C.A.S.T., which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing at Black Canyon Park, near Emmett, Idaho.

"For some kids, this is their first experience fishing," said Jaimee Stansberry of the Bureau of Reclamation's Snake River Area Office. "For the volunteers, it's a great opportunity to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime."

"The children invited range in age from 7-16 years old and have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and, in some cases, a terminal illness. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, and a hat," Stansberry said.

The state bass anglers societies work under the large umbrella of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (BASS). Volunteers from the Idaho BASS Club will provide fishing boats and expertise to assist novice anglers. The morning fishing events will be followed by a barbecue lunch hosted by the Centennial Job Corps.

The Gem County Sheriff's Department will be assisting by providing emergency services for the event.

Partners include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation; Bureau of Reclamation; Idaho B.A.S.S. Club, Centennial Job Corps, Gem County Sheriff's Department, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Black Canyon Dam is located on East Black Canyon Highway, Northeast of the town of Emmett.

For more background information about the program, contact Shari Kohlbecker at the Bureau of Reclamation, Suite 100, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise ID 83706-1234 or (208) 378-5050.

For information about the August 23rd event, contact Jaimee Stansberry, Snake River Area Office (208) 383-2209. In the event of rain the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled.