Local Unions and Priest Holmes Foundation Team Up to Inspire the Next Generation of Anglers
By Charlie Fierstine
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), in partnership with the Priest Holmes Foundation and the San Antonio Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC), hosted a successful Take Kids Fishing Day on Saturday at South Side Lions Park, welcoming dozens of young anglers and their families for a day of outdoor fun, learning, and community connection.
Two Take Kids Fishing Day participants pose for a photo at South Side Lions Park. The event saw nearly 170 young people, their families, and volunteers come together to enjoy the outdoors.
The event, designed to introduce youth under the age of 15 to the joys of fishing, drew families from across the San Antonio area. With fishing poles in hand and smiles on their faces, children cast their lines—many for the first time—into Lions Park Lake with guidance from union volunteers and mentors from the Priest Holmes Foundation.
“This was my first event as a USA staff member, and I think the event was a huge success,” said USA Conservation Coordinator Maggie Sager. “Whether it was their first time or they were experienced anglers, everyone was reeling in fish and having a great time. It’s so important to get youths connected and engaged in outdoor recreation, and the San Antonio Take Kids Fishing event did just that.”
The day was made possible thanks to the enthusiastic support of union volunteers from the San Antonio BCTC and beyond, as well as dedicated members of the Priest Holmes Foundation.
“Take Kids Fishing Day was a great opportunity to connect with families in our community and represent Local 67 with pride,” said Roxanne Bernal, marketing representative for SMART Southwest Gulf Coast Regional Council. “Seeing the kids so engaged and excited made the day truly special. Huge thanks to the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance for bringing us all together.”
The event aligns with the USA’s mission to unite the union community through conservation and provide meaningful outdoor experiences to youth and their families.
Shane Denn helps a young angler bait a hook at the San Antonio Take Kids Fishing Day on May 17.
“Helping kids to experience the outdoors and learn to appreciate what it has to offer is one of the most rewarding endeavors I can imagine,” said San Antonio BCTC Secretary Treasurer Shane Denn.
Take Kids Fishing Day is part of USA’s larger Work Boots on the Ground initiative—a conservation program that brings together union members to volunteer their time and skills for conservation projects and events that benefit communities nationwide.
