C.A.S.T., which stands for Catch a Special Thrill, offers children with disabilities and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing at Walcott Park, near Rupert, Idaho.

For some kids, this is their first experience fishing, said Pam Brown of the Bureau of Reclamations Snake River Area Office. For the volunteers, its a great opportunity to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime.

The children invited range in age from 7-16 years old and have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and, in some cases, a terminal illness. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, and a hat, Brown said.

The state bass anglers societies work under the large umbrella of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (BASS). Volunteers from the BASS Clubs from Southern and Eastern Idaho will provide fishing boats and expertise to assist novice anglers. The morning fishing event will be followed by a barbecue lunch hosted by The Rupert Elks Club 2106.

The Minidoka County Sheriff Department will be assisting by providing emergency services for the event. Partners include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation; Bureau of Reclamation; Idaho B.A.S.S. Clubs, The Rupert Elks Club 2106, the Idaho State Parks, and Idaho Fish and Game.

Walcott Park is located at 959 East Minidoka Dam Road, Rupert Idaho.

For more background information about the program, contact Shari Kohlbecker at Bureau of Reclamation, Suite 100, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise ID 83706-1234 or (208) 378-5050.

For information about the July 26th event, contact Pam Brown, Snake River Area Office (208) 678-0461 Ext. 32. In the event of rain the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled.