C.A.S.T for Kids Foundation

Listen to this great event: C.A.S.T. for Kids Shady Lake 2007 Podcast

Fishing for Disabled and Disadvantaged Children

June 21 2008 at Shady Creek Marina, El Dorado Lake at 8am

Announcements: We are always looking for Boaters to Assist, If you are interested please Contact Tom Spencer

CAST (Catch a Special Thrill) for kids is an extraordinary one-day outdoor fishing event that provides and disadvantaged (special needs) children an opportunity to learn how to fish. It is steered towards youth ages 7 to 14 with little or no fishing experience.

Children will be matched up with experienced anglers from several BASS federation clubs and other fishing organizations who take them on boats and teach them the basics of fishing, safety and fishing ethics. All children must be registered. For more information view the website at www.castforkids.org.

Watch the Video: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation - Lake El Dorado Kansas 2007

To serve and protect, honor and serve, the oath of a State Trooper. To serve, protect, honor and take a kid fishing? That is much more than any one person is expected to do.  That is the nature of a hero. Now days children are expected to grow up so quickly. Whether it is with school, or with their everyday life, children need to be able to be children.

This program is called “C.A.S.T. for Kids. (Catch a special thrill).” This program helps disabled and disadvantaged children. C.A.S.T for Kids has some super hero sponsors; The Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas State Troopers Association, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and many other sponsors.

C.A.S.T. for Kids program is geared around special needs and disadvantaged children. These children will be pared up with experienced anglers, for those who do not know fishing lingo that means fishermen. This program offers so much to the children and the parents are encouraged to come along and have a blast as well. The children will be introduced to the basics of fishing as well as boat and water safety.   This is not a water safety program, but they do let them know the dos and don’ts for water safety on a boat. They also learn about conservation, and good fishing ethics. The same ethics the professionals follow.

The State Troopers will also give a short presentation about vehicle safety and child occupant protection?

For the special needs children, to even think about fishing with some of their extensive limitations are a dream, but C.A.S.T. makes it happen. They find ways to accommodate these children. For the disadvantaged children this opens up a whole new world. With television and society interrupting some of the disturbing news involving law enforcement, it is very clear why some children fear the law. This shows another side to those children, exposing them to the heroes that protect them. 

This year the event is being held at Shady Creek Marina, El Dorado Lake in Kansas. This beautiful lake has so much to offer, and is the only lake in Kansas that allows you to go for a test drive on the lake before you purchase a boat.  I know this word is over used but, that is awesome. The lake also offers, dock and boat rentals. And have a very nicely stocked snack bar with munchies, yummies and beverages.  

One of the special guests appearing at this event is Arthur Pasley. Mr. Pasley won the international and Team B.A.S.S Tournament in Mexico in 2002. Arthur Pasley was inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Angler for 2006.

C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation was formed in 1991 by people who just love to fish. Being disabled, or having special needs and disadvantaged carries a lot of stress and emotions with every day life. But for one day, the minute they leave that shore line, the stress of life seems to melt away with the dock in the distance. And for a few hours these families share with these wonderful anglers what freedom feels like.

Wishing you all the best, and always, Tight Lines!

More Photos:

To help with the C.A.S.T. Event Please Contact

Tom Spencer K-241
DRE # 13408
Kansas State Trooper
Troop F
3200 E. 45th North
Wichita Kansas, 67220
316 744-0451
cell # 316 258 6207
e-mail; tsspencer at khp.ks.gov

http://www.castforkids.org - C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation Official Site

http://www.kansashighwaypatrol.org - Kansas Highway Patrol Official Site