By Tara Fischer
Staff Writer
Child abuse prevention and protection is the mission of the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center’s 12 Annual Pirates for Prevention Walk for Kids scheduled later this month.
On April 26, the Berlin-based youth support team, or CAC, will host its yearly Pirates for Prevention Walk for Kids. The event will kick off at noon from the Cabanas Beach Bar and Grille on the Ocean City Boardwalk, where participants will trek the one-mile route to foster attention for Child Abuse Protection Month.
“[The walk] is a family-friendly, pirate-themed event that benefits the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center and highlights the importance of child abuse prevention during the month of April,” CAC Executive Director Lauren Cooper said. “Community members of all ages are invited to join the one-mile fun walk, which is a scenic half mile up the boardwalk and back while helping raise awareness and funds for services that directly support child victims of abuse.”
Cooper added that a “treasure chest” of pirate-themed activities will be held before and after the walk, including a pirate costume contest, face painting, a Captain Hook Ring Toss, Cannon Ball Cornhole, and a treasure hunt from Cabanas to 8th Street. Participation in the games is open to children and adults with a suggested donation.
Attendees are also invited to join the CAC team in planting pinwheels in the sand, the national symbol for child abuse protection, before the noon start time.
“We want to bring the community together in a visible display of support for happy, healthy childhoods,” Cooper said. “…This event is our way of celebrating kids while also bringing attention to the important work that our team does.”
Individuals and businesses are encouraged to sign on as sponsors. Sponsorship levels include the “Captain’s Circle” for $2,500, “First Mate’s Fleet” for $1,000, “Treasure Hunter” for $500, “Buccaneer Benefactor” for $250, and “Private Partner” for $100. The center is also accepting donations from businesses, such as raffle items like gift cards or merchandise.
Cooper maintained that sponsorship opportunities are still available.
“Local businesses and individuals can become event sponsors and help make a difference in the lives of children while receiving recognition on event signage, social media, and promotional materials,” the executive director noted. “All donations are tax-deductible, and every dollar helps us continue offering vital services to children and families in crisis.”
The walk typically yields around 100 participants annually, and Cooper said they hope to match or exceed that number this time around. All proceeds and sponsorships benefit the Worcester County CAC and its goal of offering a “safe, child-focused environment where children can share their stories, receive support, and begin to heal.”
The Worcester County Child Advocacy Center was formerly known as The CRICKET Center. Earlier this year, the organization rolled out a rebrand complete with a new name, a fresh logo featuring waves and a surfboard to capture Worcester’s coastal aesthetic, and an updated website. The goal of the adjustments was for the center to strengthen its ties in the community and present a clearer idea of its mission and goals.
The center works as a resource for child victims and their families. Programs include forensic interviews for children to share their stories in a supportive environment, advocating for legal action against child abuse perpetrators, mental health services, collaboration with agencies that aid child victims and their families during investigations, and, aligned with the April 26 walk, child abuse protection.
CAC’s website includes its impact in 2024. Last year alone, the center conducted 96 forensic interviews, identified 184 perpetrators, participated in 157 hours of court accompaniment, and was involved in 124 joint investigations. The webpage also adds that since its founding in 2009, the organization has served 1,673 child victims.
The pirate-themed walk slated for later this month is just one effort of the group to aid the Eastern Shore community.
“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and this walk is one of the most meaningful ways we bring our community together to celebrate kids,” Cooper said. “Each step we take raises awareness and shows our commitment to building a safer, healthier future for children in our community.”