My name is Brian Donegan. I am 42 and legally blind. I am also the President of the Lawrenceville Lions Club (and have served on the board if directors and board of Trustees). I cannot imagine my life without my near-decade of Summers attending the Georgia Lions Camp as a kid for a week (and sometimes two) frim 1989-1997. I learned how to swim. I learned teamwork through competion of all types. I overcame fears and anxieties (large crowds, thunderstorms, etc). All of it was done in a caring environment that made my life and the lives of everyone else more fulfilling. I would go from a kid performing at one of the talent shows to a volunteer Internet DJ a decade later, to on stage introducing a former Governor of Arkansas (and former Presidential candidate) to an audience of thousands ten years after that. None of that or anything else could have been possible without what I learned through experience as a camper. The Camp is a cause worth supporting and fighting for to keep the Campfires burning for decades to come
This is a residential camp for the visually impaired starting at age 5 and up to the age of 84. During the summer the sessions are approximately one week long and are broken in different age groups.
Campers participate in the same activities as most camps, swimming, canoeing, horseback riding, nature trail, fish pond, 40' climbing wall, arts and crafts and performing arts.
The first week is called sibling week for campers under the age of 9. For the camper who is hesitant to go or a parent is hesitant to let a camper go, a sibling or parent may attend with the camper to be assured that all is well.
The majority of the funding is provided by the Lions of Georgia but is supplemented by corporate and individual donors.
Campers are requested to pay a small fee for camp but is they cannot, they are then sponsored and can come to camp after completing the necessary applications. For those that cannot get to Waycross, transportation is provided from Macon Georgia and return for a nominal fee.
In December there is a Holiday Camp which is inclusive of all ages. This camp is from Friday evening until Sunday.
Review from Guidestar