Frontier Village – What’s New at TLC in 2012

By: Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE

Chief Executive Officer

FRONTIER VILLAGE – WHAT’S NEW AT TLC IN 2012

With over a decade of planning, fund-raising and round-table discussions, Texas Lions Camp is proud to announce the addition of Frontier Village as one of the many new resources awaiting Children at Texas Lions Camp for the summer of 2012. The new facility is a “themed” campsite that is constructed to remind visitors of the frontier and “old west” style amenities that may have been seen in the area with early settlements (except for ours has a foundation, reinforced steel girders and over 24 ceiling fans).

Over-looking a serene valley, campers will be treated to one-of-a-kind views, out-door cookouts, and sleeping under the stars in an outdoor setting. The new site is situated to the North of the main campus and overlooks the sports lake - portions of which can be seen from inside - since the pavilion’s NW elevation stands open to the view for campers to enjoy.

  

Many campers come from the inner-cities or for other reasons may have never had the opportunity to camp overnight in nature. The new campsite will provide campers the opportunity to experience nature and overnight camping at its finest while never being more than 500 yards from the infirmary and the Camp proper. The natural path leading to Frontier gently meanders through the woods and is both wide and relatively flat, making the trek accessible to all, regardless of their abilities or appliances used for ambulation.

While the design and concept for the new campsite had been adopted by the Board of Directors some time ago, the price tag was rather steep at an estimated $250,000.00 – that is, until Lions District 2-X2 stepped forward with a $116,000.00 pledge for funding as well as a volunteer contractor in Past District Governor Jimmie Muckleroy. In addition to owning a contracting company, PDG Muckleroy is also director of a volunteer group of contractors and handy-men known as the “Christian Church Disciples of Christ” whose mission leads them to travel abroad, helping organizations erect structures so that the organization can better accomplish their mission…and that certainly has been the result at Texas Lions Camp.

“Volunteer” construction on this scale is outside the norm for Texas Lions Camp, and there were many details and obstacles that had to be addressed in order for the project to proceed. Moreover, both the distance and construction requirements that are unique to building in the rocky, Texas Hill-Country, posed many puzzles to be unraveled by PDG Muckleroy and his crew who are based in deep East Texas; however, by working together, consulting and inviting the participation of a number of Kerrville based contractors and a determination to overcome issues, children visiting Texas Lions Camp from this point forward will benefit as a result of this tremendous effort. My heart-felt appreciation and congratulations go to PDG Jimmie for his tremendous work and sacrifice in seeing this project through to completion. Many thanks also to Mike Dyal, of Kerrville based  Mike Dyal Custom Homes, for his many hours devoted to the project.

It is definitely noteworthy to also let you know a number of Dads and relatives of TLC campers both worked on this project and donated towards making this project a reality both for their children and the children of others. I can’t think of many things stronger than that!

In addition, I can’t express my appreciation and admiration enough for the many fine Lions of District 2-X2. They have a long standing and distinguished record of service to children through Texas Lions Camp, and have once again stepped up in a big way on behalf of the children we serve.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not also mention the tremendous efforts of 2^nd Vice-President Leon Van Alstine and DG-elect, Nancy Van Alstine for their tireless efforts in presenting their vision for Frontier Village to the District of 2-X2. The many presentations and long trips they have made to invite the financial support needed for the District to adopt and financially support the project was the impetus and driving force behind our ability to move forward to completion in time for Summer Camp 2012.

I am very excited for our kiddos and can’t wait to see the wonder in their eyes as they enter this new facility that has been constructed just for them.

Happy Camping…

  

Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE
Chief Executive Officer

Fantastic Four

By: Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE

Chief Executive Officer

FANTASTIC FOUR

Four Fantastic individuals recently received four phenomenal offers, and I couldn’t be more excited for the future of all four.

