WAYCROSS — Campers of all ages participated here Saturday in the annual Lions Day Event held at the Georgia Camp for the Blind.
The Lions Day event, recognized all across the state, offered a variety of activities such as horseback riding and fishing. Other activities included Beeper Kickball and water games with a water slide. In the evening, there was a pizza dinner and a campfire with s’mores.
New Executive Director Casey Carver, who moved here from Pennsylvania, has a personal stake when it comes to working with the camp as it is something that affects her and her husband personally.
“My son was born with cerebral palsy,” Carver said. “When he turned six, we got involved in the family camp aspect and I started volunteering.” Carver went on to say that seeing the impact of the family camp, she became more heavily involved when her son became older and it became a passion for her.
Carver added her new position has been wonderful, but challenging.
“There are changes that need to be made, but they need to be made gradually,” said Carver. “I’ve been working closely with the campers, the board, the staff and the community to see where we can serve.”
The Georgia Camp for the Blind works with children beginning at the age of six. There are camps for preteens from ages six to 12. There is also a teen camp for ages 13 to 17 and an adult camp for ages 18 and above.
The adult camps are divided into two. One is Camp Legacy, which is devoted to those who need more assistance with their activities of daily living. The second, Camp Connection, which is for more active, independent adults.
The Georgia Camp for the Blind started a pilot program this year, a family camp for kids who have medical issues or require more assistance and the families can participate as a whole.
