Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County hosts annual Fishing Derby
The Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County hosted its 24th Annual Family Day and Fishing Derby recently.
Participants enrolled in SRACLC Summer Day Camps invited their families to experience an entire day of camp with them. Campers shared with their families all of their favorite wild activities they've enjoyed throughout the "Welcome to the Jungle" themed summer.
The morning started with social games, arts and crafts, and active outdoor play along with moms, dads, siblings and grandparents. Later that morning the campers took the stage to perform a "Welcome to the Jungle" themed show for their families. The audience roared with applause as the campers sang and danced with animal and safari props.
"The campers felt really special getting to share their everyday camp fun with their loved ones," said Kelly Weber, SRACLC recreation manager.
In the afternoon, everyone journeyed to Big Bear Lake in Vernon Hills, where the fishing competition began. Nearly 200 people took to the pier and shores for the afternoon of fishing, carnival games, a picnic lunch, and special guests. Ronald McDonald performed magic tricks and the Brookfield Zoo brought a traveling exhibit including live animals that had children and adults alike fascinated.
As the fishing came to an end, volunteers from the Arlington Anglers Fishing Club calculated that more than 130 fish were caught and released. Then it was time to award the trophies for the biggest, smallest, and most fish.
• Jonah Brenner, a 10-year-old camper from Buffalo Grove, caught the biggest fish that day.
• Patrick Sanchez, a 20-year-old camper from Vernon Hills, caught the smallest fish.
• Kaden Siedelberg, an 8-year-old camper (and family) of Hawthorn Woods, caught the most fish.
All awards were presented by state Sen. Terry Link and state Rep. Carol Sente.
The award ceremony continued with the Camp Counselors of the Year being awarded to Andrew Leska, Allison Travetta, Mary Beth McHugh, and Chris DeRose (counselor in training).
Awards were also handed out to Campers of the Year: Jeff Dickson, Antonio Esch, Peter Cuzmanko and Evan Smith.
The entire day was a great success as SRACLC families from across Lake County came out to enjoy the weather and variety of activities.
The Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County provides community-based therapeutic recreation services to individuals with special needs and their families. For more information about SRACLC programming, visit www.sraclc.org or call (847) 816-4866.
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