OCOA Wardens and Kids fishing adventure a success in 2007 – members looking ahead to 2008

January 15 2008

Smiles and laughter were abundant during five days in July, 2007, when 11 Conservation Officers, 20 inner-city neighborhood underprivileged kids -- with four counsellors from the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club -- enjoyed three full days of fishing at Horwood Lake Lodge near Foleyet, Ontario

Thanks to OPSEU, the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) and other sponsoring groups, these young people were treated to a first-class Northern Ontario fishing adventure.

On July 17, twenty boys and girls, ages 10-17, boarded a bus in Ottawa for Horwood Lake, west of Timmins. Conservation Officers boarded en route in Pembroke and North Bay. Sightings of bear and moose, lakes and forests, brought many excited comments from the kids, many of whom had never been outside of Ottawa.

Arriving at Harwood Lake Lodge, participants were warmly welcomed and enjoyed a generous meal. Every day was spent fishing. When the children were not fishing, they were under the supervision of their counsellors.

Everyone caught fish. The walleye were abundant, and the pike offered great excitement for those lucky enough to land one. The smiles on the faces of those kids when they caught their first fish were unbelievable!

Other experiences included a canine demonstration by OPP and MNR canine officers, instruction on wilderness survival techniques, professional canoe instruction, and ATV rides through the back country.

Each child took home a fishing rod and reel, full tackle box, a care bag filled with items, and a youth membership to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunter (OFAH).

Sponsors included OPSEU (including Executive Board, regions and locals), the largest donor with more than $10,000; OCOA, Denis Manning and Dale Latner of Horwood Lake Lodge, Bass Pro Shops, Johnson Outdoors, McDonalds North Bay, Wal-Mart North Bay, Big Bear Lodge, Ontario Outdoors Magazine, OFAH, MNR, and private donors.

The event will be held at Harwood Lake Lodge again in 2008.