C.A.S.T. for Kids event at Elephant Butte Reservoir
Elephant Butte Reservoir, as you should know from past event stories, sits in one of the roughest parts of the country. White Sands Missile Range looms in the background. Yes missiles! This is not an area you would want to pack a lunch and go for an extended walk into the horizon but, for a day each year the missiles are short, running with no definite direction in mind and looking forward to a day of fun and fishing at their annual C.A.S.T. event.
At this year's event I saw what an aerial body shot is. Once two of the boys were fitted with a life vest, they started jumping through the air toward each other and banging into each other's chest while off the ground. Now you know what the short, running, non directional missile was I mentioned a moment ago. That stuff has to hurt so I didn't try it.
Once everyone had finished gathering around the end of the Marina Del Sur dining area, the pairings began and soon everyone was off to another great day of fishing. With the wind blowing harder with every passing minute, the boaters were limited to how far they could go to take the kids to familiar areas of the lake. While the catching may have been slow and limited to certain coves close by, they all had a lot of fun and returned with every story you can imagine.
One of the big attractions for the kids each year is the activities provided upon their return. Games and educational activities surround the area providing a chance to win additional prizes. I think every kid gets something extra.
After a great lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs, with all the fixing's, the awards program began along with some very wonderful smiles from everyone there. This really is a very Special Thrill for all involved in the event. These kids look forward to being here every year. The group of volunteers and sponsoring partners plan more and better activities each year and participation has nearly doubled since my first trip to New Mexico three years ago.
Once back on the road to the El Paso Airport I start to imagine, could I have done the flying chest banging? We will never know.
Thank you Brent, Chris and your entire group for providing such a wonderful program to the kids in your area. See you again next year!
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