Dear Prospective Donor:

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Texas Lions Camp. So many of you have expressed an interest in the needs of the Camp and how to become more directly involved, that the Camp has developed a list of items that can be purchased, which we call our "Wish List."

As you consider adopting a project, it is very important that you contact my office prior to sending money, as it is possible that the need may have been met by another donor, and has yet to have been posted to the internet.

Once again, thank you for your consideration and support of the Texas Lions Camp.

Warmest regards,

Stephen S. Mabry, CAE, CFRE
Executive Director
Texas Lions Camp
 

Wish List 

Camping Equipment

Part of the Lions Camp experience is the overnight campout.  Sleeping under the stars, taking hikes in the great outdoors, cooking over an open fire and just spending time getting to know the staff and other campers better all make campout an exciting time.  There are some limits to this experience; currently each campsite serves about forty campers and staff per night often making for some very cramped conditions around the campfire and in sleeping areas.  We would like to expand our campsite selection to four campsites and have located areas in which to begin developing these sites.  While adding new sites will make camping more comfortable for all, our needs for outdoor gear will double.  We currently need fire rings for two campsites, cooking gear, sleeping gear as well as camping tools and equipment.

Estimated Campout Equipment Needs: $7000

Media Promotions

As technology infiltrates this age, we see the need to maintain and update our current resources to perform in the future.  Opportunities to present the vision of the camp are always present in clubs, schools, universities, and potential clients.  In the past a display board and a well thought out slide show would suffice, but gone are those days.  Today high tech media productions are the standard and are no longer cutting edge.  The need for media projectors, easels, podiums, screens, media duplicators, software to support and design promotional pieces as well as laptops and monitors are needed. 

Estimated Cost: $5000

Equestrian Center

The Horsemanship Program allows campers the opportunity to learn all about the ins and outs of horses.  For many of the campers, this is their first chance to experience the excitement of riding a horse.  In addition to an orientation about horse care and behavior, the campers are given the opportunity to ride horseback in a covered arena or on a natural trail. Equipment used for the Horsemanship Program includes tack such as saddle blankets, riding supplies such as cones and helmets that need to be purchased every two years, teaching aids, and much more.  There is also a need to repair equipment such as saddles to keep them in top shape.

Estimated Annual Program Equipment cost $600

Medical

In addition to supplies, once a year our Camp horses need vaccines and sometimes antibiotics and every six to eight weeks the herd needs new shoes to provide them with some extra structural support.  In an effort to continue progress with the care of the horses’ hooves, the Camp would like to maintain our current ferrier.

Estimated Annual Herd Health Maintenance cost $2300
Estimated Annual Ferrier cost $3360

Ranch Supplies

Maintaining such a beautiful Equestrian Center takes work!  Ranch supplies are always need and can include items such as pesticides, tools and equipment, paint, repair of farm equipment, upkeep on barn, stalls, and fences.

Estimated Ranch Supplies cost $1850

Leadership Weekend

The Texas Lions Camp is known for producing quality leadership in its staff members.  Annually, summer leadership staff attend a weekend of trainings specific to their job positions.  Their leadership skills are developed in areas of conflict management, supervision, risk management and keys to leadership.  Be a part of developing tomorrow’s leaders today.

Estimated Annual Cost: $600

Adventure Programming

The Adventure Programming activity is designed to help campers develop problem solving skills and personal initiative.  Through a variety of group–oriented activities including use of the high and low elements ropes course, this program illustrates the importance of teamwork and the value which each individual holds within a group. To accommodate campers in this activity, each staff member is given a week-long certification course involving a standardized ropes certification as well as a specialized accessibility training specific to our course.  In addition, all equipment used is specialized to the course, including ropes, climbing gear and safety equipment.

Estimated Annual Equipment Cost: $2250
Estimated Annual Staff Training: $3000
Total Adventure Programming cost: $5250

Special Activities

Special Activities are the spirit-building night activities on camp.  They charge the atmosphere with awe and excitement and consume the campers’ and staff’s conversation.  Cabins compete in Wacky Olympics, Scavenger Hunts and bigger than life game shows like Cabin Feud or Campy-wood Squares.  Dances and customized programming all happen from within the Special Activities frame work.  The supplies needed to support these productions are extensive and your help to create the Lions Camp atmosphere would be greatly appreciated: 

Estimated Annual Special Activities cost: $1750

Medical Supplies

Camp would not run without the love of the Infirmary.  The camp nurses handle bumps and bruised as well as the occasional bout of homesickness.  Due to the particular and specific needs of the camp, in-kind donations for medical supplies are not needed.  Annually the camp must purchase medical supplies such as over the counter medications, bandages and wraps, medicine cups and gloves. Be a part of the caring in camp by supporting the infirmary medical supplies. 

Estimated Annual cost: $2000

Awards Program

As many Lions know, the Awards Program is the highlight of the week, bringing the week to a close and recognizing camper achievements.   Camper have a specialized awards program with their cabin where every camper receives an award, then that night campers and staff members are greeted by parents and Lions to celebrate a great week of camp.  While some sponsorship is provided for the Awards Program, a shortfall always exists.  A variety of purchases are needed to make the program happen including awards, paper, ink, trophies, coup feathers and plaques. 

Estimated Annual cost: $1320

Archery

The Archery Program gives campers a chance to try their hand at target sports.  This age-old skill is taught using range safety commands under the watchful eyes of certified instructors.  The program provides a shaded shooting range where campers can learn target skills using recurve bows. Expenses for this activity include staff certifications, targets, bows, arrows, and specialized releases.

Estimated Annual Equipment and Training cost: $500

Arts & Crafts

The Arts & Crafts Program offers campers a chance to explore their creativity while working with fabric, leather, wood, basketry, clay and other art mediums. Campers are free to keep their projects and take them home at the conclusion of their camping session. In-kind donations such as plain white T-shirts, stickers, washable markers, beads, crayons, leather, construction paper…just about anything arts and crafty are needed for this program to provide a variety of projects.  While in-kind donations cover some of the expense for Arts and Crafts many items particular to each project are needed throughout the summer.  

Estimated Annual cost: $1700

Waterfront: Pool

The Waterfront Program utilizes games as a teaching tool to help campers learn how to safely have fun in the water. Water can be very therapeutic for children with disabilities, allowing them the opportunity to exercise in a weightless environment using full body movements. At the pool goggles, noodles, pool toys, kick boards and floats are all made available for the campers to use. Lifeguards are equipped with the tools to be effective such as life saving devices, sun screen and of course, a whistle!  Daily maintenance of the pool through vacuuming and keeping the pool chemicals up to date keep the water clear and safe. 

Estimated Annual Equipment and Chemicals cost: $3000
Estimated Annual Lifeguard Training and Supplies cost: $500

Waterfront: Sports Lake

One of the newest adventure areas on camp is the Sports Lake.  At the lake campers can learn how to maneuver a canoe, enjoy the teamwork of pedaling their way around the lake on a pedal boat, or just relax and drop a line through the fishing hole in the pier.  Needs for the Sports Lake include fishing gear, life jackets, paddles, boats, safety equipment and sun screen! 

Estimated Annual Sports Lake cost: $2500

 Barnyard/Petting Zoo

The Barnyard/Petting Zoo Program is designed to provide an opportunity for children to experience raising and caring for farm animals. The program offers campers the opportunity to learn about, as well as interact with, small barn animals such as goats, chickens, ducks, calves, etc. Campers will be able to pet, hold and on occasion feed the animals. Along with several small farm animals, this activity requires sanitation equipment, and feed and health care for the animals.

Estimated Annual cost: $900

Ceramics

The Ceramics Program allows campers to choose from a variety of ceramic objects to paint and make their own such as figurines, mugs and cups, coasters and more. Campers are free to keep their ceramic projects and take them home at the conclusion of their camping session. Expenses for this activity include molds, clay, paint, and kiln maintenance.

