C.A.S.T. for Kids Was a Reel of a Good Time
By Erika Arellano
Public Involvement Specialist, Snake River Area West
August 19 marked another successful C.A.S.T (Catch a Special Thrill) for Kids event at Black Canyon Park in Emmett, ID. Enthusiastic volunteers and bighearted sponsors made the dreams of 38 children come true (the largest participant group ever at Black Canyon).
C.A.S.T. is an annual fishing event that is offered to children with a wide range of disabilities and terminal illnesses. The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation partners with the Bureau of Reclamation, Idaho BASS Club, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in making this occasion happen.
Registration began at 8:30 a.m. Our own Otto Otter greeted each family with warm hugs and cool 'high-fives'. He was not alone, his friends, Smokey Bear (Idaho Department of Lands) and Eddy Trout (City of Boise) also joined in on the fun.
Each child received a C.A.S.T. t-shirt and hat, their own tackle box (with tackle) and fishing rod to complete the fisherman look. Idaho BASS Club members brought in their own personal boats and each participant accompanied by a guardian, had the opportunity to be a fisherman for a day. Participants were also equipped with a life jacket, water, and a disposable camera to capture the moment. One by one, the boats were launched and the children began their fishing adventure.
While the participants were searching to hook the 'big one', the volunteers began set-up for the award ceremony. Goodie bags consisting of a variety of toys, stickers, pencils and other fun items were donated from Teena Turner with Evan's Realty, Leta Ratliff with Realty One, and Idaho Department of Lands. Bass fisherman Don Korte coordinated the effort that bought 38 school backpacks for the children. The backpacks served as a nice send off to the upcoming school season. Pam Eld, mail assistant, made sure each goodie bag was placed in the packs.
After 2 hours of fishing fun, the children returned to shore. Each child and their Captain posed for pictures as they were very proud of their catch. This part of the event was very chaotic because there was uncontrollable joy from catching fish after fish after fish! Volunteers were overjoyed with each child's enthusiasm. They helped the children off the boat, assisted in weighing the fish, and accompanied the participant back to the reservoir to release the caught fish.
The BBQ followed and the event was quickly coming to an end. The awards ceremony began with encouraging words from Crystal Vernor from the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation. Each participant received their school backpack (with goodie bag inside), a C.A.S.T. certificate, and a plaque with a picture of themselves and their captain to commemorate the joyous occasion.
The C.A.S.T. for Kids event is truly special. It provides children with special needs the opportunity to enjoy a day especially for them. I want to say thank you to all the volunteers for taking the time in giving the participants life long memories! Thank you to the sponsors for making this event happen and finally, I would also like to give a big thanks to Shari Kohlbecker, the Regional C.A.S.T. coordinator with the Pacific Northwest Region. Shari your hard work and dedication is appreciated!---thank you!
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