Believing in the value of the outdoors and youth, the purpose of Reel Expectations is introduce young people to the outdoors, while teaching recreational fishing skills as a positive alternative. This is done through classroom instruction and “on the water” experience. In addition, classes on conservation and environmental education will teach responsibility and create awareness on the impact we h
ave on others and our world. During the past nineteen years Reel Expectations, has reached more than 3,000 young people. We have provided free rods, reels and tackle to 1500 of those participants. We donated $5,000.00 to young people as sponsorships and memberships, either at the local level or to higher levels of competitive fishing. Reel Expectations has risen over $20,000.00 for a scholarship fund established by the Delaware Bass Federation Inc in the name of Melvin Seichepine. In November 2007, we were recognized in “Delaware Today” magazine as one of the top twenty non-profits, for giving back to the community. In December 2008, Reel Expectations was featured in Readers Digest for “making a difference”. Readers Digest awarded the Boys and Girls Club of America $100,000 on behalf of Reel Expectations. During 2009, our program expanded by offering Reel Expectations to students with cognitive and intellectual disabilities. In 2009, we added Prescription drug abuse and Ethics to our curriculum. In 2009 we took fourteen young people on a Christian retreat to Santee Cooper, SC to become “Fishers of Men”. Since that time, we have introduced 100 young people to Christian leadership. In June of 2013, we held our first retreat on Lake George, NY. We have conducted school based intervention programs at the Naperville Bridge School in Woodridge, Illinois. We have presented over 100 programs to Delaware schools and organizations
We support other youth clubs in our state by providing free equipment and tackle. We support 100 students in various high school youth clubs. These students come from six different Delaware high schools. We assist and supplement the expenses of young people that compete in state and national competitions. The fishing equipment, tackle and programs are provided at no cost to these young people. All staff are volunteers and utilize personal time to conduct these programs. Reel Expectations is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, EIN # 81-0571971
