Arrow-Heart kids take to water during 2021 Boat Regatta

   As improbable as it may sound, all you need to build a working boat is a cardboard box, a role of tape, some plastic, and a little nerve.
 Members of Arrow-Heart Adventure Camp, a non-profit that helps youths build character, proved it could be done during the group’s 7th annual Boat Regatta, held Sunday, July 18 at Weiser Memorial Pool.
 “Last year, COVID put a damper on our ability to conduct our race, so we were delighted to be able to do it this year,” said Arrow-Heart CEO and retired Weiser City Police officer, Steve Fenske.
 Youths, ages 12- to 15-years-old, gathered July 17 at the “Green House,” home of the Weiser City Police Department’s After School Program, which is located across the street from the pool on E. 3rd St. in Weiser.
 Program coaches helped participants construct their boats using only simple materials, including used appliance boxes.
 “We had 10 teens, split into two teams, which were tasked with designing and constructing a boat that would stay afloat and ultimately compete in the race,” Fenske said. “They used refrigerator boxes, black plastic wrap, bubble wrap sheets and black masking tape. Peoples Furniture donated the boxes, but all the other materials were paid for by Arrow-Heart Adventure Camps.”

 The construction phase of the event only took a couple hours on Saturday. The City of Weiser’s Recreation Department, under the approval and supervision of Director Ken Anderson, hosted the race the following day at 9 p.m. after the pool had closed for the day.
 Former senior Arrow-Heart member Shelby Aldrich served as a lifeguard for the event, which wrapped up at about 10 p.m.
 “The teens carried their boats over to the pool and safety instructions were explained before the race,” Fenske said, adding that boat captains were required to wear life vests.
 “The two teams placed their boats in the water and were instructed to change rowers at each end of the pool. Elly Anna Huggin’s team would have probably won the race. Unfortunately, young Adrian Dodson flipped his boat over before the finish line.”
 The boats, though initially functional, are only good for a single race before they start to breakdown, Fenske said.
 The winning team consisted of Junior Mentor and team leader Ethan Wilson, Jr., Mentors Morgan and Tina Dodson, and camper Evelyn Rodriguez.  
 Swimming relays were conducted after the boat race, with Huggin’s team winning both races. Her team consisted of Jr. Mentor Jazmin Juarez and campers Hayden Samson, and Adrian Dodson.
 Winning team members will be awarded Arrow-Heart Challenge coins at graduation in December.
 Arrow-Heart’s next adventure is an overnight weekend camp-out in August.
 “The Boat Regatta is one of many events that encourage the teens to utilize the six ‘C’s’ of leadership, Arrow-Heart’s core principles,” explained Fenske who also served 26 years in the military. “Arrow-Heart’s principles include communication, critical-thinking, commitment, courage, compassion, and character. This event utilizes all the above principles and encourages the teens to work as a team.”
 Fenske, whose father was a 27-year veteran police officer, earned the rank of Major before retiring from the military. He also served as a resource officer at Weiser High School and directed the After School Program.
Arrow-Heart is a 10-month program featuring one four-day camp and one overnight camping trip. The remainder of the year consists of special weekend activities and community service.
 For more information, call (208) 550-1755, or email Fenske at sffenske@gmail.com. To sponsor a teen, visit www.arrow-heart.com. To make a donation, visit www.paypal.com. To learn more about fundraising, contact Linda Fenske at (208) 549-2397.