There is no question that 2020 was a year of uncertainty and challenges. Operation Orphans, Inc. was ready to celebrate 60 years of taking less fortunate children fishing and hunting in the hill country. Due to Covid and the necessary precautions that needed to be taken, Operation Orphans had to cancel.
The board of directors of Operation Orphans, Inc. has decided to set dates for 2021 in the hopes that their “Take a Child Fishing & Hunting” programs can take place. It is understood that things may change.
Dates set for the fishing program are boy’s fishing - April 17 and girl’s fishing - April 24. Children will fish in area ponds, streams, and tanks with the guidance of volunteers. Local landowners allow these groups to fish. All fishing is catch and release unless otherwise stated by the landowner. This program was started in 2004. At present, over 1,000 children have participated.
Hunting dates set for the 2021 season are Girl’s Hunt - October 30 and Boy’s Hunts - November 20, December 4, and January 8. Since 1960 almost 19,000 boys and girls have participated. Children who are wards of the State in children home facilities and foster homes are paired with guides and hunt on surrounding area ranches. The ranches use this program to help educate youngsters to the joys and responsibilities of hunting and to harvest excess animals as a game management tool. The deer meat is taken by the homes and used in their facilities or by their outreach programs.
Plans are underway to celebrate the 60 year anniversary by having an open house at Camp Gene Ashby during the Mason Round Up Weekend in July. A booth will once again be on the square to sell raffle tickets and give information about Operation Orphans, Inc. programs. Stay tuned for more information.
Operation Orphans, Inc. is ready to face the challenges of safely and responsibly conducting their activities during this pandemic. Only time will tell if the programs will be able to go on as planned. Operation Orphans, Inc. Is dedicated to offering less fortunate kids as opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Please visit the Operation Orphans, Inc. website: www. operationorphans.org to view videos and get more information about the programs offered, ways to donate or volunteer, and sign up sheets for landowners who want to host kids. At present Operation Orphans, Inc. Is looking for donations or funds to purchase web or tactical type belts and boots.
Operation Orphans, Inc. Is a 501©(3) non-profit organization. Lyla & Jerry Crouch are camp supervisors. Phone: 325.347.6745. Operation Orphans, Inc., P.O. Box 535, Mason, TX 76856.