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2003 Events |
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Chadron Kids get Head Start in LifeBy: Art PasleySouthern Director Kids in the Chadron Nebraska area experienced a wonderful day of fun, food, fellowship and fishing, as the dad's and volunteers from Chadron coached the young anglers, at the first annual "Fishing with Dad Day". As the sun continued to rise, warming the Chadron State Park area, dads, moms and kids began to arrive with hopes of catching trout from the well stocked park lake. Donica Aldalabih, Heather Kumpf, Lisa Anderson and the staff of the Head Start / Early Head Start Program in Chadron, and the men from the Head Start / Early Head Start Male Advisory Group, along with many others, organized the event with the hopes of providing the activity to the families of Chadron, and the surrounding area. "This is great, stated Ms. Aldalabih as she hurried around the park. I had no idea we would have so many participants. We have all worked very hard organizing the Fishing with Dad Day, and couldn't be happier with the turnout, at this year's event". As the registration continued, each child received a rod and reel, hat, t-shirt and tackle box, and headed off for what resulted in a day of big stringers of lake trout. With the children ranging from two years old, to some as old as seven, it was obvious that this was the first time many of them had ever had an opportunity to go fishing. "What better way to get children started in the right direction stated one of the volunteers. These kids are having a great time and I'm very proud I had a chance to help, he concluded" As the children continued to catch trout, members of the Pine Ridge Job Corp prepared the shore lunch, provided by Jeff Chamberlain of Chamberlain Chapel. As the smell of baked beans and burgers filled the air, families began to gather around the park pavilion for a great picnic lunch. After everyone was fed, each child was called to receive a plaque with a picture of the child and his or her partner for the day. C.A.S.T for Kids elected to participate in this year's program to offer this outdoor opportunity to children in the Nebraska area, with the hopes of continued participation in future events with the Chadron Head Start Program. Our future depends on our children. What we give them now, will be given to others in years to come. If we have any hope of preserving the environment, fisheries and the sport of fishing as well as family unity, we have to start now. I guess that's why it's called "HEAD START". Well done Donica, and the many volunteers of Chadron. Hopefully, more people will follow your example to help Special Children, Catch A Special Thrill. |
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