Today, I am officially announcing that two (2) key, full-time employees will be leaving Texas Lions Camp in order to accept positions with other service-based organizations: Paul Brouse (Program Supervisor) whose last day will be April 30, 2012 and Stephanie Hodges (Registrar) whose last day was Friday, April 20, 2012. Both of these high-caliber individuals have served with distinction and their talents will be missed, but at the same time, we are excited to watch them embark on the next step in their personal journey through life.

It is a difficult thing to invest in employees and to later have to say good-bye, but the

truth is “Cream Rises to the Top” and just as quality people come in, they inevitably will rise to even greater challenges and go out. Texas Lions Camp has a long standing tradition of celebrating the natural flow of this cycle and for decades has invited those who have served “to evaluate what they have given to TLC and what they have taken away from TLC.” This cycle is true for all and occurs at varying degrees both large and small…directly and indirectly…obviously and quietly.

Paul Brouse - 2012

Paul Brouse – Program Supervisor
Paul was the second person I ever met at Texas Lions Camp, over two decades ago, as we both served on the summer staff at TLC in 1989. Even then, his calm, steady and gentle way with people was legendary and well established. Paul soon began his full-time career in organized camping at another organization and returned full-time to TLC in December of 2008 as TLC’s Program Supervisor. Paul has been an integral part of the TLC Team, devoting his time and efforts to recruiting, supervising, and coaching TLC’s seasonal employees. Paul was also charged with coordinating TLC’s Advanced Diabetes Seminar and facilitated both the medical team and attendees of the seminars, since the seminar’s successful inception in 2009. Paul has accepted a position at the University of New Mexico where he will manage the University’s Camp Program for Children who have Autism. Thank you Paul for your service to TLC and we wish you well in all of your new adventures.

Melissa Wilson (Left) Stephanie Hodges (right) - 2012

Stephanie Hodges – Registrar
Stephanie came to TLC in January of 2009 in order to assume the duties of Camp Registrar upon the retirement of long time employee, Mae Nell Rhymes. To be sure, taking over for an employee with 46 years of experience in a role as important as the single registrar for 1,500 children who have special medical conditions is understandably intimidating, but Stephanie proved that she was up to the challenge of mastering numerous systems and quickly met the needs of all concerned. Since 2009, Stephanie has coordinated every child who has attended TLC and directly contributed to their safe return home. Most recently and most notably, Stephanie was charged with the implementation of taking TLC’s camper applications on-line for the first time in TLC’s 63 year history. This new system was launched in January of 2012 and is making registrations quicker and easier, setting the stage for faster and more efficient responses to all concerned, not to mention faster and more efficient access to information by our program and medical teams. Stephanie will be joining Dani Johnson’s team, a motivational life coach who has appeared on Oprah and others.

Though not a requirement, it has admittedly become a pattern for TLC to promote from within and many of those invited to join our full-time team have worked on our seasonal team in the past. I am very proud to announce that two of our newest employees are no strangers to our mission as both are former employees who are merely coming home.

Patti Rodgriquez - 2012

Patricia “Patty” Rodriquez – Program Supervisor
Patty has been hired to take the position of Program Supervisor, which was vacated by Paul. She is a recent graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees: 1) Journalism and 2) Communications Studies.  Patty was a member of the TLC Summer staff from 2007-2011 having worked up to the supervisory level, and was one of our Program Interns this past year from January – August of 2011, where she actively participated in a supervisory role.  Patty is fluent in sign-language and is currently working to become a certified interpreter.  Patty states that working for Texas Lions Camp is her dream job and that she is still walking on “cloud nine” since her dream has become reality. I am very proud to have Patty join the TLC Professional Staff and to introduce her to you, the TLC family – look for great things from her – she will no doubt be a credit to us all.

Melissa Wilson, MS, CCLS, CPST – Camp Registrar
Melissa has been hired to take the position of Registrar, which was vacated by Stephanie. Melissa was a member of the TLC Summer Staff from 1996 - 1998 and joined our professional staff in 2009 as Donor Relations Specialist, before finishing her Masters degree in Family and Child Studies and then joining the hospital staff of Christus Santa Rosa in San Antonio, as a Child Life Specialist. Melissa’s undergraduate degree was completed in Psychology and Social Work from Southwest Texas State University. Melissa’s favorite quote is: “Life without compassion is like trying to dribble a football…it just doesn’t work” and she has great plans to employ this philosophy to the duties of bringing children to Texas Lions Camp. Melissa holds a special certificate as a Child Passenger Safety Technician and is qualified to instruct families on the installation and use of children’s safety restraints for vehicles. In addition, Melissa is a Certified Child Life Specialist, with emphasis on bridging the gap between the home and hospital for child patients. Melissa is notably fluent in Sign Language and a Certified Sign Language Interpreter for the deaf. Oh, and by the way…you might recognize the name...she is Glenn Wilson’s wife who is TLC’s Equestrian Director. I am excited to have Melissa rejoin TLC’s Professional Staff in this capacity and to have the benefit of her considerable qualifications once again put to work on behalf of our kiddos.

Congratulations to these Fantastic Four…may you be blessed to prosper as you step into your new roles.

Sincerely yours,

Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

Down syndrome Camp Comes to TLC

Down Syndrome Camp Comes to TLC

Down Syndrome Camp

For decades, when asked if children who have Down syndrome qualified to attend Texas Lions Camp, the answer was always disappointingly, “No.” This past summer, TLC opened a pilot program to test how Lions might provide services to this special population of children and families and turn that “No” into a “Yes.” And, on July 17, 2011, we did so for the very first time in our history.

As planning began to facilitate this exciting, first step, many methods of accomplishing the goal were entertained and there were many issues to be addressed. Should children with Down syndrome be mainstreamed into the general sessions? Should the age groups for this camp be the same? Or should it be more restrictive than the norm? Should the session be offered during summer or at another time period? If children with Down syndrome were to be offered their own session, how many children should be allowed to register?

Ultimately, our plan included inviting 75 children between the ages of 7-16 to attend a one-week session programmed specifically for their care needs. The session ran concurrently at TLC in conjunction with the Texas Burn Survivor’s Camp, though the two groups were completely autonomous and assigned separate areas of Camp so that they did not over-lap.

So What Did We Learn?

It is a wonderful and terrifying experience to take a confident step into the unknown…and there were a number of unknowns as 75 children and their families arrived for check-in. Some of the things that became immediately apparent included, but were not limited to the following:

-          Definitely, the decision to offer a specific session (rather than mainstreaming into the regular sessions) served the children well in the Texas Lions Camp setting

-          The 75 slots allotted for the Camp did not create a small camp…but a VERY-LARGE-CAMP

-          With a group of this size, the age limits should be shifted upwards to allow younger children the additional time to develop the skills needed to be away from home (and Mom)

-          Programmatically, our standard format and schedule needed to be altered in order to provide one of the things this population needs the most: Routine…Routine…Routine.

-          Behavior, rather than age, is more of a critical factor for this population to thrive in TLC’s setting

-          The parents/families of this population were very appreciative of the Lions and staff and were a privilege to work with

So What About 2012?

After observing the week, I met with the entire TLC seasonal staff who worked hands on with the kids in order to debrief and request their input for the future. Who better to answer the question, “Is TLC’s offerings in the best interest of these kiddos?” Honestly…I didn’t know what the final outcome would be as the week was a significant departure from our norm, but I expected there could be mixed reviews as to whether or not the program should be adopted in 2012.

To the credit of these young men and women who had just expended every last ounce of energy…there was not a single dissenting vote or negative comment about repeating the program. When asked specifically if they would recommend the program to continue, ~130 hands went enthusiastically skyward with zero stating they wouldn’t enjoy working with these kids again.

This past August, it was my privilege to make a full report to the Board of Directors along with a recommendation to include the Down Syndrome Camp in the schedule for 2012. The Board adopted the proposal and excitedly…we are now making preparations for a repeat program next summer.

What to Expect in 2012

-          Camp for children who have Down Syndrome will be offered on July 15-21, 2012

-          The ages for the program will be shifted upwards to include ages 12-16

-          The program will include up to 75 children

-          The 2012 application will seek additional information about behavioral patterns and care needs of campers

We are looking forward to another great season and anticipate the arrival of your kiddos.

Happy Camping!

Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

New Sound System Comes to TLC – A Resounding Thanks!

New Sound System Comes to TLC – A Resounding Thanks!

Texas Lions Camp just completed installation of a brand, new public address system at the Camp’s amphitheatre. On average, TLC’s Kerrville based campus hosts 1,500 children per year from across the State of Texas and celebrates their accomplishments at the amphitheatre each Friday evening of the summer, camping season.

It is an amazing experience to collectively celebrate the accomplishments of these children. For many, this kind of opportunity remains elusive and a rare event…to have their name called from a microphone so that their achievement(s) can be publicly recognized as they move to center stage before a crowd of 600 people is a moving and powerful experience for all.

The new sound system is comprised of professional quality, outdoor components, that are a vast improvement over the temporary system that has been used since TLC’s inception. Our practice has been to setup a portable sound-system each Friday evening, which poses a hazard to both equipment and personnel, not to mention the additional time outlay in an already task-packed day. The former system has worked with some success, but has often left those in the back wondering what was said.

The new system sports 4-two way high output speakers, 1 sub-woofer that you can feel from a distance, 2 Crown amplifiers, 1 Rolls mixer, and 2 high-end wireless microphones the latter of which are all encased in a weather-proof, secure cabinet.

What does a state-of-the-art, new sound system mean to an operation such as Texas Lions Camp? It is at the heart of our mission to improve the self-esteem of children with special medical conditions. Thanks to the generous gift made by the Odessa Downtown Lions Club, we now have an improved system by which to tell everyone present that Children Can…With TLC^TM.

And now we can say it with more volume and clarity than ever before…well done and MANY THANKS!

Sincerely yours,

Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

Our Living Heritage

Our Living Heritage

I have just returned from the Lions Legends Tribute, hosted by District 2-S2’s Past District Governor’s Association, and I am so thankful to have been a participant in this amazing ceremony. In an unprecedented act of patronage, three of our Camp Past Presidents (PDG Eddie Munger: 1967-1969, PDG Jimmy McPherson 1973-1975, and PDG Fred Hamilton: 1979-1981) were honored for their leadership and service to others before a crowd of ~200 Lions, family members and friends.

The event was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Houston and included multi-media (courtesy Terry Landers), a reception, lunch and myriad speakers, of which I was one. Master of Ceremonies for this auspicious occasion was IPD Don Buckalew, who did a fantastic job as always. Also on hand to commemorate the occasion, was the Nash 3, injecting their flare for music and a celebration of patriotism and heritage like only they can do.

One of the highest callings we have as people is to esteem and honor our seniors – especially our senior, seniors.  These living treasures possess a wealth of experience, knowledge, and wisdom…and when you look into their eyes, you are immediately confronted with the contrast of those who have learned first-hand what really matters in life.

To honor those who have lived their life with such dignity and who have paved the way for us to flourish is cousin to the act of expressing thankfulness. We must practice the discipline of thankfulness early and often if we are to live on the high plain for which we have been called.

My congratulations and heart-felt thanks go out to PDG, Dr. Irv Wishnow, PDG Ron Landers and the PDG Association of District 2-S2 for their tireless efforts in organizing this land-mark event.

I for one, found this to be a defining moment and a most welcome reminder of the things that really matter in life. I hope that the event is something that will not only be repeated in District 2-S2, but will become contagious and repeated as a matter of practice in the other 15 districts and beyond.

Best regards,

Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

Champions for the Cause

Champions for the Cause

Texas Lions Camp has surpassed a number of milestones in her distinguished history, most notably of which is perhaps her 60 Years of Service to 60,000 children.  Our founders could not have known all that they were setting in motion so many years ago, but there is no doubt that we all have much to be thankful for as we reflect upon all that has occurred to bring us to where we are today.

