City kids learn how to fish and enjoy nature with OCOA
For the fifth year in a row, shouts of “Are we there yet?” and “Can you get me another worm?” will echo from the city streets of southern Ontario to the remote wilderness of northern Ontario, as 20 inner city youth – this time from the St. Albans Boys and Girls Club of Toronto (www.stalbansclub.ca) – make the 12 hour bus trek to experience the wonders of the outdoors at Horwood lake Lodge near Timmins (www.horwoodlakelodge.com).
This amazing event is made possible by the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) (www.ocoa.ca) in partnership with Horwood Lake Lodge, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, Greyhound Canada, Wal-Mart Canada, Bass Pro Shops, Resources Integrated Limited, and a host of other sponsors.
From July 18th to 22nd, these lucky youngsters will experience first class walleye fishing – guided by OCOA members – using the lodge facilities provided free of charge by Horwood Lake Lodge. In addition to the fishing, the kids will learn canoeing skills from Missinaibi Headwaters Outfitters, try their hand at using forest firefighting equipment with a Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Fire Ranger crew, and be introduced to wilderness survival and the MNR Enforcement program by MNR Conservation Officers. And of course there will be a big fish fry and lots of smores by the campfire.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to the kids”, says OCOA President Mike Duncan. “Our members and their families often take for granted the outdoors experiences we enjoy, and it is such an amazing feeling to see the look on the face of a big city kid who has just caught their first fish.”
Not only will the children get to experience the excitement of the trip; the generosity of our sponsors ensures that they will return home fully outfitted with rods, reels, tackle, sleeping bags, rain suits, and all the other equipment needed to create their own adventures once they get home.
For more information about the OCOA or this Adventure, or to get involved, please visit the OCOA website at www.ocoa.ca.
