Warner Robins Lions Club – “Help us help others”

In 1972, the Okefenokee Lions Club saw a need to provide recreation for the over 12,500 blind children in the state of Georgia. Under the direction and leadership of C.M. Blanton, Past District Governor of 18-B, it was decided that a one-week summer camp should be held at the Laura S. Walker State Park.

A delegation of Lions met with Governor Jimmy Carter on November 27, 1974 to secure 62 acres of land adjoining the Laura S. Walker State Park. The plans to provide a camp for the visually impaired of this site were approved. By the following June, the Department of Natural Resources had also approved the transfer of those 62 acres of land to the Georgia Lions. On September 12, 1975, the Georgia Lions’ Camp, Inc. was charted as a non-profit organization.

​Today the camp still operates solely off of donations, and the Warner Robins Lions Club is doing their part to help raise funds for the camp. President of the Warner Robins Lions Club, Billy Crump said they are raffling off a custom built playhouse.

“We decided this year to have a fun project to help raise funds for the Georgia Lion’s Camp for the blind,” Crump said. “My business, LaKay Enterprises, donated the material, and volunteers within our club helped build it. It’s an 8×8 playhouse with a 4-ft porch.”

Tickets are $10 each or three for $25, and can be purchased by calling 478-213-0943. The drawing will be held on Dec. 21. Crump said it would make a special gift for any child to win the playhouse.

“The camp is for the blind and for those who have disabilities,” Crump said. “They do a lot of great work. Their mission is to provide personal growth experiences for children, teens, and adults with visual impairments through the use of recreation, education, socialization, and rehabilitation in an outdoor setting. And really that is the mission of all Lions Clubs, we want to help those who are in need.”

Crump said the camp is for all ages. Eligibility of the camp requires a visual loss of 20/70 or greater in their best eye with correction: or be a sibling of an eligible camper. They must also display independent skills in feeding, dressing, and taking care of their personal hygiene. Camp activities include arts and crafts, camping nature activities, fishing, performing arts, music, horseback riding, swimming, sports, and games. Medical personnel are on duty 24 hours daily. The camp staff includes personnel with experience working with the visually impaired.

“We do a couple of fundraisers throughout the year, and when we ask for donations we always say, “Help us help others,”” Crump said.

The Warner Robins Club meets once a month at the IHOP restaurant at 7 p.m. If anyone is interested in joining, Crump said they are welcome to attend their meetings.