Lions Clubs of Texas provide free summer camp for children with physical disabilities and Diabetes

Summer camp is a place for children to be outdoors, swim, ride horses, canoe, camp under the stars and try new things. Summer camp has long been a place for children to make friends, gain self-confidence, get along with others and have fun! Thanks to the Lions Clubs of Texas, children with physical disabilities and diabetes can share in the joys of these life experiences.

This summer Texas children with physical disabilities (between the ages of seven and 16) will be able to choose from six one-week sessions of camp or a week of day camp activities. Interested children should have some self-help skills in the areas of dressing, eating, toileting and bathing. Daily camp activities include swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, field sports, fishing, and camping under the stars. The week’s activities conclude with a special awards ceremony – everyone is a winner!

The Texas Lions Camp also provides summer sessions specifically designed for children with diabetes (ages eight to 15). In addition to exciting and challenging recreational activities, a medical team joins the camp staff to teach campers about their diabetes. Individualized attention in health care encourages control of diabetes while children learn to eat properly, monitor their blood sugar, and give their own insulin injections. “Diabetic children face a challenge to take proper care of themselves and take an active role in controlling their disease. Our goal is to assist them in learning skills to meet their own needs,” says Stephen Mabry, Executive Director. Parents also participate in instruction so that they can support their child’s new skills after camp is over.

For over 50 years the Texas Lions Camp has provided more than 45,000 children with physical disabilities and diabetes opportunities for fun recreational learning experiences. The camp is a nonprofit organization, funded by Lions Clubs and private donations. Children attend the camp at no cost to themselves or their families.

Further information and camper applications may be obtained by contacting a Lions Club in your area, the Houston office of Lions Clubs International at 713-796-2960, George Conner at 713-664-4073 or the Texas Lions Camp at P.O. Box 290247, Kerrville, Texas 78029-0247, 830-896-8500 V/TDD. You may download a camper application from the camp’s web site at www.lionscamp.com. Each camper’s application must be signed by a sponsoring lions club member.