In the 1940s, a polio epidemic was devastating America, and the hardest hit were the very young. As Lions do, they began questioning what it was that they should do in response to the crisis that was attacking without mercy and leaving shattered lives in its wake.

An idea sprang up in the minds of several Lions, who decided that a Camp should be built where children afflicted with the aftermath of this terrible disease could attend and begin work on their self-esteem.

There were numerous individuals who deserve credit for their work and courage displayed early on for an idea that seemed impossible and doomed for failure. And indeed, it was not possible, and on paper, probably shouldn’t even be possible now.

In the midst of all that needed to be done, one man in particular stepped forward to Champion this impossible cause. The idea was not an easy sale, but in the end, all Districts endorsed the concept of a Camp for handicapped children, and the Charter of the Texas Lions Camp was signed by seven (7) founding presidents. They were:

1. W.R. Rutherford of Dumas, Texas
2. Schley Riley of Big Spring, Texas
3. Jack Wiech of Brownsville, Texas
4. Pat Jackson of Nacogdoches, Texas
5. Reagan Smith of Conroe, Texas
6. Virgil Minear of Halletville, Texas
7. J.I. Moore of Kerrville, Texas

Every great movement has a Champion. And indeed, with an operation the size of Texas Lions Camp, it takes Champions. However, the nature of our Organization requires that Champions be continually replenished. While we celebrate our heritage, and those who brought us to where we are today, it is not enough to rely on their courage and drive to carry us into the future.

We must be ever mindful that the future mission will be in the care of those who will carry the torch where we cannot. Some of these Champions are here now, and are actively working, others have yet to realize their full potential to make a difference, and still others have yet to join our ranks…but will some day.

As we reflect upon the past, and take up position for the future, let each of us consider what we have to offer, and offer it. Let us invite others to join in this noble endeavor called Texas Lions Camp. This goes beyond the issue of asking for money, rather it deals with the heart of the matter, which is an invitation to become actively involved, sharing the God given talents and experiences that each of us can impart. May we be ever more determined, and be… CHAMPIONS FOR THE CAUSE.

Best regards,

Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE

Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

Chief Executive Officer

Our Case for Support

OUR CASE FOR SUPPORT

Texas Lions Camp is blessed with many tremendous resources, but among her greatest treasures, are the people that are involved. Few organizations have both the quantity and quality of people involved that TLC enjoys, and this is why we have been able to accomplish what would otherwise have been impossible.

Together, we have been speaking a simple message for over 60 years now…a message that has been spoken and heard by over 60,000 children…a simple message that “YOU CAN” and we are here to help you do it. They have heard it…and many now speak it in their own voice…I CAN!

Our effort to increase the Endowment Fund by $25,000,000 is among the most important and ambitious tasks we have ever undertaken. Not since our founding, has such a monumental task been suggested. As we embark upon this CAMPaign to build the Endowment Fund, I am reminded that we did not arrive where we are as a result of one person’s initiative, but a collective response to a challenge. It is now that same collective response--that is born of each member doing their share--that suggests that our goal can be achieved. Together we can do this…we must do this.

Our Case for Support is simply this…Children should not have to face their challenges in life alone. Our very act of coming together is in fact a declaration to them that they are not alone, and that as a result they can dare to explore their potential, in an environment that is determined to see them succeed.

The magic of Camp is that children often speak our message that “YOU CAN” to each other long before they learn to speak it to themselves. You see this in action at the ropes course when the only reason a child decides to attempt a climb is because a bunkmate says, “come on…you can do it!” or at the horse barn, when a horse seems too scary to climb on top of, until other campers are seen doing it. Think a child would enthusiastically run down in front of 500 people to accept an award if the crowd was stone silent instead of yelling YOU CAN? Think again…they believe it because we believe it.

Thank you for joining this noble effort and being willing to give of your time and talents. It is together and by those that we will invite to join us that we will succeed, and thus pave the way for the success of children who have even yet to be born. Together, we are making TODAY’S PROMISE, FOR TOMORROW’S CHILDREN.

All my best…
Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
Texas Lions Camp, Inc.