Catching Thrills on Lake Fort Phantom
by: Jennifer Farrar
As the sun rose on Lake Fort Phantom, so did the anticipation and excitement level from the many volunteers, as they poured into the parking area and boat ramps. Boaters began to line up along the entrance until there were so many, you couldn't see the end of the line. Three rows deep, they began organizing everything in their boats and preparing for a day of fishing with the kids. Committee members and volunteers were feverously preparing for the day ahead unloading rods, reels, t-shirts and all the items needed to ensure a successful day on the lake.
As the children and families began to arrive, the boaters and boat buddies were brimming with as much excitement as the kids. After a quick meeting with Art and several photos, it was time to hit the lake! For many of the kids, this was the first time they had ever been fishing and for most, the first time they had ever been in a boat. A few of the children decided to bank fish instead of adventuring out in the open water. A team of volunteers and parents spend the morning teaching the kiddos how to bait the hook and reel the big one in!
A few short hours later, it was time to come back to shore. Some returned with fish and ALL returned with TALL TAILS of their adventures! While some children enjoyed learning about fire safety from the local fire department others worked up a sweat in the hot August sun by bouncing in the air castle. Everyone enjoyed a hot dog lunch and of course swapped stories about "the one that got away!"
The day could not have ended any better than asking for each Captain to present a plaque to the child he had helped "Catch a Special Thrill". Each Captain had such wonderful things to say about their time on the water with the kids. One boat captain was a serviceman from Dyess Air Force Base and presented the kids on his boat with a B-1 patch and a replica of a C1-30 airplane. Another captain was a father of a child with a disability and had not heard of CAST before participating this year. He was truly moved by the event and expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all during the awards ceremony.
Betty Hardwick Center was proud to sponsor the C.A.S.T. event this year and already has lofty plans to continue developing the program for years to come.
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