News Release Archive

C.A.S.T. For Kids Reels In Whopper Of Fun At Lake Walcott

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 07/13/2004
Jean Wise, jwise@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: July 13, 2004

Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a whopper of a good time as they join some enthusiastic volunteers during the C.A.S.T. for Kids event scheduled for Walcott Park on Saturday, July 24.

C.A.S.T., which stands for ACatch 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 Jean Wise of the Bureau of Reclamation=s Snake River Area Office (East). AFor the volunteers, it=s 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,@ Wageman 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 BASS 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 information about the July 24th event, contact, Jean Wise or Sarah Wageman, Snake River Area Office (East), (208) 678-0461 Ext. 17. In the event of rain the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled.

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.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.