Outdoor columnist Dan Geddings: Cops and bobbers

There were shrieks of joy and a shout repeated over and over, "I caught a fish, I caught a fish." The young angler turned his pole to the grassy bank, holding his prize up for all to see. A small sunfish dangled from the line.

Ed walked down the hill to help the youngster remove the fish and rebait his line. There was a bucket nearby to hold the fish that were big enough to keep, but Ed explained that this one was too small and needed to be released. The keepers would be saved for a future fish fry for the kids.

There were dozens of kids and adult volunteers scattered around the banks of the pond with fishing poles in hand and big smiles on their faces. It was a beautiful morning and a beautiful setting. The well-kept grounds sloped down across a green lawn to the tranquil waters. A wooden boardwalk arched over the surface of the water to a small grassy island.

Tracy's Camp near Pinewood was the scene for this fishing rodeo in early May. The camp is a Christian-based retreat center and summer camp where people can come together and connect through spiritual renewal, fellowship, fun and service.

The attendees were 32 kids from Crosswell Home for Children in Sumter and Turbeville Children's Home. Crosswell Home's mission is to provide a safe and nurturing Christian community where a child's needs can be fully met. The mission of Turbeville Home, formerly known as the Free Will Baptist Home for Children, is to enhance the wellbeing of every child mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

There was fishing, food and fun for all at the event hosted by Central Carolina Lodge #31 of the Fraternal Order of Police. Larry Wix is the president of the Central Carolina Lodge and was on the scene as a volunteer along with other Fraternal Order of Police members. Larry serves as a deputy sheriff in Richland County. Ed Laney serves as a conservation officer in Sumter County. Ed did a safety talk prior to the event and later a fish cleaning demonstration. The fishing rodeo is one of many community outreach events hosted by the FOP.

The South Carolina State FOP is the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. They are committed to improving the working conditions and safety of law enforcement officers through education, legislation, information, community involvement and employee representation. The membership of the FOP is limited to full-time, regularly appointed law enforcement officers who are employed by the government of the United States, the state of South Carolina or persons who have honorably retired from such employment. The FOP is the world's largest organization of law enforcement officers, with more than 330,000 members.

Donors that made the event possible included Hines Furniture, So Cool Italian Icee, Kelly's Red Worms, Trapp Construction, Dragon Fly Games, Sassy Sweets, Tracy's Camp and Carolina Bait Distributors. Fishing supplies were available, and food for a hearty breakfast and lunch was provided for all attendees. Volunteers cooked the meals on site.

The event was a huge success that gave some youngsters the chance to get outdoors, experience nature and have a fun-filled day.

Email Dan Geddings at cdgeddings@gmail.com.