History

1980 - 1989

Written and compiled by:
Robert L. Yaun
Executive Director
May 1995

The 1980's covered a period of exceptional growth for the Georgia Lions Camp. During this developmental time, the idea and promotion as a statewide project: eventually reached all 330+ clubs. A steady increase in campers fueled the needs of facility expansion as well as the funding thereof. Slowly but surely, the vision was becoming a reality.

During this time, summer attendance nearly tripled, rising from 52 to 153, and the operating budget climbed from $25,000 to over $130,000. Additionally, nearly l/4 million dollars of improvements were added to the camp's property including a 48 capacity dormitory; a new pick-up; a dining hall and kitchen extension; a utility building with bathrooms and laundry facilities; a fishing pond; director's residence; a 12 passenger van, and modern office equipment including a computer, printer, and copier.

Organizationally, the Board grew into a well rounded representation of the entire multiple district (statewide). With average board meeting attendance increasing from 15 to a resounding 75. Associate Director appointments were begun and involvement by each club. which encouraged representation and involvement by each club.

Administratively, two full-time positions were created to operate and manage the camp, an Executive Director and an Office Secretary.

Collectively thru the 80's, the camp earned its right as a major service project of the Lions of Georgia. A project that has touched the lives of over 700 of Georgia's youth with visual disabilities by giving them confidence in themselves, a touch of independence and the dignity to say "yes I can".

YEARLY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1980 -  Catfish pond constructed near back of property.
Received a grant from Lighthouse $12,500.
Trust Fund Committee established.
52 blind & visually impaired campers attend camp.

1981 -  Camp Director hired to operate camp during Summer for his college internship.
Participated in newly formed National Conference of Lions Camps.
Established rates for leasing the facilities.
Total club contributions at end of 1980-81 FY $32,072.
53 campers attended summer camp.

1982 -  Addition of Associate Directors positions begun to create statewide representation.
Executive Director hired on a full time basis.
94 campers attend summer sessions.

1983 -  Annual income and operational expenditures reach the $50,000 mark.
Summer program expanded to 9 weeks, including a session for blind young adults.
92 campers attend summer sessions.
A Light at the End of the Tunnel* slide program was developed by North Georgia Vocational/Tech School.
Year round secretary added to camp staff.
TV raffle started as a statewide fundraiser.
Regular board meeting location moved to Milledgeville.
Average board meeting attendance approximately 20 people.
Upgrade to exterior walls on gazebo completed

1984 -  Ground breaking for new 4500 sq ft dormitory, Dr. John Pierce, International Director is speaker.
400 meter track added / adventure course started.
Needs list: published.
113 campers attend summer program.
Don Anderson, Past President and one of the camp's Founding Fathers, dies in motorcycle accident.
First quarterly "Lion Gator", camp newsletter distributed to all clubs.
First set of policies developed for camp operations.
Information & promotional packets sent to every club.
Camp receives an $18,000 grant from Lighthouse to furnish new dormitory.
Received $16,000 bequest from Orkin Smith Estate.
Received $7560 grant thru Government Emergency Funds.

1985 -  Camper attendance climbs to 130.
New dorm dedicated.
Perched owl logo with wording, "Vision For A Brighter Tomorrow", officially adopted as camp logo.
Offices moved into older cabin which was converted to Administration Building.
First Diabetic Youth Retreat held by Southeastern Health District at camp with 19 campers.
Joined membership into ACA.
Received $6,500 from Don Surrency Estate.
Received $20,000 building grant from DNR for new dormitory construction.

1986 -  New Dining Hall and kitchen addition opened for use and named "Lioness Hall" in recognition of their extensive support.
139 campers attend summer program.
The Century Club, a capital improvements fundraiser, was started under the direction of Camp President, Don Lynch.
Received $10,000 grant from DNR budget for dining hall construction and renovation.

1987 -  GLC hosted Annual Conference of Lions Camps in fall - - 65 attendees from 16 Lions Camps.
New camp video available entitled "Visions of Summer".
152 campers attended 1 of 5 sessions during summer.
First Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) camp held for 1 week session 25 kids attend.
Began weekend outings for adult blind during fall & Spring.
Annual income and operational expenditures exceed the $100,000 mark.
Purchased 12 passenger van to help transport campers.

1988 -  157 campers attend camp during summer.
Questionnaire sent to parents revealed positive results.
Directors residence completed.
Camper designed Christmas cards used as a fundraiser.
MDA camp continues, most of kids in wheelchairs.
Regular Board Meeting moved to Dublin, and adopted 2 day format.

1989 -  Started 100% Banner Patch Awards for clubs giving $25+/member.
North Florida MDA Camp leases camp for 1 week summer session.
Number of Century Club membership reaches 100 mark.
Grant application for $24,000 submitted to LCIF for Arts & Crafts building. (Approved in 1990)
Plans accepted to get underway with first Azinger Pro-Am to benefit camp.
Camper sponsorships raised to $150/camper/week.
Trust Fund balance at $47,700.
Building block fundraiser begun to finance Director's residence.
Average Board Meeting Attendance between 75 and 90.
Total annual club contributions (at end of 1989-90 FY) have increased to $138,000.

Lions from District A plan District Convention Hospitality Night

District B

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