Cultivating new anglers: Become a merit badge counselor

Scott Hunter is the founder of Vedavoo Gear. His son is pictured above in the Vedavoo Little Bugger Kid Sling. Scott is not only the founder, but designer and team leader for the gear company and lives in Lancaster, Massachusetts. Vedavoo is a TU business member and was recognized as one of the "Most Friendly Trout Companies" by TU in the Spring 2015 issue of TROUT. Vedavoo products are handmade in the USA from American fabric and thread. Their Little Bugger Kid Sling won Best in Show honors at the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show. Check out their story and blog at https://vedavoo.com/.

 

 

There’s no secret behind my history in Scouting, and I will always look proudly back on my time in the program. I started as a Tiger, proceeded through Cub Scouts, and ultimately became an Eagle Scout. Along that journey, I gained skills in the Boy Scouts that I use and have used every day of my life. The program taught me to be a leader, a friend, and a member of a community – and though my family instilled a deep appreciation for the natural world early on, in Scouting I became a passionate steward of wild places, and a conservation driven outdoorsman.

 

 

In 2002, the BSA added the ‘Fly Fishing‘ Merit Badge – complimenting the long-standing and frequently sought ‘Fishing‘ merit badge. This past year, they expanded their program by rolling out the ‘Complete Angler’ award, through which boys are offered special recognition when they earned these two badges in combination with the ‘Fish and Wildlife Management‘ badge. Through this program, boys are required (among other things) to understand the importance of Catch-and-Release, to demonstrate understanding of proper techniques in playing and landing fish, and to have a clear appreciation for the importance of conservation and the protection of resources.

 

In June of 2014, the BSA also rolled out new requirements for their co-ed Venturing program – wherein the Ranger award can be earned by completing an elective where one of the options focuses on fly fishing. The requirements for this are similarly targeted to teaching life-long skills steeped in conservation and outdoor ethics.

 

For many who approach the programs, this may be / often is their first exposure to Fly Fishing – and for some, to fishing in general. Can you imagine how strong the next generation of anglers would be if all started their experience with a foundation like this?

 

 

The future lies in the actions we take today – and this opportunity is one that cannot be ignored. Irregardless of your own background in / out of Scouting, you can make a difference in the lives of our young men / women by sharing your passion and knowledge. This is a captive audience that genuinely WANTS to learn – and they need guides to lead them.

 

To my colleagues in the fly fishing industry – to my customers – to fellow anglers – please reach out to your local Boy Scouts council, and sign up to become a counselor for the Fly Fishing merit badge. Help our youth learn skills that will broaden their lives – and help build the next generation of responsible anglers today.

 

 

Scott Hunter

Founder, Vedavoo Gear

 

 

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Please comment below with ways you have worked with similar programs for teaching tomorrow's anglers a conservation approach early on! All ideas and suggestion welcome. Also, check out this blog about TU's recent work with the Girl Scouts in developing the STREAM Girls program.