Post Messenger Recorder -

"Blind kids can't go to outdoor camps and stuff like that..."

The year was 1955 and little did that young boy know that his statement, overheard by Poy Sippi Lion Ray Hempel, would not only be taken so seriously, it would change the lives of thousands.

Many of you have heard this portion of the story about the beginnings of the Wisconsin Lions Camp. We should be so thankful that Hempel not only heard this little boy's comments, he felt the need to take action immediately. In 1956, the State Convention delegates passed a resolution to purchase 240 acres for the opening session of Lions Camp for the Visually Impaired Children and 26 campers attended that summer. In the years to come, additional land was purchased...

1964 - 40 acres

1969 - 20 acres

1971 - 100 acres

1999 - 40 acres

Bringing the total land owned today at 440 acres, including the 45-acre lake, now known as Lions Lake.

In 1957, the dining hall was constructed, as well as eight cabins. Two years later, two more cabins were built and by the end of 1961, the property manager's house, a garage and the Memorial Building were completed. As time went on, many more buildings were constructed and additional camping sessions were added...

1964 - Adult Visually Impaired Campers

1966 - Cognitively Disabled Campers

1969 - Deaf/Hard of Hearing Campers

2000 - Diabetes Campers

There is so much more history to be shared since the first Camp in 1956 – The number of buildings that have been built, the different camper activities/programs added, the number of totem poles that have been erected and where the old totem poles have gone, the number of challenge courses added and the list goes on and on.

The Wisconsin Lions Foundation wants to share all this history with Lions, Lioness, Leos and guests attending their 60th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, August 21, 2016, at Wisconsin Lions Camp.

The Staff has created a really fun format for the day that will allow visitors to come in and explore the Camp at their leisure. All buildings and program areas will be open with several presentations and demonstrations happening throughout the day to show off all of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation's projects, including Hearing Program, Eyeglass Recycling, Diabetes Awareness, Vision Screening.

On the Camp property, visitors will be able to take guided wagon and pontoon boat tours, visit program areas, and even participate in some Camp activities such as a crafts, archery, nature and s'mores and songs in Indian Hollow.

The party will be from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., with food available for purchase in the Rec Shelter from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. There will be burgers, hot dogs, chips, fruit and several other items to purchase. Visitors are encouraged to buy their lunch and find one of the many picnic tables on the property to sit and relax while eating.

The Trading Post will be open for shopping for favorite Camp souvenirs or 60th Anniversary items. Soda, water and ice cream will be available for purchase all day, too.

The celebration is open to the public and will be held rain or shine. Visitors should remember to bring with them any eyeglasses or hearing aids they may have to recycle. Remember to invite all family members, friends, fellow Lions, Lioness, Leos and community members to come and see the great work we do through our Wisconsin Lions Foundation and Camp!

The second part of the 60th Anniversary Celebration will occur when the Lions Camp welcomes the 1,000+ motorcycle riders that will roar into Lions Camp on Saturday, September 10, for the Wisconsin Lions Centennial Ride.

Riders and non-riders alike will enjoy a day of food, music, raffles, tours and fun, all benefitting the Wisconsin Lions Camp.

Details are still being finalized, but registration is now open at lioncentennialride.eventbrite.com. Contact DG Jay Nesseth at jaynesseth@gmail.com or (715) 307-1957 for more information or to volunteer to help on September 10.