Brown Dog Services Project Reel is a licensed, private, non-profit organization whose mission is to lead "at-risk" youth and young disabled veterans on stimulating fishing adventures on the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay from the Washington, D. C. Metropolitan
area. Brown Dog Services Project Reel was established as an outgrowth of our passion for sport fishing, combined with our vision to help "at-risk" youth who are exposed to threatening environments. By removing teenagers from their prevailing environments, even for a short time, there are opportunities to demonstrate alternative, healthy, and worthwhile adventure and to learn important life lessons through
boating, fishing, and general outdoor activities.
Our annual program begins the first week of March each year and runs through mid-December, with a major emphasis during summer months. Teenagers, their families, and disabled veterans are guided by an experienced crew of captains and outdoorsmen who otherwise serve as
teachers; probation officers; policemen; college students; and other community, civic, and industry professionals. After a day on the water, each participant receives a fishing rod, reel, and stocked tackle box for personal use. The entire experience is free to participants.
Brown Dog Services has three simple objectives for staff and
participants:
1. Reduce "at-risk" behavior in teenagers ages 13-18 by
providing them with the tools and opportunities to
participate in challenging and positive-reinforcing-
recreation that can be repeated throughout their lifetimes
2. Teach teenagers to respect, enjoy, protect, and conserve
the environment in which we live
3. Give teenagers alternative perspectives on life and new
respect for themselves through personal achievement in
outdoor activities with Brown Dog Services Project Reel's
crew and staff functioning as mentoring role-models
Sport fishing and outdoor activities have given meaning, direction, and excitement to each member of the Brown Dog Services Project Reel program. Our simple mission is to share what we have with as many youth as we can so they can reap similar benefits. One very positive day in
the life of an "at-risk" teenager may be all it takes to change behavior and to begin enriching adventures that will last a lifetime.
We at Brown Dog Services strongly believe that fishing teaches valuable life skills: desire, dedication, determination, and fun.
Ok now that you read all of that here is the deal; we also like to reward great kids for doing great things. So if you all are ever going to be in the Deale, MD area and would like to spend a day on the water free of charge, please let us know and we will get out fishing with one of our groups.
That sounds like a truly awesome program! Helping others always comes first in my book and this organization seems like it really reaches out to the citizens of our country who really appreciate oppurtunities like these. I tip my riggers to all who support this program and would by all means love to be involved with a program like this in my area! Keep up the great work and thank you!