Camp Leo

Camp Leo provides a unique experience for the sight impaired children of South Carolina. All campers are legally blind although most have some sight. Most of the camper's families are of modest means and would be unable to afford camp for their children even if a "for pay" camp was available. Camp Leo provides impaired children the opportunity to enjoy camp activities with new and different experiences in the company of other impaired children under the supervision of caring adults. Camp Leo Council hires a full time staff, including two Directors and 20 to 25 Counselors, depending upon the number of campers. The camp is also fortunate to have many Lions Club members and other volunteers from the community to help with specific camp activities.

During the early years of Camp Leo the Presbyterian camp ground located on South Forest Beach was used. That facility was closed in the mid-eighties and the camp was moved to the Hilton Head Preparatory School where it takes place the last week of June each year. The school is converted to a camp by placing bunks in some classrooms, having camp activities in classrooms and the gymnasium and food services in the cafeteria. Activities include beach walks and games, swimming, Waterfun Park, fishing, boating, scuba diving, kyacking, movies, athletic games and evening activities with DJ's, music, and talent shows.

Camp Leo was founded in 1975 by the Hilton Head Lions Club in partnership with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Unfortunately, the Commission lost it's federal grant in 1981 leaving the Lions with the responsibility for the financial support of the Camp. The Commission has continued to provide important services such as contacting potential campers, sending applications and screening applicants. For information on locations and addresses visit the SC Commission for the Blind web site.

In 1988 it was decided to incorporate Camp Leo. The new Camp Leo, Inc. applied for and received a 501-(c) (3) tax-exempt status. This opened up opportunities for the Camp to more aggressively seek much needed financial help. Lions Clubs throughout South Carolina are solicited. Other organizations and individuals contribute money or services. The total cost of the camp, including transportation to and from camp, all activities, food. lodging, and salaries for Directors and Counselors are paid for by Camp Leo. The cost of the camp has gone up each year with the increasing cost of goods and services. In 1998 the total cost exceeded $20,000.

The Camp is planned, organized and administered by The Camp Leo Council. The Council consists of five Lions from the Hilton Head Lions Club (evening), five members from the Hilton Head Noon Lions Club and three members-at-large from the community. Lions Henry Massey and Bill Walker have shared Chairmanship of Camp Leo Council for the past 10 years.

Many man and woman hours and varied talents and skills are required to plan and execute Camp Leo. The Lions Clubs, individual Lion members, and interested members of the Hilton Head Island community make it possible for 50 to 60 sight impaired children to share and unparalleled experience each summer.