The Ebony Anglers gear up for a second day of their first annual youth camp!
Hard to top our first day but our second Camp day was an even more exciting day!
Not only did our campers get to put the fishing skills they had learned from our first event into action, but they also got to learn parts of the boat and even take shots at DRIVING the boat on Falls Lake, in Durham NC.
This was made possible by the amazing folks at Motorboatin’ and BBB Boat Rentals. These wonderful event sponsors really came through, teaching our campers about how their business runs, about the different parts of the boat and finishing it off with proper boat safety. The kids were pumped for an awesome time out on the water!
After breakfast and roll call and once the boat safety presentation had been performed it was time to get fitted for life jackets and prepare to board the many pontoons made possible by our generous sponsors.
The kids were excited to wade out into the lake to get to the boats and once they got settled on board, we were off on our boating adventure. Our sponsors continued to teach the kids all about boat operation and how to navigate on a lake. We learned about the differences in buoys, no-wake zones, and saw lots of amazing wildlife including a bald eagle!
After the on-boat presentation, the kids got to take turns steering and driving the boat and honking the boat horn (which was probably their favorite part!) Music and fun ensued on each boat as we drove up and down Falls Lake.
As the campers headed back to the shelter and sand to chat and laugh about their new boating experiences over delicious lunches again provided by Jersey Mikes of Creedmoor Rd, our amazing staff of volunteers and Ebony Anglers spouses, prepared our campers fishing poles, kits, and bait for some shore fishing fun!
After we said goodbye to the wonderful staff of BBB Boating and Motorboatin, (and taking some fun photos!) we split up into our groups to find good spots for shore fishing.
The kids’ confidence and what they learned was really showing on this day, as some kids that may have been squeamish about touching worms or baitfish on day one, seized on the opportunity to bait their own hooks and take to the shore with perfect casts!
Three fish were caught and gently released, which was three times the fish caught on the first camp day! Way to go Young Anglers!
After all our bait was gone, we gathered back under the shelter for an end of camp celebration, more photos, and tired camper pickup. The campers high-fived, said their goodbyes asking, “When can we go fishing again?!”
Special Thanks to Our Awesome Sponsors
Columbia PFG
Bass Pro Shops
BBB Boat Rentals
Motorboatin'
Michael D. Garrett Foundation LLC
Jersey Mike's | Raleigh Store #3008
Osborne Chiropractic Clinic