An Event for a Lifetime
By: Sheri Harral
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There is an old Chinese saying, "I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand." For most of the 46 children who attended this year's 2005 C.A.S.T. For Kids event on Shasta Lake in northern California, they would probably have told you that before they found out about C.A.S.T. For Kids, they had heard of fishing, but really did not know much about it. If any of them had been lucky enough to have maybe seen someone catch a fish, they would definitely remember how much fun it looked like. I'm sure they would say something like "WOW!" never imagining that they could do those things themselves.
On June 4, 2005, the 46 young people and their parent or guardian got the opportunity to not only see and remember, but to actually do it! At Shasta Lake's sixth annual C.A.S.T. For Kids event, they understood the joy and pleasure you get when you are out fishing. They felt their little hearts beating faster and faster with the anticipation of catching a real fish. You could see the excitement on their faces for miles around as they prepared to jet across the water with the early morning sun warming them. This was a day we will all remember.
Each year it just seems to get better, things go smoother, and the smiles just never cease. As you do more of these events you get to know some of the children. They are so grateful and happy for everything. They have much to teach us, the volunteer. We come away very filled with the same joy. Watching them receive their t-shirt, hat, fishing pole, and tackle box, it is like Christmas to them in June.
After the welcome and pledge of allegiance, everyone ate a delicious breakfast so they had plenty of energy for the big day ahead. The sunscreen was applied while the boat and safety talk was being presented and the Polaroid pictures were taken for the plaques they would later receive during the barbeque lunch. Kids were matched up with volunteer fishing mentors and friendships were sparked. The day was just perfect for catching some fish.
While some kids love going fast in the bass boats, others enjoy cruising along on the big patio boats we have donated every year for our use on this special day. For many kids, the ease of rolling their wheelchair right onto the boat is just how they want to spend their morning fishing. Speaking of fish…those kids caught some BIG fish. The fishing mentors took the kids to many of their favorite spots to reel in the "big ones."
Upon returning from their adventure on the lake, the hungry group was fed a wonderful lunch as they shared their tales of seeing, remembering, and most importantly, doing. Smiles - and pride, were everywhere.
After lunch the kids received their plaques, goodie bags, and hugs. Another C.A.S.T. For Kids event had ended, with volunteers and kids eager for the time when they would meet again, already planning on next year's event. The line had been dropped, and we were all hooked for life.
None of this could happen without the tremendous dedication, support, and hard work from our volunteers. There is a lot of work involved in planning and hosting this kind of event, but all worth it when you see the joy on the faces of these special children.
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