There were plenty of smiles, excited shouts, and fish stories to tell at this year’s Mineral Lake Fishing Derby, but for 136 children, the biggest catch of the day wasn’t in the pond.
📸 Lions Member, Tina Moore announcing. A very special thank you to all of our Kid’s Giveaway Sponsors!
It was the opportunity to begin a lifetime of outdoor adventures.
As part of the 2026 Mineral Lake Fishing Derby, the Mineral Lake Lions Club hosted its annual Kids Trout Pond, giving children ages 14 and under a chance to experience the excitement of fishing in a safe, family-friendly environment at the Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground.
Every child who participated received a raffle ticket, but what happened next exceeded everyone’s expectations.
Thanks to an incredible partnership between the Mineral Lake Lions Club and several generous community partners, 136 complete camping gear kits were distributed to local children and families.
📸 A very special thank you to Mark White of Mark White Photography in Seattle for capturing these wonderful moments from the 2026 Mineral Lake Fishing Derby.
Each kit included essentials to help families begin making memories outdoors, including:
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Camping gear
- Outdoor essentials
For many families, this wasn’t simply camping equipment.
📸 A very special thank you to our Club Marketing Chair capturing these memorable moments from the 2026 Mineral Lake Fishing Derby.
It was an invitation to spend time together around a campfire, sleep under the stars, discover Washington’s beautiful outdoors, and create memories that can last a lifetime.
A Community Effort
This special giveaway would not have been possible without the generosity of our partners, whose commitment to children and outdoor recreation made this dream a reality.
The Mineral Lake Lions Club extends its sincere appreciation to:
Their support helped place camping gear directly into the hands of children who were already discovering the joy of fishing that morning.
More Than a Fishing Derby
The Mineral Lake Fishing Derby has always been about bringing families together, introducing young people to the outdoors, and building community.
The Kids Trout Pond is one of the highlights of derby weekend, giving children a chance to catch fish, celebrate their success, and experience the excitement that often sparks a lifelong love of fishing.
Adding the camping gear giveaway made the day even more meaningful by helping many families take the next step—from catching their first fish to enjoying their first camping trip together.
Serving Our Community
Projects like this reflect the mission of the Mineral Lake Lions Club: serving our community, supporting youth, and creating opportunities that improve lives.
Whether we’re providing scholarships, supporting the Mineral Daily Bread Food Bank, improving our campground, or helping children experience the outdoors for the very first time, we believe that investing in families strengthens our entire community.
To everyone who volunteered, donated, partnered with us, and cheered on these young anglers—thank you for making this unforgettable day possible.
We can’t wait to see these young campers back around the lake, pitching their new tents, telling stories around the campfire, and creating memories that will last for generations.
👉 While you’re thinking about derby weekend… don’t forget that camping reservations for the 2027 derby are already OPEN and sites are filling quickly!
🎣 Book your derby weekend camping spot here:
