For the fourth consecutive year, the Ontario Conservation Officers Association (www.ocoa.ca) has worked with Joe Richter, owner of Horwood Lake Lodge near Timmins (www.horwoodlakelodge.com) to provide twenty inner-city kids from southern Ontario with an experience they will never forget.
The Kids and Wardens Fishing Adventure brought OCOA members – all of whom are either active or retired Conservation Officers, together with children from the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara (www.boysandgirlsclubniagara.org) for a week of fishing, exploring, and learning in the northern Ontario wilderness.
The kids were treated to the free use of the cabins, boats, and motors – all donated by Joe Richter. Generous support from many other sponsors ensured that everyone had all the gear they needed – fishing tackle, sleeping bags, rainsuits, and personal supplies – not only to use on this trip, but to take home to create their own adventures.
“Providing opportunities like this to our youth is one of the mandates of the OCOA”, said President Mike Duncan. “By exposing these young people to the wonders of our outdoors, we hope to instil a sense of ownership of and responsibility for natural resources that will carry on into their adult lives.”
While at the lodge, the youngsters learned about many aspects of the outdoors, including: survival skills taught by an MNR Conservation Officer, forest fire control demonstrated by an MNR Fire Ranger Crew – which included a spectacular display by a waterbomber, natural resources law enforcement explained by an MNR Conservation Officer and his canine partner, and canoeing skills taught by staff from Missinaibi Headwaters Outfitters.
But it wasn’t all work, work, work! OCOA members acted as fishing guides, making sure that everyone had a chance to catch their share of walleye and contribute to the fish fry on the final evening. Of course we released a lot of walleye as well, ensuring that there will be fish for next year’s kids too!
“We are thrilled that so many supporters came together to make this trip a reality”, says Duncan. “This event continues to provide the opportunity for these kids to experience what our members take for granted – the enjoyment of Ontario’s natural resources.”
Our sponsors:
Ontario Public Service Employees Union: Head Office, Locals: 635 North Bay, 703 Sioux Lookout , 319 Parry Sound, 313 Barrie, 455 Belleville, 362 Peterborough, 434 Kemptville, Sudbury, 447 Pembroke, Boys and Girls Club of Niagara, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Bass Pro Shops, Ontario Out of Doors Magazine, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Greyhound Canada, Donna Covey, Celine Richardson, Corey Cole, Dave and Melissa Ferris, WalMart – North Bay and New Liskeard, McDonald’s Restaurant – Chelmsford, Albert’s Sports and Workwear – Timmins, Dumoulin Fishing Tackle – Timmins, 101 Enterprises – Porcupine, Dr. Fuzy – Corbeil, Norcam Surveillance Products – Matheson, Odyssey Fluid Power – Callander, Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club, Pickering Rod and Gun Club, 2010 MNR Level 1 Law Enforcement Class, Ecotrex – North Bay
For more information contact:
Mike Duncan
President
Ontario Conservation Officers Association
(705) 749-2689
president17@ocoa.ca