the CBAF

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The Christian Bass Anglers Fellowship (CBAF) again hosted the Kids Bass Camp at Collins Lake this year. The event took place in the first week in May and was attended by 50 campers, all anxious to learn all they could about Bass Fishing. There were several returning campers along with a lot of new kids. As they arrived on Friday night they were greeted by CBAF staffers who got them assigned tents and teams and a CBAF team leader. This year the operation ran smoother as we continue to gain experience.

Friday night was a time to get acquainted and eating “smores” around the Camp fire. There was great worship music lead by Mike Gugino and his sons. The campers were really into it. A camp fire message was brought by our president, Paul Baker. All the kids were divided into teams and on cue pretended to play various musical instruments (sound effects and all) featured in the story of the The Three Hebrew Children and Nebuchadnezzar. It was a way to get them really involved in the story.

After breakfast on Saturday, there was a time of devotions with each team and their CBAF Group leader. Several works shops followed which included casting lessons, boating safety, pouring plastic worms, building leaded jigs and dart heads, knot tying and various lures used in Bass Fishing. There was also an organized physical ed time playing Frisbee Golf. The CBAF leadership team with the help of other volunteers led these work shops and did a great job. There were showers and ice cream in the afternoon. Saturday night was more time around the camp fire, with worship and a bible message.

Sunday was the time that most of the kids were waiting for, the actual fishing tournament with their “Pro”. By 5:00 a.m. many of the Pros were in line at the gate waiting for it to open. It was incredible seeing all these boats lined up as far back as I could see. As they all pulled their shinny big bass boats through camp the kid’s eyes got a big a saucers as they saw the parade go by. It was really a very impressive site.

The kids and pros were given their CBAF shirts and the kids received their fully rigged rod and reel combo kits and tackle boxes stuffed with fishing gear made possible by the generous donations of our supporters.

The campers were matched up with the Pro and they launched to beautiful weather, Mike Baker sang the National Anthem, Dave Tendati prayed and off they went to find the “big ones”. Fishing was tough but we heard no complaints from the kids as they pulled up for the weigh-in. They were interviewed by our Tournament Director, Dave Tencati, and each had a story to tell, mostly about how great the day was, fish or no fish, and what a great pro they had.

Many parents were able to attend the weigh-in. The new location of the weigh-in gave them a much better view this year. Lots of cheers went up as their sons and daughters rode in the boat up to the weigh station. Each camper was made to feel special regardless of how the fishing went. The drive by weigh-in ran very efficiently with lots of runners and drivers who made it all come together. These guys and gals all worked very hard and deserve a lot of credit.

Back at camp each camper received a special CBAF CHAMPION plaque and more tackle. A few closing words from Dave and Paul and there was hardly a dry eye in the place. The kids hugged their pro and everyone headed for home.

I talked to several parents and pros and others on my cell phone over the next few days. There was an outpouring of appreciation for all the work the CBAF team put into making this weekend possible. The pros talked about how blessed they were to participate and many could not wait until next year. I second that!

There were so many generous people who gave to make this weekend happen that it would be impossible to mention them all here. But we want to thank each of you who gave, and worked and sacrificed to support this outreach to bass fishermen, their families and youth. I also want to say a special “thank you” to the wives of many of the CBAF leadership who came and worked so hard, often behind the scene to make this event possible.