Camp Lions of Illinois Overview & History

 

 

Camp Lions of Illinois for Blind/Low Vision and Deaf/HoH Youth began in 1957 at the urging of Lions members who wanted to give children with vision and/or hearing impairments a summer camp with their peers. Today, Camp Lions hosts three sites in Illinois where over 15,000 youth with vision and hearing impairments have met, made new friends, and participated in fun, challenging activities.

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Click here for 2012 Camp Lions Youth application & session schedules

Click here for forms & info about LIF Camp Helen Keller for Adults

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

1). between the ages of 7-17 years old;

2). either be Blind or have low vision and/or

be Deaf or hard of hearing;

3). campers must be independent in all personal/hygiene care.

One-to-one care is NOT provided by Camp Counselors or Staff;

4). independently ambulatory around the campsite and activity areas;

5). Cognitively capable to understand and follow instructions from staff.

 

For Camp Lions purposes only:

Youth campers who are Blind or have Low Vision are described as a person age 7 to 17 years old with a visual acuity within the range of total blindness & 20/70 vision in both eyes after best correction.

Deaf or Hard of hearing youth campers are described as a person age 7 to 17 years old having 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.

 

LIF Camp Lions Helen Keller for Deaf/Blind Adults

In 1993 The LIF established Camp Lions Helen Keller for Adults, for visually & hearing impaired campers age 18 & older. This program came as a response to meet the needs of individuals served by the Department of Rehabilitation Services Deaf/Blind Services and other advocates of visually & hearing impaired adults in Illinois. It is the only camp program of it's kind in the Midwest.

 

Eligible adults have the opportunity to relax & participate in activities in the great outdoors, while still being in an accessible environment. The Helen Keller Adult Camp is a great place to meet other individuals with simi liar life experiences. Many of the activities at Camp Lions helen Keller mirror our youth program, but are geared to older participants.

 

ELIGIBIITY FOR ADULT CAMPERS IS AS FOLLOWS:

 

1). Applicant must be at least 18 years of age or older;

2). Applicant must be either Blind or have low vision and/or be Deaf or hard of hearing;

3). Applicant must be independent in all personal and hygiene care.

One-to-one care is NOT provided by Camp Counselors or Staff;

4). Applicant must be independently ambulatory around the campsite and activity areas;

5). Applicant must be cognitively capable to understand and follow instructions from staff.

 

For Camp Lions purposes only:

Adult Campers who are Blind or have Low Vision are described as a person 18 years old or older with a visual acuity within the range of total blindness & 20/70 vision in both eyes after best correction.

Adult Deaf or Hard of hearing campers are described as a person 18 years or older having 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.

 

Support and Funding of Camp Lions Programs:

 

 

Camp Lions for Youth and Camp Lions Helen Keller for Adults

are funded by the Lions of Illinois Foundation, donations from Illinois Lions,

Lioness, and Leo Clubs as well as gifts from the general public.

 

LIF Camp Lions Programs are free to eligible campers who are accepted

to attend in both Youth and Adult Camps.

Attendance at Camp Lions is NOT based on income.

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Adopt-A-Camper Sponsorship:

Would you or your Club like to donate $525 to "adopt" a camper to attend Camp Lions? This donation will defer the expenses so we can keep Camp Lions free of cost to campers. Each "adoption" will receive an official letter of thanks from the Lions of Illinois Foundation, a hand-made thank you card from the camper you sponsored, and a picture of your "adopted" camper. This is a wonderful way to make a long-lasting affect on a child or an adult life. Click here for the "Adopt-A-Camper" form to download and submit with your donation.

Want to be a Camp Counselor?

The experience gained working with Camp Lions is unparalleled. Camp Lions is an excellent opportunity for those who intend to focus their future on being an active, positive participant in the lives of children & adults who are Blind and/or Deaf. Please click here to connect to the e-mail of Dan Grabel, our camp programs staff manager, to inquire of job openings.

 

Would your college accept Camp Lions for your

practicum or internship? Opportunities are available,

why not ask your college advisor?