This Saturday at 9:00 a.m., the Alexandria Kiwanis Club will cast its lines for its signature project: Kids Fishing Day at Lake Cook. Families, local volunteers, and children from Alexandria Rec Department are invited to join a morning of fishing, fun, and community.
Now in its 104th year of service, the Alexandria Kiwanis Club has made Kids Fishing Day one of its most beloved traditions. The event takes place at 4001 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304 (Lake Cook).
This isn’t just a day of casting rods into the water — it’s an opportunity for children in the Alexandria Recreation Department’s programs to learn about nature, patience, and community. Over the years, hundreds of youth (typically age 8 to 12) have participated, guided by Kiwanis volunteers, local parks and recreation staff, and the Alexandria City High School Key Club.
In a past year’s event, more than 50 children joined with 20 Key Club volunteers, 12 Kiwanis members, and 10 recreation staff. Over 50 fish were caught (and released), and one lucky angler landed a catfish big enough to be the talk of the morning.
Those memories became stories told in the Rec Department, in homes, and among new volunteers who saw the event in action.
Why do we call this the Kiwanis Club’s signature project? Because it lies at the heart of what Kiwanis is about: serving children. Through this event, we invest in Alexandria’s youngest, giving them a chance to connect with nature, try something new, and feel supported by their community. The program has become one of our keystone efforts to strengthen ties between volunteers, families, and the city’s youth networks.
If you’re thinking of how to give back, this is one of the most rewarding ways in Alexandria. You don’t need to be an expert angler. Volunteer roles include help with setup, casting instruction, check-in, mentorship, or lending a hand with cleanup. Every hand helps make the morning smoother, safer, and more memorable.
Details:
What – Kids Fishing Day
When – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025
Where – Lake Cook, 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria
Who – Children in Alexandria Rec programs; open to community support
Why – To benefit children, teach outdoor skills, build community
Come join us, bring your rods (or borrow one), and help ensure this Saturday is one of laughter, learning, and connection. Alexandria’s Kiwanis Club is more than an organization — it’s the kind of neighbor who shows up, day in and day out, for kids. Let this fishing day be one of those moments.