This is Jessica Clark’s 3rd year as a camp counselor, Faith’s 4th year as a camper and Kyle Clark’s 1st year as a counselor. The 3 siblings love Lions Camp.
The Louisiana Lions Camp is in its 62nd summer. “Our Special Summer Place” is written over the entrance of the camp and it is just that to approximately 550 children each summer. Children and youth with mental and physical disabilities and diabetic youth from all over the state enjoy one-week sessions in the summer at no cost to their families. Camp Staff, medical staff and approximately 60 counselors spend 7 weeks there each summer.
Natchitoches Lions Club’s fundraises throughout the year to support this amazing camp, which includes the Flag Project, the sale of fish lunches in the Spring, Mother’s Day roses, nuts and fruit cakes in the fall and split the pot tickets during the Natchitoches Car Show. Therefore, the Natchitoches community generously supports the LA Lions Camp annually.
Lions from around the state attend camp during the summer to provide meals for the staff, campers and counselors. The Natchitoches Club, along with family and friends, recently cooked and served Mrs. Leta Spillman’s meat pies, dirty rice, brownies and honey bun cake. Many of the Natchitoches Leo’s participated in “Carnival” night again this summer. These events are contributing factors in the local Leo’s and youth becoming camp counselors.
Lion Don Brown recently presided as President of the LA Lions Camp Board. Lions Tina and Wayne Ragan present scholarships each summer to physically handicapped campers that are graduating from Lions Camp and attending college in the Fall. As of last week, 21 of the Kasey Joelle Ragan Memorial Scholarships have been presented. The monetary contributions to the future of these campers have been made possible due to the continued support of the Natchitoches Community.
Kasey’s camp quote “Always strive to be all you can be and never let anyone or anything stop you from following your dream” has been the inspiration behind the scholarships.”
Lions Camp Campers Faith Clark, Josie St. Andry, James Harris, and Natalie Bacon with Counselor Jessica Clark during “Campfire” (Camp’s Closing Ceremony).
Shaina Dupree was the first graduating camper this summer to receive the Kasey Joelle Ragan Memorial Scholarship. Shaina graduated from Winnfield Senior High School in May and will attend Central Louisiana Technical Community College this fall. She plans to transfer to Northwestern State University to acquire a bachelors degree in counseling. Her plan is to counsel children who have been abused.
Campers Woody and Jack Wilson had another A-W-E-SOME week at Lions Camp. Woody received the “All Sports” King award and Jack received the “Arts and Crafts” King award.
Graduating Camper Emily Clarke’s love for acting has led her to attend Centenary College and major in theater. Her dream is to professionally act whether on screen or on stage as is inspired by musicals such as Hamilton. Wayne and Tina Ragan were pleased to present the KJR Memorial Scholarship to Emily.
The Ragan’s presented the third Scholarship to graduating camper Ashley Wood. She will attend Young Memorial Community College to pursue a degree in social work and then transfer to NSU to receive a degree in psychology. She hopes to use these degrees to give a voice to those who have none.
Camper Cassandra “Cassie” Rios attended Lions Camp for four years and graduated from Assumption High School last spring. She plans to pursue her dreams in vocal music at Fletcher Community College this fall. Upon completion, she will attend Nichols University to acquire a business degree. Cassie received the 4th Kasey Joelle Ragan Memorial Scholarship of the summer.
First time counselors Kyle Clark (left) and Carissa Kautz (right) had an opportunity to experience “This Special Summer Place” along side BBs and Archery Instructor Jessie Clark.
Lauren Nelson and Brandon Hatcher attended Lions Camp for many years and graduated a few years ago. This summer they, along with many Natchitoches Lions, visited their beloved camp to help serve meat pies, dirty rice, brownies and honey bun cake to the campers and counselors. They were so excited to back at Lions Camp for the evening.
Camper Sarah Thibodaux received the “Swimming Queen” award this summer.
Lion Don Brown recently presided as President of the LA Lions Camp Board.
One thought on “LA Lions Camp 62nd summer comes to an end, Natchitoches Lions Club shows its support”
Lion’s camp is a wonderful experience for handicapped children. Young counselors learn responsibility, leadership and compassion. It’s a great summer job for youth
Lion’s camp is a wonderful experience for handicapped children. Young counselors learn responsibility, leadership and compassion. It’s a great summer job for youth