9th Annual Lake Mead C.A.S.T. Event - Boulder City, Nevada
October, 13, 2007
By, Andrea Estes, Program Assistant at C.A.S.T for Kids
Lake Mead in Nevada was nature's host to 37 special participants at our last C.A.S.T. Event of 2007 for the Western Region. Special needs individuals from Give Me A Break, Inc., The Blind Center of Nevada, and Make-A-Wish Foundation participated in a sunny day of feasting, fishing, and fun! The Bureau of Reclamation, the host and sponsor of the event, brought together 21 experienced fishermen and over 80 volunteers to offer a great day of outdoor recreation for some truly special people!
I had a memorable opportunity to chat with Scherrie, from Give Me A Break, Inc. and the mother of 12 year old Chardonnay, who has high functioning Autism and has been a returning C.A.S.T Event participant for six years now! Scherrie proudly mentioned that Chardonnay continues to fish outside of the event utilizing her tacklebox, rod and reel supplied by C.A.S.T. Chardonnay very willingly gives her rod and reel to other children she is fishing near, if they are interested in taking up fishing, as she knows that she is able to look forward to returning to another event and receiving fresh equipment for the following season. Scherrie also stated, "These events are a great respite for parents and care takers of children with special needs." She continued, "These events give the parents an opportunity to talk and build connections within their community and see their children enjoy an outdoor activity that they may otherwise not have been able to witness."
While talking with Zackery, a 12 year old Boy Scout volunteer, he said, "The special needs kids probably don't get this opportunity and it's special for us cause we get to help out." Zack and his buddy Kiel, 14 years old, were responsible for taking photos of each fishing participant and their Captain and assembling the trophies and plaques given away after the luncheon. Zack and Kiel had huge smiles and said they were truly enjoying their Saturday at the event!
Nevada State Parks Department was present and had booths set up to inform parents and kids about their outdoor activities and natural resource preservation educational material. They also offered an Angling Lesson station!
Thanks to the Railroad Pass Casino, whom this year catered both a delicious breakfast and lunch.
Finally, thanks to all those who participated in wrapping up another memorable year of C.A.S.T Events allowing special people to "Catch A Special Thrill"! One Bureau volunteer said that this was the closest thing to altruism he is able to be a part of. Our success is measured in smiles and needless to say, we were yet again very successful!
|
(Click on a picture to enlarge)
|
