Wisconsin Lions Camp

Giving special children resources, skills and experiences that can serve them long beyond their childhoods

“Blind kids can’t go to outdoor camps and stuff like that …”

This remark by a blind teenager started it all more than 53 years ago.

That chance comment, overheard by a Lions Club member, has turned dream into reality for as many as 66,000 campers with disabilities throughout Wisconsin. In a typical year, campers representing some 400 different communities attend.

The goals of Lions Camp are to assist each child in the development of self-confidence, interdependence, social skills, outdoor recreational skills and environmental awareness; most importantly, for the child to have a fun, safe, memorable experience.

Lions Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. The property is 440 acres in size and includes a 45-acre private lake. The camp has 37 buildings including a new Health Center and a recently remodeled dining hall. Camp can house an average of 150 campers per week. Staff members reside in temperature controlled cabins with the campers. A recently constructed modern health lodge (staffed by a full time nurse) and an extensively remodeled and expanded dining hall/meeting facility are the two most recent additions.

Campers have an opportunity for a comprehensive program. Overnight camping, environmental education, challenge course, climbing tower, canoe and hiking trips, swimming, sailing, kayaking, paddle boating, outdoor living, archery, crafts, sports and much more.

Lions Camp vigorously recruits counselor staff, then carefully trains the finest young men and women available. Forty-eight positions (a staff to camper ratio of 1:6) are filled on the basis of qualifications, commitment, and professional experience. The staff is mainly composed of college students in the human services fields.

Thanks to the support of Wisconsin Lions Clubs, participation in summer camps is free (there is a refundable $25 application deposit).

Weekly Summer Camp Programs ...

Blind and Visually Impaired
Eligibility: ages 6-17 if they require attendance in a special class or school for the blind or visually impaired, or if they have vision in one eye or require special aids, instruction, or services even if not taking advantage of them at present.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Eligibility: ages 6-17 if they require attendance in a special class or school for the deaf or hearing, or if they require special aids, instruction, or services even if not taking advantage of them at present.

Cognitively Disabled
Eligibility: ages 9-17 if they socially or educationally function as having a mild/borderline cognitive disability.

Diabetes
Eligibility: ages 8-16 who have been diagnosed with diabetes and are active in the management of the disease. Offered in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association; for information, contact ADA at 1-888-342-2383.

Adult Resort Programs
Eligibility: ages 18 and over. Geared to independent functioning adults, choice of outdoor recreational activities available, staff supervision not provided. One is offered for the blind or visually impaired, a second for those deaf or hard of hearing.

Other Facility Uses
Between summer camp seasons, the Wisconsin Lions Camp is available for rental opportunities for conferences, retreats, workshops and meetings. For information, call the Camp directly at 715-677-4969.

If you would like to print a camper application, click here. If you would like to refer a youngster as a prospective Lions camper, click here.