2008 Camp Lions Information

Come Join the Fun at Camp Lions!

2008 Camp Lions Schedule

Helen Keller Adult Camp for Blind & Deaf - June 8 - 14, 2008

Program open to adults age 18 & older who are Blind or have low vision and/or are Deaf or hard of hearing. Scroll down for description of activities and eligibility.

Deadline to apply to attend Helen Keller Camp is May 23, 2008. Click here to download & print the Camp Helen Keller Application packet. Click here to download & print the SSP application if you intend to be accompanied by an SSP.

Nominated Camps: June 15 - 21 - Camp Reynoldswoods, Dixon, IL

Includes two distinct programs for personal development - the Counselor-In-Training session (CIT) & Camp Lions Adventure Wilderness School (CLAWS). Both camps are attended by youth that have been "nominated" by Camp Lions Staff based on observations made while campers have attended Camp Lions during past seasons.

REGISTRATION INFO & APPLICATION FORMS

Applications to attend Camp Lions Youth programs are available to

download & print by clicking here. Refer to schedule posted above and on greeting letter of application for deadlines to submit your application.

For questions please call Alan Wilson, Camp Lions Registrar at the Lions of Illinois Foundation for registration information at 1-800-955-5466 V or 1-800-933-3937 V/TTY

All applications are handled on a first come; first serve basis and must be received before the deadline date for your selected camp.

TYPES OF CAMPS
Camp Lions for Youth offers a wide selection of things for youth age 7 to 17 years old with vision or hearing impairments to do such as swimming, canoeing and cookouts to participating in innovative arts and crafts and nature programs. Most importantly, Camp Lions creates a safe environment to make new friends, with others of similar abilities, outside of the educational or therapeutic arenas.

C.L.A.W.S. (Camp Lions Adventure Wilderness School) was created to meet the needs of active teens, between the ages of 15-17, with experience in the regular program. It is the only program of it's kind in the country. C.L.A.W.S. has been honored as the recipient the Eleanor P. Eels Award of the American Camping Association for providing sensitive and thoughtful leadership, which results in the enrichment of human growth through the outdoor experience. Campers participating in this camp are nominated to attend by Camp Staff based on their personal potential as observed in the youth camp.

The Helen Keller Adult Camp is designed for vision and hearing impaired campers age 18 and older. This camp is reminiscent of the old-time summer camps when friends

gathered to share good times together. Camp Helen Keller is an active program of exciting activities with a nature theme. Adults are invited to enjoy swimming, fishing, movies, music, nature walks, cookouts over an open fire, and team sports.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Camp Lions goals and mission are for the overall growth of the individual

camper in self-confidence, knowledge, independence, leadership, and creativity through a recreational experience geared to individual needs, from the beginning camper to the return veteran. There is a 1:4 counselor to camper ratio to assure safety and provide positive role modeling.

SPONSORS:
Camp Lions For Youth began in 1957 and is funded by individual club donations and from voluntary contributions from the general public and is FREE to eligible campers of any economic status.

ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible to attend Camp Lions youth program, campers must be:

1). between the ages of 7-17 years

2). either blind or have low vision and/or be deaf or hard of hearing.

3). campers must be self-reliant in all personal care and hygiene, no one-to-one care provided

4). independently ambulatory around the camp.

For Camp Lions purposes,

A vision impairment is described as a visual loss within the range of total blindness & 20/200 vision in both eyes after best correction.

A hearing impairment is described as an auditory loss which requires daily usage of communication alternatives such as sign language, lip reading, or hearing device such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

Applicants for Camp Lions Helen Keller Adult program must also meet the same vision and/or hearing loss eligibility standards as youth applicants as stated above.

The LIF is proud to say Camp Lions for Youth and The Helen Keller Camp for Adults is our gift to vision & hearing impaired people in Illinois.

While all camp costs are funded by the Foundation, our members, and supporters, all campers are required to submit a $15 "store deposit" with registration forms.

This deposit sets up an account for campers to use for personal purchases, to buy a group photo if desired, or to buy supplies left at home. The deposit balance is refunded to the camper at close of session upon request.

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EXAM:
Safety is the rule at Camp Lions. All sessions have health staff on duty around the clock and Counselors are trained & certified by the American Red Cross in Basic First Aid, Rescue Breathing, and CPR. Emergency medical help is available nearby. A majority of Counselors are fluent in Sign Language, some having skills in hand-in-hand communication techniques. All activities at Camp are closely supervised by qualified staff.

NO CHILD WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND CAMP unless a medical form has been completed by a physician and received by the registrar prior to the camp date. THIS IS REQUIRED BY LAW.

Applicants for the Helen Keller Adult Camp must also submit the complete medical forms included in the application paperwork or will be denied the opportunity to attend.

BEHAVIOR:
Children at Camp Lions for Youth are usually great, but camp officials reserve the right to have parents/guardians pick up children immediately if the child violates the rights of others and does not follow camp rules.

Adults at the Helen Keller Adult Camp are also expected to follow the safety and behavior guidelines as provided to them at registration. All adults who do not follow these guidelines will be asked to leave.