Estimated Annual cost: $500

Center Stage

The Center Stage Program encourages an appreciation of fine arts by introducing campers to the stage techniques that are used in the performance of music, dance, and drama. Center Stage activities are presented in a theater setting, complete with a real stage, curtains, and imaginative costuming. Campers have the chance to enjoy performing with their peers in a variety of stage productions, including skits, plays and fashion shows. A variety of items such as make-up kits, props, costumes and more are needed to provide campers with the full theatre experience.

Estimated Annual cost: $300

Greenthumb

The Greenthumb Program is designed to provide an opportunity for children to experience gardening and the uses of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The campers gain experience working in a garden and in a greenhouse. Campers are also given the opportunity to plant and care for their own plants. Seeds, soil, fertilizer, rakes, and other gardening materials are needed for the growing greenhouse program.

Estimated Annual cost: $300

Music

The Music Program introduces musical activities that teach team building and listening skills and self-esteem. Campers have the chance to participate with others in a group music setting and to enjoy musical instruments ranging from guitars to Latin-American rhythm instruments. There is a large variety of instruments used in this activity, along with a portable sound system, music books and more.  Music, like many other things, is constantly evolving producing new and better learning tools.  We’d like to continue to benefit our campers with the best musical equipment available.

Estimated Annual cost: $900

Nature Studies

The Nature Studies Program is designed for children to develop an appreciation of the natural environment. The program provides recreational activities emphasizing wise use of the earth’s resources, plant and animal habitats, camping skills and cultural resources. Campers will have the opportunity to learn about and handle small animals such as rabbits, lizards and snakes. There will also be opportunities to go fishing and learn about regional Native American and Pioneer history in an authentic Tipi Village. Items required for this activity include small animals, small animal cages, food, cleaning supplies, and maintenance, cleaning, and set up/break down of tipi covers and poles.

Estimated Annual cost: $1000

Photography

The Photography Program gives campers a chance to learn how a camera works and the process for developing black and white photos. Campers get the opportunity to take pictures of their favorite activities and take the pictures home to share with their family and friends. Items used for this activity are digital cameras, writeable CDs, photo paper and more.

Estimated Annual cost: $600

Recreation & Athletics

The Recreation & Athletics Program provides opportunities for campers to learn a variety of sports and games that are designed for both individual and group play. The Camp’s large recreation fields accommodate games such as football, softball, kickball, and soccer. The program also gives campers opportunities to use tennis courts, a miniature golf course, and a Sports Complex with indoor courts. Items used for this activity include a variety of sports balls, baseball gloves, ping pong tables and more.

Estimated Annual cost: $300

In-Kind Donations

Small supplies are always needed to help camp run smoother.  It has been our experience that everyone wants to get involved in helping the camp including clubs, school children and individuals with a heart for helping.

Ideas for collecting in-kind donations:

• Have a scavenger hunt.  Organize the list of items into a scavenger hunt list and make a fun activity out of helping camp.

• Pick a weekly item that everyone brings to a club meeting and as the weeks go by the items will grow.

In-kind donation items needed include:

• Sports balls, ping pong balls, golf balls

• Tape, stickers, washable markers, batteries all sizes, index cards, dry erase markers, new white socks in all sizes, black pens, scotch tape, duct tape, shower curtain liners, Sharpie markers, laundry marking pens

• 35mm camera film (200 or 400 speed), disposable cameras, writeable CDs and DVDs

• Kid-friendly and adult scissors, white t-shirts in all sizes, white standard pillow cases, beads in any shape and size, thread spools, poster board

• Bubbles, face paint, coloring books, new board games, radios, bandanas

• Trash bags in all sizes, sponges for cleaning,  bathroom cleansers, 409 Cleaner, Febreze air freshener, Lysol, charcoal, toilet bowl cleaner, Clorox wipes, diaper wipes, dish washing gloves, paper towels, spray bottles

• Fishing lures, fishing line, tackle boxes, rods and reels, cane fishing poles, aquariums, aquarium supplies

• Musical instruments

• Costumes

• G-rated DVDs for the Infirmary, laundry soap

• Pool toys, goggles, floats

• Horses