There's something almost magical that happens when kids cast a line into a pond and try their luck at fishing. That simple act can lead to a lifelong hobby and an appreciation for nature, and that's what the Donegal Fish and Conservation Association (DFCA) hopes to accomplish at its annual Kids Fishing Derby.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the reflecting pond on the grounds of Donegal Presbyterian Church, 1891 Donegal Springs Road, Mount Joy. All youths age 11 and under, as well as all handicapped anglers who possess a current Pennsylvania fishing license, are invited to participate.

"Fishing gives kids a way to learn about the outdoors, have fun with their family and experience a bit of accomplishment," said Scot Harlacher, a volunteer with DFCA and a member of Donegal Presbyterian Church. "My hope is that through fishing kids will learn to appreciate and love the outdoors and this will lead to a lifetime of exploring and caring for our natural world."

Coinciding with the fishing derby, the church will host a pancake breakfast open to event participants and the general public. It will be served from 7 to 11 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. Proceeds from the breakfast will support the church's yearly mission trip to upstate New York.

"There is no need to make reservations for the pancake breakfast," Harlacher said. "Simply show up that day with an appetite and consider a donation to the church's annual mission trip."

At the fishing derby, DFCA members will be on hand to help participants, but each angler must bring his or her own equipment and clean his or her own fish.

The fishing derby is just one way the DFCA promotes environmental stewardship.

"The DFCA was created in the early 1960s to be caretakers and stewards of the Donegal Creek watershed," Harlacher said of the nonprofit. "We maintain a cooperative trout nursery with the PA Fish and Boat Commission and raise about 3,000 fish per year from fingerlings to adulthood. These trout are then stocked in local waterways for recreational fishing. We also partner with various conservation groups, civic organizations and landowners to promote healthy water conservation in our local area."

The fishing derby offers a way for the organization to promote its mission and support youths who want to try their hand at reeling in a big one.

"I encourage anyone to attend the derby to spend time helping their children learn about this enjoyable outdoor activity," Harlacher said. "It's fun to come even without kids, too, just to watch, gain information about the DFCA or enjoy breakfast inside the church."

The event will be held rain or shine, and the church will be open for kids to get hot food and drinks or simply warm up for a bit, he noted.

"Our hope is that this event brings the public together to help kids have fun, experience a positive outdoor activity and learn a bit about some worthwhile charitable causes," he said. "Our annual fishing derby is very special to me because over the years we have been able to introduce hundreds of children to fishing in a beautiful place that I truly care about."

All participants must register with the DFCA on the day of the event. Parking will be permitted only in the Donegal Presbyterian Church parking area. Street parking will be prohibited. For more information, contact DFCA president Chris Brandt at 703-470-7585.