The Wisconsin Lions Camp has announced its 2024 programming and is accepting applications, according to information released by the Fort Atkinson chapter of the group.
Wisconsin Lions Camp is owned and operated by the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Inc., according to the release.
The camp is in its 68th year of offering experiences to youth and adults with disabilities, the release noted.
The camp offers one week of activity free of charge to accepted applicants, the release continued.
As stated in the release, the camp near Rosholt, Wis., receives financial support from the Lions Clubs of Wisconsin, including the Fort Atkinson Lions Club.
The club advises those interested to fill out an applicants, further advising that “spots fill fast.”
Among donors to the camp, the release stated that the Fort Atkinson Lions Club contributes annually.
“While the names of the individual campers are not shared, the club was notified that two deaf and hard of hearing youth and one blind youth from Fort Atkinson attended the camp last year,” the release stated.
Specialized camping sessions are scheduled for youth and adults who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf or hard of hearing. Camping sessions also are scheduled for youth who have diabetes, intellectual disabilities or educational autism.
The various programs have different application deadlines. A full listing of programs and application deadlines for campers can be found through the following link: https://www.wisconsinlionscamp.com/summer-camp/ or by calling: 715-677-4969 or 877-463-6953.
A list of camp programs provided within the release include:
• Blind and visually impaired programming for adults: This program is open to blind or visually impaired adults, including those who are totally blind; legally blind (20/200) or have side vision of not more than 20° with correction; low vision, with vision of 20/40 Snellen or less with correction, and vision in one eye only. This program is restricted to 150 attendees per week, and will be held June 2 to 6.
• Blind or visually impaired programming for youth: This program is open to youths who are ages 10-17 at the time that the program is being offered, and are blind or visually impaired, including those who are totally blind; legally blind (20/200) or have side vision of not more than 20° with correction; low vision, with vision of 20/40 Snellen or less with correction, and vision in one eye only. This program is restricted to 150 attendees per week, and will be held June 9 to 13.
• Intellectual disabilities or autism programming for youth: This program is open to youth with intellectual disabilities or autism and is restricted to 150 individuals ages 12 to 17 per week, and will be held July 7 to 11, and July 14 to 18.
• Intellectual disabilities or autism programing for young adults: This program is open to young adults, ages 18 to 25, with intellectual disabilities or autism. This program is by invitation only with a lottery system used to select campers. This program is restricted to 150 attendees per week, and will be held June 30 to July 4.
• Programming for youth with diabetes: This program is open to youth, ages 12 to 16, with diabetes. This program uses a lottery system to select campers for each session. Campers must notify camp organizers about their choice of session for lottery inclusion by Feb. 1. The program is restricted to 150 attendees per week, but the number may vary. The program offers two session: the first will be held June 16 to 20. A second session will be held June 23 to 27.
• Programming for youth with epilepsy: This program is open to youth with epilepsy and runs concurrently with the blind or visually impaired youth program. The program is restricted to 130 attendees per week and to campers who will be ages 10 to 17. The program will be offered from June 9 to 13.
• Deaf or hard of hearing programming for youth: This program is open to deaf or hard of hearing youth, and is restricted to 150 attendees per week. Campers must be 10 to 17 years old. The program offers two sessions: the first will be held July 21 to 25, and a second will be held July 28 to Aug. 1.
• Deaf or hard of hearing programming for adults: This program is open to deaf or hard of hearing adults, and is restricted to 150 attendees per week. The program will be held Aug. 12 to 16.
According to the release, “the Fort Atkinson Lions Club was recognized for its continual support of the Wisconsin Lions Camp at the recent 27-A1 District Convention.”
To raise funds, the club is currently selling March Madness raffle tickets. Multiple winners are drawn each week.
Tickets cost $20 each and are available for purchase through members of the Fort Atkinson Lions Club. Tickets also can be purchased through Michelle Ebbert who is leading the March Madness ticket project, according to the release.
Bennett Lehman addresses club
Additionally, the release noted, that Bennett Lehman, a sophomore at Jefferson High School who is blind, addressed the Fort Atkinson Lions Club last month.
Bennett shared with club members his experiences as a participant in the Lions Camp program.
According to the release, Bennett told club members that he has attended the camp since he was 7 years old.
He noted, the release stated, that “the people and the experiences are unique because most of the campers that week are either blind or visually impaired but may be sharing the week with a few campers with epilepsy.
“All of these campers are able to do many of the activities a typical student would do at any summer camp. They hike, kayak, have talent shows, learn archery, enjoy cookouts, create crafts, and have a dance the final night.”
The release reported that Bennett “credits his positive experience to the trained staff and counselors who help the campers navigate their outdoor adventures. The camp has provided Bennett lifelong friends and wonderful memories.”
Bennett Lehman, a sophomore at Jefferson High School who is blind, addresses the Fort Atkinson Lions Club. Lehman spoke to club members in January. A participant in Lions Camp since he was 7, Lehman talked about his experiences as a camper. Contributed photo.
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