Where adventure knows no limits, and every ability has a place to shine.

• Executive Director of the Association for the Blind
• Surveyed 16 other camps for visually impaired individuals nationally
• Determined to found a local camp dedicated to the needs of the visually impaired
• Was informed of an available property near Mount Union, PA
• Established corporation to oversee purchase and development
• Within a year, blind children spent time at “Vacations for the Blind, Inc.”
• The facility has been operating for this purpose since 1948

• 583 acres nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, Mount Union, PA
• Unspoiled with natural beauty, it is a very special place
• Secluded for peace and quiet, yet rugged enough for adventure
• Summer camp for adults and children with various abilities and special needs
• Conference center for special groups and organizations
• Rental facility for group retreats, weddings, etc.
• Goal is to provide a well-rounded program adaptable to all individuals

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• 9 buildings accommodating 120 people
• Main Lodge: lodging, kitchen, dining
• Infirmary
• Arts and Crafts Building
• Canteen

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• Camper Housing Units
• Laundry
• Large Gazebo
• Outdoor swings
• Outdoor seating
• Stone Fire Ring

CAMP EMPOWER (FORMERLY TRANSITIONAL CARE)

CAMP FELICITY (FORMERLY ASSISTED LIVING)

CAMP PERCEPTION (FORMERLY VISUALLY IMPAIRED)

CAMP LIBERTY (NEWLY ESTABLISHED SESSION)

This program is geared for adult individuals that are intellectually challenged, on the Autism spectrum, or physically challenged and require some personal care. A 1:3 counselor to camper ratio is maintained for this camp.

This program is geared for adult individuals that are intellectually challenged, on the Autism spectrum, or have a learning challenge, who require minimal physical assistance with daily living activities. Campers must possess the ability to work well, socialize with, and interact in peer groups. 1:4 counselor to camper ratio is maintained with this camp.

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This program is for adults that are legally blind, totally blind, have Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Glaucoma, etc. The program promotes independence: campers must possess the ability to work well, socialize with, and interact with peer groups. They must have the ability to self bathe, dress, feed, and be independently mobile, follow directions, camp rules, and policies, and manage money on off-campus trips. 1:8 counselor to camper ratio is maintained.

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• Adult individuals living with special challenges
• Can bathe, dress, and feed themselves
• Be independently mobile
• Can follow directions, rules, and policies
• Can handle money on off-campus excursions
• 1:8 counselor to camper ratio; this is the most independent camp

• 16 buildings accommodating 73 people
• Main building: kitchen and dining facilities, Unit Director’s Apt., laundry, children’s lounge
• Infirmary with medical staff
• Activities building

• Arts and Crafts
• Nature Center
• 12 Cabins, housing counselors and campers
• Playground
• Miniature Golf Course

• CAMP SENSATIONAL (Formerly Camp Alive)
• CAMP L.E.A.P. (Formerly Assisted Living)
• CAMP ConnXions (Formerly Vision Impaired)
• CAMP AD(H)Dventure (Formerly Camp Energy)
• CAMP UNITE (Formerly Family Camp)

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• Autism Spectrum Disorder or intellectual challenges
• Make personal sensory items
• Develop cooperative/associative play
• Build interpersonal relationships
• 1:3 counselor to camper ratio

• Intellectual and developmental challenges
• Activities: physically active games, arts and crafts, hikes, pool games
• Personally self-sufficient
• Follow directions in daily activities
• 1:4 counselor to camper ratio

• Intellectual/developmental challenges
• Activities: physically active games, arts and crafts, hikes, pool games
• Personally self-sufficient
• Follows directions with daily activities
• 1:4 counselor to camper ratio

• Individuals with ADD or ADHD
• Highly active/structured activities
• Personally self-sufficient
• 1:5 counselor to camper ratio

• Families with children with special challenges
• Relax/enjoy camp surroundings and activities
• Spend quality family time together
• Family members responsible for personal care and supervision (during down time)

• Administration Building
• Governors’ Green
• Outdoor Bowling Alleys
• Swimming Pool
• Hodges Hand Car Railroad
• Pond; paddle boats, fishing

• Overnight Shelter
• A-Frames Primitive Camping
• Climbing Tower
• Zip Line
• Miniature Golf Course

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• There are 5 year-round full-time staff members: Executive Director, Camp Coordinator, Office Manager, and two maintenance workers
• When all staff have been hired, camp can host 664 individuals per season
• BLC’s 2023-2024 budget is $724,650 (down from $868,550) -$143,900
• In the first 74 years of the camp, 584 sessions were held, accommodating 35,900 campers; last year we celebrated our 75ᵗʰ anniversary
• There are 34 Lions on the Board of Directors, two from each sub-District; some Districts also have 1 Liaison

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• Our support is paramount in perpetuating Beacon Lodge Camp, both financially and materialistically by providing needed supplies
• Camper sponsorships, wish list items, 500 Club, Governor’s goals, golf outing, PLAD activities, and transportation are ways we can support and promote Beacon Lodge Camp
• Be sure to visit BLC for our next appreciation day, July 21, 2024
• For information and camp registration portal: www.beaconlodge.org

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• Your club can honor a member of your club or community by presenting them with a Carl Shoemaker Fellowship.
• A donation of $500.00 will secure this prestigious award.
• Application forms are available on the web site as well as from your District Beacon Lodge Board Member.

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• PDG Tom Toland, Board Member
• PCC Brian McCarl, Board Member

Please watch for communications via email and District Newsletter for updates regarding Beacon Lodge Camp. Anyone wishing to send “wish list” items along to camp are welcome to do so; we will be glad to deliver them when we go up.

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On behalf of our camp, we thank you for all of your support and encouragement in making the PA Lions Beacon Lodge Camp a venue where children and adults with special challenges and abilities are encouraged and nurtured. Together we are making a difference and changing lives, one camper at a time.