There are few things in life as rewarding as helping kids do something for the first time. Earlier this month, I had that pleasure at the Frederick County Bar Association’s 17th annual fishing derby at Culler Lake in Downtown Frederick, MD.
I was one of 12 local attorneys who helped give about 40 kids in the Salvation Army’s 6-week day camp their first fishing experience. The Salvation Army’s Board of Directors provided water for all of us, and the fishing poles and bait, and we took care of the rest.
We were on the lake from 8:30 a.m. until about 10:30 a.m., and we all had the time of our lives. A lot of kids today don’t get outside as much as we did when we were kids, so it was really a joy to help introduce them to catch-and-release fishing in the “great outdoors” – even if it was just down the street in Baker Park.
Listening to the kids’ laughter and seeing them gain confidence during the time we were at the lake was great. By the end of the morning, the kids who caught on to the process more quickly were baiting hooks for and giving tips to the kids who were struggling. It was really an exciting thing to have been a part of.
I am fortunate to have a busy law practice helping people untangle difficult legal situations, but spending a morning helping local kids untangle fishing line was also very rewarding. I’m already looking forward to next year!
