Bass Pro Shops Awards CCA Skidaway Chapter $1500 Grant for Youth Outreach Efforts

Bass Pro Shops, recently named America’s best retailer in the camping and outdoor gear category, has awarded the Skidaway Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) a $1,500 grant in recognition and in further support of the Chapter’s wide-ranging efforts to create youth angling opportunities and to foster a better understanding of the importance of conserving our natural resources.

“We are thrilled that Bass Pro Shops selected our CCA Chapter for this generous grant,” said Skidaway CCA Chapter President, Dave Devore. “We appreciate the donation, and we also value this level of recognition from one of our nation’s leading outdoor companies.”           

In recent years, the Skidaway CCA Chapter has significantly ramped up its youth-oriented activities beginning with upgrading the fishing quality at our Kids’ Lagoon together with the construction of our pole barn Outdoor Education Center set on the banks of this three-acre fishing hotspot.  

Our Cast Away Club, for example, brings together parents and young children at our Outdoor Education Center for a hands-on nature program – with subjects ranging from bats and bees to reptiles and native birds – along with the opportunity to fish with a family member.           

“The Cast Away Club is just one effort under our Fishing for The Future campaign, which also includes our highly popular annual Kids’ Fishing Derby, as well as fishing outings for off island youth.,” noted Devore.

Each year, the Skidaway CCA Chapter hosts a morning or afternoon of fishing for students at Bethesda Academy as well as attendees of SAFE Shelter’s Camp ROCK and participants in the Salvation Army’s and New Horizons youth programs.

“Most of these youngsters are new anglers, so learning to cast and hook a worm are challenges that need to be mastered.,” Devore said. “CCA volunteers provide the bait and tackle together with instruction to help these youth get off to the right start.”

The Skidaway Chapter of CCA recognizes that many of today’s youngsters will not automatically have the opportunity to enjoy our great outdoors.

 “In that regard, we are happy to lend a helping hand and are most grateful for Bass Pro Shops support of our youth outreach,” Devore said. “We especially want to thank Megan McIntire of Bass Pro Shops for her help with the grant process and in setting up the great product display at the Bass Pro Shops in Savannah to highlight and promote our partnership.”