We hope that all of our Lions friends and families are staying safe and healthy during this difficult COVID-19 pandemic. This is an unexpected and unprecedented crisis.
How is the Colorado Lions Camp pivoting as a result of COVID-19? It is with a heavy heart that we announce that for the first time in camp history, the Colorado Lions Camp will not be holding summer camp. This decision to close did not come lightly. Our utmost concern is for the health and safety of our campers and staff. A large portion of campers are among the most vulnerable for exposure to COVID-19 and we do not want to potentially compromise their health. We continue to follow guidance from the CDC, American Camp Association, the State of Colorado and Teller County on when and how to open in a safe manner. It saddens the staff here at CLC because we love camp just as much as the campers, and it hurts our hearts to not be able to share these incredible experiences & milestones with them.
What does this mean for the camp moving forward, and how can Lions help? We are glad you asked!
We are happy to announce that we are offering NINE three-night respite weekends, once monthly from August 2020 through April 2021. Campers can still have that same camp experience, but on a smaller scale in order to stay safe and follow social distancing guidelines. Respite weekends are limited to 16 campers at a cost of $300 for each session. Dates and applications will be available on our website by next week. We have been calling our campers, families, and agencies, and they are all excited about getting the opportunity to be able to return to a camp they call “home”.
What happens to the camperships and donations that our amazing Lions Clubs have sent in? Your gifts will support campers to attend the respite weekends. Your club donations, Pennies for People, and Dollar-a-Month contribution – will also help offset the cost of keeping our doors open. Donations are still needed during this difficult time as we prepare for our upcoming respite camps, finishing up maintenance projects, and addressing our never-ending “to do” list without the help of Lions workdays. We are cutting hours and trimming expenses so we can hit the ground running in August.
What is the status of the Camp’s golden anniversary and the $50,000 for 50 Years Giving Tree Challenge? To date we have raised roughly $25,000 To help us achieve this goal, the Denver Den Foundation has generally provided a matching challenge – for every 1$ we raise between now and July 15, they will match it with another $1, for up to $12,500. We are so grateful! We are sharing this generous match with other clubs to increase giving. We also ask members who share our love of the Camp to consider a personal gift. Lion Flossie has directed her gift in honor of Denver Den Lion Joe Beagler. Perhaps there is a current member you would like to honor or a former member like Lion Paul Barbour that you might make a gift to honor his memory. This is a wonderful way to honor other Lions and, gifts of $250 or more will also receive your name, or the person you’re honoring, added to the 50th anniversary Giving Tree. Michelle Werner will be contacting everyone who has donated to verify their engraving preferences.
Please add to your calendar the 50th Anniversary Luncheon and Giving Tree unveiling on Saturday, August 8th.
More details will be forthcoming. Please call the camp if you have any questions or need more information. Thank you to all of those who have donated. We are excited to celebrate the Camp and honor generous Lions like you.
The Colorado Lions Camp has faced many obstacles in the past 50 years and we continue to be strong. We will get through this, not alone, but together! Your support for our powerful mission is what makes this all possible for the incredible campers and families we serve.
We leave you with these words… “Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the “HERO” within us is revealed.”
Lion Erin Newport Lion Flossie O’Leary
Camp Director Representing the Denver Den & 6C on the CLC Board