Kids Catching a Special Thrill at Lake Walcott C.A.S.T. Event

Written by: Anisha Cenarrusa

Participant coming in from the boat after fishing at the C.A.S.T event at Lake Walcott in Rupert, Idaho. The 14th annual Lake Walcott C.A.S.T. for Kids/Let's Move Outside event was Saturday, July 18 in Rupert, Idaho. A team of 26 volunteers started arriving at 6:30 a.m. to prepare the site for the event.

As volunteers were finishing the final preparation work, 16 participants and their families began to arrive. Each participant was given a tackle box complete with tackle and worms and a fishing rod that they could take home and use at other fishing adventures with their families and friends. Once the participants were properly equipped and the boats were launched, it was up to the 10 boat captains to show their passengers a good time and to find the holes where the fish were hiding.

Fishing is the activity of trying to catch fish. So for this event, fishing was done by all, unfortunately catching was done by none. Even though no fish were caught, the kids did catch a thrill while on the lake.

Once all participants were back onshore, they were greeted by two special guests, Otto Otter and Smokey the Bear who gave out plenty hugs, high-fives and posed for pictures with the kids.

The Rupert Elks Lodge 2106 provided and served a wonderful lunch, then plaques and goodie bags were given to all the participants.

The participants were full of smiles and laughter as they enjoyed their day in the sun. "The boat ride was the greatest ever," said one participant. "I can't wait until next time." The volunteers were bubbling over with joy as they eagerly assisted the children. This was truly a delight to see. It was also a pleasure to have Jay Yelas, C.A.S.T. Executive Director helping out at the event. I am excited to see what next year will bring.

Thank you to all the shore volunteers, the boat captains, as well as all the other volunteers and donors who helped to make this event a huge success. We are looking forward to working with you in 2016.

Published on August 14, 2015