“THIS is
one of
the most
reward-ing
things in my life,” says
Shulstad, who hopes to
resume normal operations
on Pleasure Island next
summer. “Kure Beach
and Carolina Beach have
definitely been more
business-friendly. Kure
Beach especially has been
wonderful.”
An average day for the
campers, who range in age
from 6 and 14, begins with
cast nets and/or a search
for mullet and croaker.
“They get to experience
the full circle of life,”
Shulstad says, referencing
how the campers search for
smaller fish to use as bait
to lure in the larger fish.
“To see the joy on the kids’
faces when they catch a
ray or a shark is indescrib-able.
It is also amazing
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to see how the kids work
together, with many of the
older children naturally
turning into teachers. They
come to camp to learn, and
then they end up helping
the younger kids.”
Time will tell if instilling
an interest in fishing and being on the water will result in a
new generation of coastal advocates. Regardless, it is worth
pointing out that the value of wild-caught seafood in North
Carolina contributes nearly $300 million in annual revenues.
The same study, published in 2021 by NC State University,
showed that the seafood industry contributes 5,500 jobs.
With the establishment and management of their fishing
camps, Shulstad and Nason are sparking an interest with
the younger generation.
“Being able to show the kids that the beauty in life is not
on your phone, but instead in the natural world and the
relationships you make, has truly been wonderful,” says
Shulstad.
Every day, every trip can contain a variety of activities.
46 august 2022
WBM
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