CENTRE– Organizers need volunteer boat captains for the 2026 C.A.S.T. for Kids event on Weiss Lake. The event will give children with special needs a morning of fishing, boating, and celebration.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation will hold the event Sept. 22 at Jakes on the Lake. Activities begin at 8:30 a.m. at 4293 County Road 63 in Centre.

Boat Captains Are a Major Need

Boat captains remain one of the event’s most important volunteer needs. Organizers ask local boat owners to bring their boats and share their time.

Each volunteer captain will take a child and a parent or guardian fishing. The fishing portion will last about two to three hours.

As a result, boat captains will provide the central experience of the day. They will help children enjoy time on Weiss Lake in a safe, welcoming setting.

Organizers require advance registration for every volunteer. Therefore, boat owners who want to help should register as soon as possible.

A Morning of Fishing and Celebration

The program serves children with special needs who are at least 6 years old. A parent or guardian must remain with each child throughout the event.

After families arrive, volunteers will help them complete the check-in process. Then, organizers will pair each child with a volunteer boater.

After the fishing trip, participants will return for lunch and an awards ceremony. In addition, every child will leave with fishing equipment of their own.

The flyer describes the program with a simple message: “We meet, we empower, we fish, we eat, and we celebrate.”

Organizers designed the event to welcome children with all types of disabilities. The event costs participating families nothing. However, organizers require preregistration.

The official event page identifies the 2026 outing as a private school event for children. However, organizers invite members of the community to volunteer.

Shore Volunteers and Donations Also Needed

Volunteers without boats can also support the event in several roles. For example, organizers need help with setup, registration, photographs, lunch, and cleanup.

Shore volunteers do not need fishing experience. On average, volunteers serve about six hours during the event.

In addition, the foundation needs donations to support the day’s activities and supplies. Local contributions help make the experience possible for participating children and families.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves children with special needs. Through fishing, the foundation also supports families and strengthens communities.

According to the flyer, more than 7,000 children and family members attended events nationwide in 2023. The Weiss Lake event brings that mission to families in Cherokee County.

How to Volunteer

Organizers require preregistration, and they limit available space. Families and volunteers can find information on the official Weiss Lake event page.

Event coordinator Joy Perry can answer questions at 256-927-8455. People may also email her at weisslake@castforkids.org.

Above all, organizers encourage boat owners to consider serving as volunteer captains. Their boats and time will help create a memorable morning for participating children.

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