Pittsfield: Wild Acres Fishing Derby

07:08AM / Tuesday, May 06, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (April 28, 2025) - The City of Pittsfield's Conservation Commission, Recreation Program and Lyon Aviation have announced a free Fishing Derby for youth ages 14 years old and under on Saturday, May 10, at the Wild Acres Conservation Area (rain or shine).

Volunteer support will be provided by the Onota Fishing Club to assist with dressing fish, providing fishing tips and techniques, baiting, etc. The derby will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last until noon. Trophies will be awarded during a ceremony between 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to those who catch the largest fish (length & weight).

The Onota Boat Livery has donated fishing poles as part of a giveaway during the event. Bait will be provided and the accessible trail down to the pond will be open.

The first 100 children will receive a free food voucher, and food will also be available for purchase from Ozzie's Steak & Eggs.

Wild Acres Conservation Area is located off South Mountain Road in Pittsfield.

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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