Friday, May 16th, three child residential homes brought 25 girls to Camp Gene Ashby, eager to learn about fishing. The girls and their counselors came from Texas Girls & Boys Ranch, Lubbock; Foster’s Home for Children, Stephenville; and Road to Wisdom, Houston. The girls would be accompanied by volunteer guides who would share their love of fishing and the outdoors. The groups traveled to area ponds to fish Saturday morning. Ranches hosting the kids were McHale Ranch, Mason county; Ewing Ranch, Mason; and TADD Ranch, Gillespie.
The girls received a goody bag with various toiletry items and visited the Clothing Room where they “shopped” for hats, clothing, and shoes.
Various volunteers had brought dresses and other fun accessories for the girls. The youngsters also had their choice of western hats, derbys, and caps. All of the items in the Clothing Room are free for the kids and the girls enjoyed the opportunity to get “new” things.
The homes and volunteers enjoyed a meal of chicken spaghetti with garlic bread and salad. The cooks always make sure to have cookies, coblers, and banana pudding available.
The groups enjoyed a great day fishing. Almost everyone learned how to properly cast a line. There were a few who simply refused to put a worm on the hook, but the volunteers gladly assisted. An evening meal of bacon cheese burgers and fries was simply delicious. Awards were given for Largest Fish, Smallest Fish, Oldest Fishergirl, Youngest Fishergirl, Most Fish Caught, and Skunked Fishergirl.
In April, Operation Orphans held a fishing camp for boys which had 68 boys participating. Since the fishing program began in 2004, 1473 kids have taken part.
Operation Orphans will take youngsters deer hunting October 25, which will be for girls, and boys hunts, November 15, December 13, and January 10. Please visit the website for more information: www.operationorphans.org.