WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) hosted 70 youths and their families for the inaugural South Florida Take Kids Fishing Day on March 15 at Everglades Youth Conservation Education Center.
The free, public event was hosted by Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 630, with union members provided fishing instruction and assistance.
USA Conservation Coordinator Maggie Sager appreciated the support from all of the volunteers.
“We had volunteers from UA Local 630 and Electrical Workers Local 728,” she said. “They took care of everything: making sure every kid had plenty of bait, helping them learn to cast, making sure everyone had plenty of lunch and ice cream, and ensuring every kid left with a smile. They truly care about giving back to their community, and that showed through their actions at the event.”
UA Local 630 Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer Mark Woodard said he enjoyed taking in everything the day had to offer.
“You saw a lot of kids come running up excited after catching their first fish,” he said. “We had a dad and son who caught a four- or five-pound fish. You’re watching dads down in the weeds getting fish off the hook for their kids, and it was just neat to see them all interacting together.”
Sager said the day’s energy and excitement were clear to see.
“The hallmark of a great event is kids running around, laughing, and yelling ‘BEST DAY EVER’,” she said. “It was definitely a day full of fun family memories for everyone who came out.”
In addition to a free fishing rod and reel and lunch, each registered youth received more, according to Woodard.
“Every kid got a little backpack with a bunch of goodies in it—from flashlights to Frisbees—that the USA donated,” Woodard said. “We also had raffle prizes, and every kid there got something that day.”
Sager hopes Take Kids Fishing Day left a lasting impression on the families in attendance.
“I hope these kids create so many fun memories they want to continue spending time and preserving the outdoors,” she said. “They left with all the tools they need to keep getting outdoors and make an impact. Even if this event was their first time doing these activities, it certainly won’t be their last.”
Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA): The USA is a union-dedicated, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose members hunt, fish, shoot and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or connect on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.
Work Boots on the Ground (WBG): WBG is the USA’s flagship conservation program that brings together union members willing to volunteer their time and expertise to conservation projects that improve and enhance public access to the outdoors, conserve wildlife habitat, restore America’s parks and mentor youth in the outdoors. The USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program works closely with federal, state and local agencies and other conservation groups to provide manpower needed to complete critical projects that may otherwise go undone.
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