June marks the start of summer, a season defined by adventure, exploration, and the simple joys of childhood. In recognition of National Fishing Week, celebrated June 6-14, Marine Toys for Tots is championing outdoor play through its Give and Go: Outdoor Adventures Start with You initiative. This program aims to connect children with nature, helping them discover confidence, curiosity, and joy through outdoor experiences.
As part of this initiative and in the spirit of National Fishing Week, Toys for Tots partnered with local coordinator Gina Capate to host a hands-on fishing event in Maple Shade, New Jersey. The event gave 24 local foster children the opportunity to connect with nature in a fun, supportive setting. On a warm morning, the children gathered by the water, where they learned not only how to fish but also experienced a deeper sense of belonging. Alongside volunteers, local leaders, and law enforcement officers—many of whom personally invited and mentored the children—they practiced patience, teamwork, and resilience. What organizers fondly referred to as the “Cops and Boppers” event became more than recreation; it was a powerful example of how relationships and trust are built through shared, positive experiences.
Each child left with a fishing pole and a bag of their own, but also with an enduring feeling that their community sees them, values them, and is willing to invest in their happiness. Moments like these may seem small, but they are seeds of confidence and possibility that extend far beyond a single day. “This fishing event was about more than spending time on the water—it was about creating moments where children feel supported, encouraged, and included,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Sometimes all it takes is one opportunity to spark confidence that can last a lifetime.”
For millions of underserved children, access to such opportunities is far less certain, but no less important. Safe outdoor play, educational toys, and enriching books are not always within reach. Ensuring these opportunities is the heart of the Give and Go: Outdoor Adventures Start with You initiative. “Outdoor experiences help children discover confidence, patience, and a sense of possibility that stays with them long after the day ends. Every child deserves the chance to step outside, try something new, and realize what they are capable of,” said Lieutenant General Laster.
Through the initiative, donations are transformed into fishing poles that teach new skills, soccer balls that spark new hobbies, books that ignite curiosity about the world, or games that encourage creativity and problem-solving. These experiences create space for children to simply be children. This is what the American public’s generosity makes possible—and why outdoor play, educational toys, and meaningful experiences remain at the heart of Toys for Tots’ mission. To learn more about Toys for Tots and its year-round mission or to donate, visit toysfortots.org.
