News Release Archive

C.A.S.T. for Kids/Let’s Move Outside Event at Lake Walcott State Park Saturday, July 18

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, aross@usbr.gov
John Hildreth, jhildreth@usbr.gov

For Release: July 09, 2015

RUPERT, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Snake Field Office will hold its annual C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing event Saturday, July 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at Lake Walcott State Park located off State Highway 24, about 11 miles northeast of Rupert.

The C.A.S.T. "Catch a Special Thrill" program provides one day fishing and boating events designed to accommodate children with a wide range of special needs. This C.A.S.T. event is also part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s "Let's Move Outside" initiative. The First Lady's goal is to solve the problem of childhood obesity by encouraging children to increase physical activity on America’s public lands and waterways, and eating healthier.

"This is an excellent opportunity for children to enjoy a day of fishing on the water that might not otherwise be available to them," said John Hildreth, event coordinator for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Upper Snake Field Office. "To help make this event a great success, we are seeking more boaters and volunteers. C.A.S.T. is a wonderful event for people who want to help make a difference in the lives of special needs children."

The children range in age from 5-18 years old. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt and a hat. Local volunteers 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. Partners include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation, Idaho State Parks, Rupert Elks Club 2106, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Volunteers from the Minidoka County Sheriff Department, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and Emergency Response Ambulance will assist by providing emergency services for the event.

For more information about the July 18 event or volunteering at the event, contact John Hildreth, Upper Snake Field Office at (208) 678-0461, ext. 46. For background information about the C.A.S.T. for Kids - Let's Move Outside events Region-wide, contact Annette Ross, Regional Coordinator at (208) 378-5322 or visit http://www.usbr.gov/pn/cast/ . In case of rain, the event will be canceled.

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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.

Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/cast/