Brown Dog Needs Your Help.

[CaptainSteve]

Guys I hate to do this, but I need your help in raising $100,000 grand for this year’s program. If you can help please visit our web page and make a donation. I would love to find 100 business that would be willing to donate $1000.00 each, or 1000 people willing to donate $100.00 each. If you can help in any way it would be greatly appreciated. If you know anyone who can help this worthwhile organization, please forward this information along to them. I included the basics about our program below. Our federal non-profit tax id number is available on our webpage.

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 Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and various other locations based on need. 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 Project Reel coordinates with community groups, civil service organizations, and others who lead us to participants. Each teen and disabled veteran participates willingly. No one is obligated to return for another adventure; although, many do. We do not discriminate, in policy or in practice, according to race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Brown Dog Services Project Reel maintains contact with clients through email, telephone, and personal interviews to get feedback on our program so we can improve our abilities to meet participant expectations.

Brown Dog Services has three simple objectives for staff and participants:
• 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
• Teach teenagers to respect, enjoy, protect, and conserve the environment in which we live
• 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.

Our costs are approximately $200.00 per participant for a full day of boating and fishing. Our goal is to help at least 250-500 individuals per year. Accordingly, I am asking you all for your help so that we can continue our services to “at-risk” youth and to our indebted young disabled veterans.

All of us at Brown Dog Services thank you for your consideration and interest. We look forward to your early response.

’Til Next Tide,

[breel]

Do you accept equipment, i.e. rod/reel or a tackle box in good condition, or do you want it to be new?

[CaptainSteve]

we do take it and no it does not have to be new. Just in working condition. We will referbish it if need be and give it to the kids.

[knot for shore]

How does one get the gear that you give out the participants to you? Do you have a need for volunteers?

[CaptainSteve]

Some of the rods and reels are donated, while others are purchased from Shakespere at a reduced price. Yes we are always in need of volunteers. If you are intersted in volunteering, please send me a PM.