Shannon Sokolski, a therapeutic recreational therapist with NJ WAVE, holds Makenzi, 4, who touches a sand shark caught by Frank Pizzutilla, Ocean City Fishing Club president.
Special guests arrived Wednesday at Ocean City Fishing Club’s pier, as campers with New Jersey WAVE waited for a fish to strike.
And when the first one was reeled in, the excitement was contagious. Smiles spread quickly through the group along with shouts, “He got one!”
New Jersey Wonderful Adolescent Ventilator Excursion campers, who need special medical care such as medical ventilation, feeding tubes, or daily care, met some OCFC members who gave the group a chance to help catch a fish.
While it might be a typical experience for anyone spending a few days at the shore, there’s nothing ordinary about the outing for these visitors.
“Some of these kids have never had this type of experience, ever,” said Tricia Cunningham, a camp director with NJ WAVE. “And may never have it again. People take this kind of day for granted until they see how our kids react. It’s truly amazing.”
Whether in wheelchairs, strollers or carried in someone’s arms, all 10 guests showed enthusiasm for their fishing adventure.
Shannon Sokolski, a therapeutic recreational therapist with NJ WAVE, holds Makenzi, 4, who touches a sand shark caught by Frank Pizzutilla, Ocean City Fishing Club president.
The day was part of NJ WAVE’s yearly free summer camp at the shore. The program started about 20 years ago, first staying in rooms at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City, then moving to Stockton University’s campus in Galloway Township for a few years. The group found at new home about 12 years ago at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Northfield, its current base.
“They have everything for us there,” explained Dr. Caitlin Papastamelos, medical director at Voorhees Pediatric Facility, which sponsors NJ WAVE. “Holy Trinity facilities give us access to big rooms, wide hallways, places for beds and all the equipment our medical staff brings for our sleepover. It’s perfect for us.”
The partnership between NJ WAVE and OCFC began about 10 years ago, with club member Dan Michaels, who met Dr. Papastamelos when he worked at the then-Shore Memorial Hospital. After discussing the possibility of OCFC becoming involved with her organization, the club’s trustees approved the camp’s fishing visit to the pier that has continued.
On Monday, the staff prepared everything at the church, with campers, ranging from three to 19 years old, arriving Tuesday. Before coming to the fishing pier, they spent a day taking in the Boardwalk attractions, food and, of course, the rides.
“The Tilt-A-Whirl was my favorite!” exclaimed WAVE camper Brad Thompson, 16. “I even went on it twice!”
He was very proud that the first fish caught Wednesday landed in his lap, literally. After OCFC member Herm Adkins brought the catch over the railing and unhooked it, he handed it to Brad. The fish flip-flopped out of Brad’s palms and onto his lap, surprising everyone.
“I guess this makes me a real fisherman!” Brad beamed, as he handed the fish to Adkins to release. Other campers helped reel in fish and also touched their catch before returning the fish to the water.
OCFC President Frank Pizzutilla, and members added their skills to land some fish for the campers. Margaret Feil, OCFC secretary, distributed fishing club patches to all the participants.
While no keepers were caught, the memories of the campers’ visit to the OCFC fishing pier will last a long time. All the OCFC representatives agreed that they enjoyed bringing smiles to the all campers’ faces and look forward to another visit next year.
“Our campers look forward to this time at the shore and they’ll remember their day fishing at the pier for a long time,” said Cunningham.
Ocean City Fishing Club member Herm Adkins (left) hands a fish just caught to Brad Thompson, a NJ WAVE camper visiting the club's pier
