WALLEYE FISHING RETREAT AT LAKE ERIE - REGISTRATION IS OPEN

The Bobby Henline Foundation, doing business as Forging Forward is hosting a active duty and veteran military and first responder and Gold Star Family Retreat along with our nonprofit partner, Walleyes for Wounded Heroes, in Port Clinton, Ohio. This Retreat location will have lodging available at Camp Perry. This is an adults-only retreat.

Forging Forward is invested in Suicide Prevention through personal connections.

The Forging Forward Walleye Fishing Retreat is open to male and female active duty and veterans who can ambulate independently, including Gold Star:

• Military
• Law enforcement
• Firefighters
• EMS
• Rescue Squad
• Gold Star Family Members (Parent, Spouse, Child 18+ years)

FOCUS: Have fun, learn new skills, socialization, camaraderie, relaxation, and connectivity. 

ACTIVITIES: Three days of guided fishing on volunteer boats with local Lake Erie fishermen and fisherwomen. The Retreat will also have other activities to do as a group in the evening hours to include one night of comedy by Bobby Henline, The Well Done Comedian, relaxation and more. Activities are done as a group. We want each person to come away with a new skill, battle buddies, and know there are people who care about you. 

All fishing poles and equipment, life jackets, etc. will be provided by each Boat Captain. Every participant, including the participants with Walleyes for Wounded Heroes, will be assigned a Boat Captain on the day of arrival. Every participant will be assigned a lodging location at Camp Perry on the day of arrival. For those who are chosen to participate, additional emails will be forthcoming regarding clothes and other items to bring, exact location and time to report, etc. 

COST: The Retreat, Activities, and Food are FREE TO PARTICIPANTS. Note: Not everyone who applies will be chosen to attend the Retreat. This Retreat has six (6) spots available to fill. 

ALLERGIES: Various foods will be prepared and served at the Retreat and/or local restaurant. If you have allergies, it is strongly advised you put your health first as there are no medical personnel assigned to attend the Retreat and make note of this during your application process.

TRANSPORTATION: All participants will be responsible to get themselves to and from Port Clinton, Ohio. Forging Forward shall not take responsibility for any mishaps or accidents that may occur to or from the final location(s) or to any activity the participant(s) ride with a volunteer or other participant, or drive to.

Transportation after arriving will be the participant's responsibility, or you may choose to ride with another participant at your own risk. 

MOBILITY: One boat may be able to accomodate wheelchairs. The lodging location does have some steps along with wheelchair accessibility. Please indicate all accessibility needs on the application. All daily living activities must be independent. 

LODGING: All lodging will be at Camp Perry. Shared rooms will be assigned according to male/female. Lodging is co-ed.

ALL APPLICANTS BE ADVISED: This location is on the edge of Lake Erie.  Lake Erie is within walking distance of Camp Perry. There are lots of bugs flying around and the sun will be hot reflecting off the water on the shore and in the boats. In April, the weather may also be very cold. You will be on a boat with zero access to shore for 7+ hours each day, early morning until late afternoon. You will be on a boat with Captain and up to 1-4+ other participants, depending on boat size. Breakfast is served before boarding, a bagged lunch will be prepared for lunch. There will be around 30-50 participants at this Retreat.

ATTENDANCE: It is expected all participants will remain at the Retreat for the duration. If you have a conflict and know that you will be late arriving or have to leave early, please be considerate and pass on this opportunity.

SERVICE DOGS and UPLOAD OF DOCUMENTS: The application requires the following to be uploaded in the application if you are bringing a service dog - be aware and prepared. Trained service dogs with current service certificates, updated shots, and good behavior are welcome. Bring a crate for your service dog. 

File Uploads Required: 

1) Service Dog Training Certificate

2) Current Service Dog Shot Records

3) Photo of Service Dog.

UPLOAD OF DOCUMENTS: The application requires the following to be uploaded in the application - be aware and prepared: 

File Uploads Required. 1) Military Veteran: Upload your DD-214 and a copy of your current driver license. 2) Military Active Duty: Upload your military ID with photo.  3) First Responder Active Duty: Upload your most current training certificate or an image of your badge and a copy of your current driver license. 4) First Responder Veteran: Upload a certificate or other image that will show the review team you are a first responder veteran and a copy of your current driver license. 5) Gold Star Family: Upload an image of your driver license.   

ARRIVAL: April 10 between 2:00-4:00 PM local time to Port Clinton, OH

DEPARTURE: April 13 at 8:00 AM local time 

ELIGIBILITY:  If you have attended a Forging Forward Retreat in the past 12 months, you are not eligible to attend this event UNLESS there is an open spot after all other applicants have been considered, were chosen, and dropped out due to a personal circumstance. Please feel free to apply and we will add you to the waiting list. 

RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR FORGING FORWARD: Upon arrival and before participating in any activity, participants will be required to sign a RELEASE OF LIABILITY to participate. Please be prepared.