A day filled with fun, excitement, and a little bit of fishing, nearly 1,500 kids and adults with special needs and disabilities spent their Tuesday at the annual Kids Fishing Day at Salem Pond in Utah County. The event, which has been around for 34 years, is a testament to the power of outdoor activities in bringing people together and providing a unique experience for those who might not have had the chance otherwise. For many, it’s a chance to get out and explore the world beyond their comfort zones.
The event is the brainchild of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, National Wild Turkey Federation, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, and Salem city. It’s a collaborative effort to bring people with special needs out of their comfort zones and into the great outdoors. “I think when it first began, we started realizing that kids with special needs just didn’t have the same opportunities (to be outdoors). They needed a way to break free from their shells and explore the world beyond their usual routines,” said Sarah Flinders, education coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service, who helped run the event. The event features fishing, barbecue, and educational activities, all designed to provide a fun and engaging experience for those participating. The Division of Wildlife Resources brought in rainbow trout from Fountain Green Fish Hatchery for the day, providing attendees with a chance to reel in a fish and take it home for dinner. Despite the challenges of managing such a large event, organizers were confident that the day would be a success. “Truly, we’ve noticed over the last eight or nine years just the growth in our special needs units in the schools,” said Flinders. “It’s doubled and tripled in size. So, there are a lot of kids who we can serve for a day, and they look forward to this every year.”
Megan McMillan, a paraeducator for Alpine Transition and Education Center East in American Fork, attended the event with her students for the second time this year. “It’s just a fun experience,” she said. “It’s fun to get our students out, and even the ones that don’t want to fish are just happy to be out in nature. They have it so organized, and everybody is just so kind, happy and willing to help us.”
For many students, the event was an opportunity to try something new and form their own opinions about the world of fishing. “I think was pretty good,” said Lee, a first-year student at Alpine Transition and Education Center, about the experience. “I mean, people say fishing is a sport. Nah, it’s a hobby. It’s like hunting — you just take the fish and go.”
Overall, Kids Fishing Day is a testament to the power of collaboration and community. It’s a day where people with special needs can come together and experience the joy of fishing, surrounded by like-minded individuals who are passionate about providing a unique and enjoyable experience for all. **Additional Highlights:**
• The event was organized in partnership by the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, National Wild Turkey Federation, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, and Salem city. • Around 500 volunteers helped run the event, including pre-hooking fish and assisting attendees. • The Division of Wildlife Resources brought in rainbow trout from Fountain Green Fish Hatchery for the day. • Attendees received fishing licenses for the day and took home fish for dinner. • Several local businesses donated time, manpower, and food to support the event. • The event costs around $50 per attendee, but is free for participants due to the collaborative effort of the organizations involved.
