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Young boys huddled Saturday and clutched tiny fishing poles around a temporary above-ground pond.

They were trying to reel in catfish in the murky water being swirled by a fountain in the center of the pond.For the moment the fish weren’t biting, but that was hardly a deterrent to the determined youngsters.

Nearby, about 10 Belgian sheepdogs from Linda Madeira’s K-Lin Kennel shuffled around, craving the hands that reached into their large mesh enclosure. They were hoping to get as much attention as possible before an obedience demonstration with their trainers.

All of it was part of the fun at the annual National Get Outdoors Day event at Blue Marsh Lake.

More than 40 organizations provided activities and information to those who stopped by the event, which was hosted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The manager of the park at Blue Marsh, Scott Sunderland, estimated that more than 1,000 people would attend.

According to Sunderland, this is the seventh year that Blue Marsh has hosted Get Outdoors Day, a national initiative in its 10th year that aims to reach first-time visitors to public parks and to reconnect youth with the outdoors. Similar events were held simultaneously across the country.In the past, the focus of Blue Marsh Lake’s event was on water safety, but it has since shifted toward promoting all outdoor activities.

“We’re glad to have everybody come out,” Sunderland said. “It opens up the whole community. It shows to the public what’s available here at Blue Marsh. It’s not just swimming and boating; there’s all kinds of outdoor activities that are available here all year round.”

Becky Richards, superintendent of recreation at the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department, said the event is purposefully held at a time of year when people are starting to look for ways to get outdoors.

“You can recreate any time of the year, but we’re so excited to enjoy this time of the year,” Richards said. “There are so many opportunities, whether at Blue Marsh Lake or our county parks system, and we’re representing that today with trail maps, fishing, paddling and archery. And then we also promote the safe side of recreation.”

Richards and Sunderland expressed appreciation for the groups that got involved with Get Outdoors Day, including Western Berks Water Authority and the Berks 4-H Dog Training Club.

“A lot of them (include) volunteers that have given their day to come and be part of this event,” Richards said. “That’s what makes it successful: people are here helping to share what they do.”

Information on more events and recreation opportunities at Blue Marsh Lake and Berks County parks is available on the parks system’s website, http://www.co.berks.pa.us/parks.