By Steve Weisman

(photo by Adam Lybarger) A good crowd is expected for this year’s Camp Autumn outing.

The second annual Camp Autumn Ice Fishing Tournament and Fundraiser is set for Saturday, February 13 with registration taking place at 9 a.m. and the fishing going from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tournament will be held at Camp Autumn, a 30-acre private lake located several miles southwest of Royal and Everly. Camp Autumn has an excellent population of crappies, bluegills and largemouth bass, and last year’s inaugural event was a huge success with all ages and levels of ice anglers. The goal is to enjoy the lake and support a great cause.

According to Adam Lybarger, director of Camp Autumn, “ We are extremely excited to be putting on this event for the second year now and to have such an amazing amount of support for Camp Autumn and this event from the community and our sponsors. We believe this event truly provides something for everyone. There is no registsration fee, but as a free-will donation event, we greatly appreciate any support attendees can provide.”

Lybarger adds, “We are thrilled to be able to open our lake to the public and provide a family friendly way for participants to connect with the outdoors and support a great cause.  All the money raised from the tournament goes to our scholarship program providing the needed funds for kids to come to camp this summer and receive the respite that is so needed during these trying times!”

The tournament is a catch, measure and release event with prizes awarded in three categories: largemouth bass, crappies and bluegills.

The Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (www.iagreatlakesfishingclub.org) is partnering with Camp Autumn. The club will be providing ice shacks, heaters and fishing gear (on a first come-first serve/rotating basis), providing transportation from the parking lot to the main area of the lake, providing official tournament judges to measure and log fish caught. The club is also providing the first 50 youngsters with a free ice fishing rod and reel and also putting on a Kids Fishing Clinic to teach the youngsters about ice safety and the basics of ice fishing. Lybarger says, “The IGLFC has been a great partner for us, and we appreciate all that they do for us and the anglers, families and youngsters in northwest Iowa.”

IGLFC president Terry Thomsen looks forward to the Camp Autumn outing. “The IGLFC appreciates Camp Autumn sharing its facilities with the general public. Our hope is that lots of angling veterans and families alike take advantage of the chance to enjoy this excellent fishery. In turn, we hope that folks will show their generosity in donations to Camp Autumn.”

A host of local businesses and individuals have come together to help sponsor the event. In addition to the IGLFC, other sponsors in the fishing industry include Great Lakes Guide Service, No Limits Outdoors, Oak Hill Outdoors, Pure Fishing, Shuck’s Lures and Stan’s Bait and Tackle. Area businesses including Casey’s, Sheldon Hy-Vee, Snook’s of Okoboji and Town Square Coffeehouse are also generous sponsors. Lybarger appreciates all of the sponsors. “We are beyond grateful for the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club and all of our sponsors. This event would not be possible without their generosity and support.”

Enjoying the day and staying COVID safe

Lybarger discusses COVID safety for the day. “Of course, we are concerned about COVID-19 and the health and safety of each participant and volunteer for the day. We believe that with a few logistical changes, some extra precautions, and with a little cooperation and patience from participants we can still hold a safe event for everyone!” Listed below are the safety precautions:

• We are asking that anyone who is not feeling well or knows they have been exposed to COVID-19 to please not participate in the event.
• All participants will need to wear a mask during registration and transportation to/from the main lake. Hand sanitizer will be available at registration.
• Multiple registration tables will set up in the basketball warehouse with the large garage door open to allow plenty of airflow and 6 foot distances marked on the ground.
• Transportation assistance out to the main lake provided by the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club will be done via trailer rides (think hayride style out to the ice) to ensure social distancing and the safety of the club volunteers.
• The camp warehouse will not be open this year. Bowls of chili and hot drinks will be available out on the ice!
• Tournament and door prizes will be awarded at the end of the day either out on the ice or via an FM broadcast that participants can tune into with their car radios in the parking lot depending on weather conditions.
• Social “FISH-tancing” will be required between shelters and anglers on the ice but do believe this naturally occurs anyway due to the nature of the sport.

Additional information, registration links and a list of prizes can be found under events on the Camp Autumn Facebook page  (www.facebook.com/campautumn).

Why the name Autumn?

Autumn’s Center and Camp Autumn are named in honor and memory of three-year-old Autumn Elgersma of Orange City, who died on October 31, 2013, two days after being hospitalized for injuries she received from her daycare provider. Since her passing, Autumn’s light has continued to shine through her story and the impact it has made on northwest Iowa. Autumn’s mother, Jennifer, along with her husband Phil, and children Faith and Jared, are dedicated to creating awareness on child abuse and serving as an ambassador to help protect our community’s children.

About Camp Autumn

The camp itself is located on a beautiful property near Sutherland, Iowa with 73 acres of land and water. This gives a lot of space to hike and explore and even a lake for campers to enjoy recreational activities during a warm day at camp.

Lybarger says, “Camp Autumn is a therapeutic day camp owned and operated by Seasons Center for Behavioral Health.  When youngsters come to work with us at one of our 12 offices across northwest Iowa, they receive evidence-based therapy and treatment.  Here at Camp Autumn, we serve youth ages 4-21 with behavioral and mental health needs.”