California's Summer Fun For Kids
For parents of physically disabled children, the cost of medical treatments and supplies can be steep. Even a wheelchair can cost as much as several thousand dollars. Through a statewide program, the California Lions Club hopes to give several of these special-needs children the opportunity to experience summer camp for free.
Along with many other Lions Club chapters throughout the state, the California club seeks local youngsters to send to Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, which offers eight free one-week sessions and a brief day camp for children with physical disabilities and diabetes. "I think it's a terrific program for letting children acquire something they've never experienced before," said Don Noblit, past president of Lions Club.
Several previous campers have written heartwarming letters to club members about what a wonderful time they had, Noblit said. Parents also are pleased with the program, he said, because it benefits their children and gives parents a break from the responsibility of daily care. "It's a wonderful experience for both of them," he said. Club member John Kane agreed.
"This is a great opportunity for any child with a physical disability or diabetes to enjoy the outdoors and the experience of summer camp," Kane said in a written statement. "Since the camp is at no cost to the child or the family, it is a financial break as well."
Six one-week sessions, for children ages 7-16 who have any kind of physical disability, will be held from June 6 to July 17, followed by a day camp July 21-23. Two one-week sessions specifically for diabetic children ages 8-15 will be held from July 25 to August 7. Each session can take 220 children, and there is no limit on how many children can be sponsored by a chapter. Because of recent expansion of the camp facilities, 2,000 children can attend this summer, compared to the previous capacity of 1,400, camp officials said.
All expenses are paid by Lions Clubs of Texas, which is funded by individual chapters throughout the state. Stephen Mabry, executive director of Texas Lions Camp, estimated that the camp costs $ 1,100 per child. The camp has hosted more than 40,000 children since its first session in 1953, officials said. Many other states, including Wisconsin and Louisiana, and international locations, such as Australia, have Lions Camps.
The only requirement for participants is they diabetes or some type of physical disability. They can also have a mental disability, but their primary challenge must be physical, Mabry said. All sessions include activities such as arts and crafts and sports such as swimming and horseback riding for children who are able to participate. The diabetic sessions include the same activities, along with a medical team that will teach campers how to manage their condition.
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