Mud Hole Education Program was able to fully experience the results of its in-school rod building program by joining students from Lawrence Academy on the water last month. Through the leadership of Forrest Stillwell, their Groton, Massachusetts U.S. History teacher, the high school students learned to build fishing rods and were able to travel 1,200 miles to West Florida’s Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge to test their angling prowess against redfish and trout with the Mud Hole team.
“Bringing the craft of custom rod building to high school students is what the Mud Hole Education Program is all about, but we rarely have the opportunity to see the final results” said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole Custom Tackle Education Program Director. “Experiencing the students catching fish on the rods that they built, firsthand, really brought home to us what a great experience rod building is and the value we bring to schools around the country.”
Mr. Stillwell and Lawrence Academy run a special two-week, immersive program that aligns directly with Mud Hole’s Education goals. The primary objectives include teaching students a hands-on craft, getting them outdoors, developing themselves personally, and keeping them engaged in the classroom. Mr. Stillwell had purchased a rod kit from Mud Hole many years ago and already has a few custom rods under his belt. When the opportunity arose for his students to build fishing rods in the classroom, he reached out to our Education Program Director, Anthony Youmans, to get involved in the program.
“Custom rod building was a perfect fit for our two-week program. And working with Anthony and the Mud Hole team made it an easy and extremely affordable option” Forrest Stillwell said. “Everyone caught a fish with their custom-built rods, and it was extremely rewarding to have the Mud Hole team join us and capture this moment for the students.”
The Mud Hole Education Program makes it easy for teachers, schools, and youth organizations around the world to leverage custom rod building as a way to reach and teach students valuable life skills. For more information, visit mudhole.com/pages/rod-building-for-education.
