Rotary Gains Insight at Texas Lions Camp

THE WOODLANDS — Members of The Woodlands Rotary Club traveled to the Texas Hill Country earlier this month, marking a pivotal moment of connection between the service organization and one of its primary philanthropic beneficiaries. The delegation visited the Texas Lions Camp (TLC) in Kerrville, Texas, in early May to witness firsthand the preparation underway for the facility’s upcoming 75th summer season.

The tour featured The Woodlands Rotary Club leadership, including President Jeff Long, President-Elect Dr. Ann Snyder, President-Nominee Mark Hiebert, and Secretary/Treasurer Bill Bailey. They were hosted by the camp’s executive leadership team, including CEO Steve Smetana, COO Michael Williams, and Vice President of Development Lori Brown.

The Texas Lions Camp, situated on a sprawling 500-acre campus, serves more than 1,500 children annually. The facility is uniquely designed to accommodate youth with physical disabilities, Type 1 diabetes, and Down syndrome. By providing specialized equipment and a highly trained medical staff, the camp allows children who might otherwise be unable to attend traditional summer programs to participate in swimming, horseback riding, archery, arts and crafts, and high-ropes courses.

For the Rotarians, the visit served as a concrete reminder of the impact of their community efforts in The Woodlands. The club has been a long-time champion of the camp’s mission, most recently contributing $25,000 to the organization. These funds were raised largely through the club's participation in The Woodlands Wine and Food Week, a premier regional event that brings local business leaders and philanthropists together to support charitable causes.

"It is one thing to write a check, but it is entirely another to walk the grounds and see the facilities that our donations support," said Dr. Ann Snyder. "Seeing the medical center, the equestrian facilities, and the activity areas helps our members truly understand that we aren't just funding a project; we are funding life-changing experiences for children who deserve to have a typical, joyful summer camp experience."

The visit proved timely, as the camp is currently in the final stages of a comprehensive safety and logistics review before the official start of the summer session on June 2, 2024. This year marks a historic milestone for the organization, which has been operating since its founding in 1949. Over the past seven decades, the Texas Lions Camp has provided its programs free of charge to every family it serves, relying heavily on the support of service clubs like The Woodlands Rotary and private donations.

The 10-week summer schedule will accommodate campers from across the state, with the facility operating at near-capacity to meet the demands of families looking for an inclusive environment.

As the camp prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary, officials from both the camp and the Rotary Club expressed optimism regarding the future of their partnership. The Woodlands Rotary Club remains committed to sustaining its annual support, ensuring that the next generation of campers has access to the same opportunities as those who came before them.

For more information on the Texas Lions Camp, its programs, or how to support its mission, visit www.lionscamp.com. To learn more about the community service initiatives of The Woodlands Rotary Club, visit www.woodlandsrotary.org.