Reeling in inclusion: Back Mountain Police Association hosts annual fishing event for children with autism

WYOMING — The Back Mountain Police Association held an inclusive fishing event Sunday at Frances Slocum State Park geared toward making the outdoor activity accessible and fun for children with autism.

At the event, which was held on the heels of Autism Awareness Month, kids and their families were provided with fishing supplies and snacks free of charge.

Experienced fishermen were paired up with each family to teach the kids how to fish and offer assistance whenever needed.

Special education teachers, behavioral health technicians and nurses were also among the volunteers.

Organizations like Parenting Autism United also helped out.

The event, in its second year, was held one day after the association’s 17th annual Rusty Flack Memorial Kid’s Fishing Day, which was open to all kids aged 5-12.

In addition to fishing, that event featured fire safety instruction and a K-9 demonstration.

Emily Baranowski, who helped organize Sunday’s inclusive fishing day, said 37 families had signed up to participate. There were also plenty of walk-ins, she said.

“I think it’s grown in popularity,” Baranowski said. “I’ve had people reach out to me asking when the event’s going to be and I’ve had teachers reaching out to ask if they can volunteer. There are even people asking how they can help make it bigger and better next year.”

Baranowski, who recently graduated from Misericordia with a Bachelor’s degree Elementary and Special Education, was inspired to organize an inclusive fishing day to help kids with special needs like her brother thrive.

“It’s so amazing when you see a student or a client or the person you’re helping do amazing things. I haven’t cried yet this year, but last year I bawled my eyes out because I was so happy,” she said.

The Back Mountain Police Association’s annual Kid’s Fishing Day has a special place in Baranowski’s heart because she used to participate when she was a younger.

“My dad forced me to come every year,” she said while laughing. “I just grew such a love for it. My senior year [in high school], we had prom the night before and I went to bed at 2 a.m and got up at 6 a.m. to come here the next day.”

Making sure kids with autism have the same opportunities as she did has been a rewarding experience, she said.

“It feels so full circle, if that makes sense. And it’s so nice that we’ve had so many different people from the community participate,” Baranowski said.

Sarah Smith, of Kingston, attended Sunday’s event with her daughter, Kenna, 9.

When asked how she liked fishing, Kenna proudly announced she already caught five trout.

“It’s nice because she can experience something new with help,” Smith said. “We couldn’t do something like this by ourselves.”

Ross Piazza, Back Mountain Police Association vice-president, said both weekend events were made possible by generous sponsors.

“Just the trout that we put in here alone was over $7,000 dollars. We stocked the lake with 1,100 trout,” he said.

Saturday’s turnout was huge, with over 200 children registering to participate.

“Ranch Wagon does the catering for us and I think they probably went through about 600 hot dogs,” said Piazza.

Even though Saturday’s event was open to all children, Piazza noted how important it was to have an additional day for children with special needs who might need more assistance.

“I have a grandson who’s on the spectrum. He lives up in Boston; he’s nine years old. So, I understand that some people might need more help,” he explained.

He continued, “Besides, any kid who gets a fish — it’s a big deal for them. Just to get one. So, we want to make sure they have the right bait on them and everything.”