The wishes of four area children came true this summer when a nonprofit that grants outdoor adventures brought their dreams to fruition.

From May to July, Beaufort County nonprofit Angels N Camo, an organization that grants hunting and fishing trips to special needs or ill children, facilitated fishing trips for four children, one of which was Sarah Banta, a resident of Washington, according to Lisa Adams, founder of Angels N Camo. Three other children — CJ Zimmer and Aliya Schuster, both of Greenville, and Timothy Campbell of Oak City — enjoyed adventures sponsored by the organization.

“Every trip is different and amazing in its own way, but this summer has been epic,” Adams said. “The memories made this summer are truly ones that will last a lifetime. There were many smiles, laughter and tears of joy this summer. The friendships made with the kids, their families and the adventure guides are priceless. I hope that each kid knows how special they are to me and how they’ve had an impact on my family and me. I love them all.”

CJ Zimmer went on a trip to Weldon, known as the rockfish capital of the world, in pursuit of the fish also known as striped bass. Richard Andrews, captain of Tar-Pam Guide Service led the trip with Angels N Camo, and over 75 fish were caught and released during the morning adventure, according to Adams.

Timothy Campbell, along with his mother and sister, headed to Oriental to fish with Capt. Greg Voliva of Four Season Guide Service. Timothy and company hooked striped bass, red drum, trout and bluefish, Adams said.

At OBX Marina in Wanchese, Sarah departed for her trip on the Fish Hunter, with Capt. Matt Hurlbut and Capt. Elson Meyers. Eighteen dolphin fish were caught, as well as a 46-pound Yellowfin Tuna and a sailfish, according to Adams.

The last trip of the summer was Aliyah Schuster’s trip, who traveled to Morehead City with her mother and stepdad, according to Adams. The crew, along with Capt. Chad Bond, with the charter Feet First, caught wahoo and blackfin tuna.

Adams said families that have children with special needs or are dealing with illnesses must put financial focus on the necessities and often don’t have time to go on vacations or special trips such as the ones provided by Angels N Camo. Providing the children with time away from their homes and away from their every day lives means more than some people can comprehend, Adams said. She cited a quote from Henry David Thoreau, “Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after,” relating it to the experience the nonprofit provides to the children and their families.

When Adams started Angels N Camo in 2012, she had little experience in organizing the charity fishing and hunting trips, she said.

“I just wanted to give a kid an opportunity of a lifetime, and to make a difference in their life, sharing my love of the outdoors with them,” Adams said. “(The kids) flipped it on me. Each one of them has made a tremendous impact on my life. I always want each kid’s adventure to be successful and for us to get that trophy that we are after. However, I have learned that it truly is not about the trophy. It is about the experience these kids have. Getting them out of their house, taking them to a place they have never been, providing them with an opportunity to do something that they could not do otherwise — that is what it is all about. The trophy is just a bonus.”