About
Georgia Lions Camp is a program for individuals living with a visual impairment that focuses on transformative outdoor experiences. The camp’s culture includes traditions, rituals, and shared experiences, and it emphasizes inclusion, community, growth, respect, resilience, empowerment, adventure, and transformation.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Opening hours Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
The mission of Georgia Lions Camp is to ignite the potential of individuals living with a visual impairment by providing transformative outdoor experiences that foster independence, self-confidence, and lifelong friendships while cultivating a spirit of adventure, personal growth, and inclusion in an empowering, supportive environment. The camp highlights values summarized as “I C GRREAT!” which stands for Inclusion, Community, Growth, Respect, Resilience, Empowerment, Adventure, and Transformation. Unique features of the camp include a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected regardless of visual abilities, a focus on self-reliance and personal growth through challenging and rewarding activities, a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual assistance among campers and staff, an emphasis on overcoming challenges and celebrating accomplishments, and a commitment to giving back to the community and supporting others.
The history of Georgia Lions Camp began in 1972 when the Okefenokee Lions Club recognized the need to provide recreational opportunities for over 12,500 blind children in Georgia. In July 1974, other Lions Clubs in South Georgia asked District Governor Don Anderson to form a committee to establish a camp for blind residents of Georgia, and he presented the plans to the Georgia Lions Council of Governors and gained support throughout the state. On November 27, 1974, a group of Lions met with Governor Jimmy Carter to secure 62 acres of land next to the Laura S. Walker State Park to establish a camp for the visually impaired, and by the following June the Department of Natural Resources approved the transfer of the 62 acres to the Georgia Lions. On September 12, 1975, Georgia Lions’ Camp, Inc. was established as a non-profit organization, and in 1976 it opened its doors and began offering experiences to individuals living with a visual impairment.
The leadership team includes Casey Carver as Director, Tonya Lastinger as Secretary, and Clay Eddins overseeing Facilities. One parent, Jennifer Mann, described her child Owen making noticeable progress in walking independently after attending Georgia Lions Camp for a week and expressed gratitude for his opportunity to go to the camp. Another parent, identified as Aubrey’s mom, shared that their family loves Georgia Lions Camp and the fun memories it has provided to Aubrey over the years. A previous staff member stated that the Georgia Lions Camp was very rewarding to them and that they were amazed at the campers and their accomplishments.
Last updated July 31, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Opening hours Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
The mission of Georgia Lions Camp is to ignite the potential of individuals living with a visual impairment by providing transformative outdoor experiences that foster independence, self-confidence, and lifelong friendships while cultivating a spirit of adventure, personal growth, and inclusion in an empowering, supportive environment. The camp highlights values summarized as “I C GRREAT!” which stands for Inclusion, Community, Growth, Respect, Resilience, Empowerment, Adventure, and Transformation. Unique features of the camp include a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected regardless of visual abilities, a focus on self-reliance and personal growth through challenging and rewarding activities, a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual assistance among campers and staff, an emphasis on overcoming challenges and celebrating accomplishments, and a commitment to giving back to the community and supporting others.
The history of Georgia Lions Camp began in 1972 when the Okefenokee Lions Club recognized the need to provide recreational opportunities for over 12,500 blind children in Georgia. In July 1974, other Lions Clubs in South Georgia asked District Governor Don Anderson to form a committee to establish a camp for blind residents of Georgia, and he presented the plans to the Georgia Lions Council of Governors and gained support throughout the state. On November 27, 1974, a group of Lions met with Governor Jimmy Carter to secure 62 acres of land next to the Laura S. Walker State Park to establish a camp for the visually impaired, and by the following June the Department of Natural Resources approved the transfer of the 62 acres to the Georgia Lions. On September 12, 1975, Georgia Lions’ Camp, Inc. was established as a non-profit organization, and in 1976 it opened its doors and began offering experiences to individuals living with a visual impairment.
The leadership team includes Casey Carver as Director, Tonya Lastinger as Secretary, and Clay Eddins overseeing Facilities. One parent, Jennifer Mann, described her child Owen making noticeable progress in walking independently after attending Georgia Lions Camp for a week and expressed gratitude for his opportunity to go to the camp. Another parent, identified as Aubrey’s mom, shared that their family loves Georgia Lions Camp and the fun memories it has provided to Aubrey over the years. A previous staff member stated that the Georgia Lions Camp was very rewarding to them and that they were amazed at the campers and their accomplishments.
Last updated July 31, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.