TOLEDO, Ohio — Mark Lockett's grandson, Amare Lockett, died in a west Toledo house fire on Christmas Eve in 2021
"I don't think there's going to be a day where I ever not miss that I didn't get the chance to do this with him," Lockett said. "I want to keep my grandson's name alive and his legacy. He was only nine years old."
Amare's death left a void in Lockett's heart; both because of the loss, but also the inability to teach his grandson some life skills, including how to fish.
"I didn't get the chance to take him fishing, so I decided, with the help of a very good lifelong friend and my wife, to do this camp," he said.
Now, the Amare Lockett Youth Fishing Camp is in its third year of operation as an educational summer camp.
"We just like to get most of these kids into something different so they don't get lost in the streets," Lockett said.
Kids at the camp reel in valuable fishing and life skills, and for those who know Lockett personally, know that he is the right example to have in a young person's life.
"Mark is a person that tends to a lot of other people's needs before his own, so naturally, knowing him how I know him, I just try to be there for him as much as possible," said Damon Stewart, a grandfather of a camp member.
The group is hoping to reach 50 members. Last year, it had around 20.
But regardless of how many show up, camp members are assured they will not leave with just skills, but also the tools they need to keep tackling new ones.
Each kid is given a tackle box and fishing pole after completing the camp, and with each catch, they bring in a reminder of why Lockett started.
"I'm pretty sure Amare would love it," he said. "He would love it absolutely."
The club's 2024 summer camp will run from June 3-7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Scott High School. Pre-registration is happening on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ottawa Park.