Oceanside CA— Several years ago, the Oceanside Senior Anglers adopted the fishing programs for three scout camps in San Diego County. Having formed a fundraising non-profit foundation last year, on June 17, the club’s Anglers 4 Scouts program delivered 25 new rod and reel combos to Mataguay Boy Scout Ranch in Warner Springs.
“We raise money through club raffles, corporate donations, and the generosity of our members,” said program director Ken Harrison. This year okuma Fishing and the Coastal Conservation Association – California helped out. The program was started in 2013 when Harrison’s two children went to a scout camp at Mission Bay. “The used gear they had was unacceptable for a kid’s fishing program.” The club bought 25 new saltwater rigs, and will rehabilitee them every year, adding new reels when needed.
For its weekly summer camp programs, the Warner Springs boy scout camp hosts a fully stocked pond with large Blue Gill, Bass, and Catfish. “All the kids catch fish,” said Henry Hall, the Boy Scout Council’s volunteer advisor to its fishing programs.
Boy Scout officials report around 2,000 scouts will have access to the fishing gear over the camp’s summer season.
“The purpose of the OSA Foundation is to support cost free fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for kids, scouts, and military,” said Harrison. “We’ve seen a huge decline of interest in outdoor sports over the years. We know that out of each of these camps, a few lifelong fishermen will be born.”
The fishing club has also adopted the fishing programs of Boy Scout Camp Fiesta Island in Mission Bay, and Girl Scout Camp Winacka in Julian.
Angler’s over age 50 are invited to the monthly meetings of Southern California’s largest senior fishing club, held at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane, at 9:00 a.m., on the first Tuesday of each month. Visit OSAnglers.org.