With a full Lake and Full Smiles
With a full lake, full hearts, and full smiles, volunteers gathered on June 10, 2006, to welcome a very special group of kids to the 7th annual C.A.S.T. For Kids event on Shasta Lake, California.
Our special kids were greeted by Smokey Bear as they arrived. Each child was given their hat, t-shirt, fishing pole and gear before they had the chance to sit down and get a bite to eat with the fishermen who were taking them out for their adventure on the lake.
Opening ceremonies started with a flag salute, and a talk about boating safety given by Shasta County Sheriff Boat Patrol. As the kids headed over to hop in their boats, with life jackets tied on tight, and plenty of sunscreen on their rosy cheeks, it was hard to tell who was more excited - the kids or the fishermen!
Two bass clubs participated, including one from 50 miles away, bringing their speedy bass boats to delight all the kids - young and old- and to hopefully catch the big one! Some kids chose to go the slower pace, getting aboard one of two different patio boats used for touring on Shasta Lake. Regardless of which boat they chose the excitement was the same. Boy, did we catch fish, between 40 and 50 fish…and there were some big ones.
You can catch some of the action at: http://www.shastalake.com/castforkids2006/
When the adventurers returned from their morning on the lake, they were welcomed back by the smell of the grill cooking up some tasty lunch. The Elks were once again hard at it to cook up over 100 hamburgers for the hearty anglers. As they filled up on the feast, they shared their stories of catching those fish, and of the ones that got away. After eating each child was given a plaque to commemorate their special day.
As the day winds down, it happens every year: the volunteers stand, as fulfilled and thrilled with the day as the kids, waving goodbye, and already thinking about next year.
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