Getting youth involved in a program that is dedicated to attracting and educating young anglers about 'all things fly fishing' with a strong fisheries conservation emphasis is founded on 4Ps... patience, persistence, passion and partnerships.

Patience... one only has to have worked with youth on a regular basis, or have children of their own, to understand the virtues of the first 'P'. It takes a tremendous amount of patience when engaging youth on their terms, let alone introduce a sport such as fly fishing to youth, regardless of their age.

Persistence... not giving up on young anglers who may be easily distracted by a 'whole bunch of other things' as they are introduced to fly fishing is important. when they cast their first line or wet their first fly

Passion... igniting a sense of excitement in the hearts and minds of BC youth who are already curious and want to learn more about the arte and sport is relatively easy... they are part way there. Making the experience interesting is a sure way to instill a desire to learn more and master fly fishing.

Partnerships... the first partnership is between YFFBC and youths involved in the program. It is important young anglers make the commitment to acquire the knowledge and skills to become a compleat fly fisher. The second partnership is between YFFBC and like-minded organisations, working together to realise the long term goals and aspirations of this program. The success of YFFBC will rely heavily on the resources made available through strategic partnerships... people, time, knowledge, fly fishing equipment, technology, and last, but not least, financial support to drive the program.

Structure and operation of YFFBC is based on the premise that it is a program for youth, driven by youth. A slate of 'junior' executives will fill the YFFBC management roster, eg: Executive Director, Director of Fly Fishing, etc... supported by mentors who are seasoned in the arte and sport of fly fishing, fisheries and habitat conservation, as well as not-for-profit organisation management.

This approach will also afford youth the opportunity to acquire a diverse mix of knowledge and skills related to core activities in the program. Many of these skills, eg: interpersonal and team building, will be valuable later in life as they pursue professional careers and personal interests.