The Michigan Braille Tran-
scribing Fund has established
an endowment fund to sup-
port the summer camp ses-
sions for visually impaired/
blind youth at Lions Bear
Lake Camp. An initial check
for $100,000 was presented
to the Board of Directors
on October 30, 2013. The
Michigan Braille Transcribing
Fund intends to provide
further funds up to
$500,000 to support the
development of a strong
foundation for the endow-
ment fund. The Michigan Braille Tran-
scribing Fund has successful-
ly transcribed print infor-
mation for blind and/or visu-
ally impaired constituents for
many years. It is their desire
that Lions Bear Lake Camp
receive sustaining support for
its continued services extend-
ed to families with blind and/or
visually impaired children,
without charge. According to
Director, Dennis Tomkins,
“The generosity of the Michi-
gan Braille Transcribing Fund is
a significant event for us. The
endowment fund is a huge
addition!!” Its existence will go
a long way in assuring the
Board of Directors ability to
continue providing quality out-
door programs for the visually
impaired and blind. The "Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund Endowment” is a
Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund
Establishes Endowment Fund for Lions Bear Lake Camp
February, 2014 Volume 3, Issue 1
Camp News Notes
About Our Campers
This Camp has truly
provided me invalu-
able experiences that
I believe that has
bet-ter prepared me
to be independent,
good role model,
caregiv-er, leader,
etc. It al-so prepared
me for any other jobs,
work-ing with people
who have disabilities
that I would do for
my new job!
Thanks so much for
providing this camp.
Someday in the fu-
ture, I plan on to be
a member and vol-
unteer of the Lions
club in my district
and encourage the
club to donate money
for this camp!
Kristin Shultz
Lions Visually Impaired Youth
Camp, Inc. is a 501(c)3
organization.
great opportunity for individu-
als and organizations to pro-
vide financial gifts that will last
for perpetuity. A charitable
gift towards the endowment
fund is tax deductible, since
Lions Bear Lake Camp is a 501
(c)(3) organization. Please
consider giving to the endow-
ment fund so that many more
visually impaired/blind children
can have a camp experience.
Your donation can be sent to
Lions Bear Lake Camp. In your
correspondence please note
that the purpose of the dona-
tion is M.B.T.F. Endowment
Fund.
Pictured: Dick Foust, M.B.T.F. Treasurer; Dave Dykstra, L.V.I.Y.C. President; Dennis Tomkins, L.V.I.Y.C. Director; Stuart Goodrich, MBTF Board Member; Cindy Olmstead, MBTF Executive Director; Jeanie York, MBTF President;
Dennis Kotenko, L.V.I.Y.C. Vice President
Kristin as a Camper
Contributed by Dennis Tomkins,Director
With many months of careful
planning and strategizing about
the building of our new uni-
versally accessible climbing
tower, the Lapeer office of
DTE Energy were there to
assist. Not only did they do-
nate our telephone poles, they
also wholeheartedly donated
their time and energy to help
in the building process. Gary
Tolar, the Lapeer office DTE
Energy overhead supervisor
stated, “I got involved with
this project because of the
cause and the opportunity
to be part of something so
awesome for special needs
children. To give them kids
the chance to experience
something that they would
otherwise never be able to
do made it all worth the
effort.” Gary Tolar and his
crew received the Sarah
Sheridan Award in recogni-
tion of all the hard work for
Lions Bear Lake Camp. This award, is given to DTE em-
ployees once a year. The
award recognizes efforts by
employees that have gone
above and beyond their
normal roles to help the
community or their compa-
ny to obtain positive cus-
tomer satisfaction and ser-
vice. This includes volun-
teerism as well as cost sav-
ing measures to the compa-
ny or organization. When
asked, “What is your overall
feeling of being part of this
project?” Gary told us,
“That is almost to hard to
put into words, ecstatic
would be a good one and
proud that my company gave
me the opportunity to be part
of something so special for the
people and children that might
otherwise never get to experi-
ence a chance to feel whole.”
With gracious gratitude, the
staff, campers, as well as the
community would like to say,
THANK YOU for all that you
allowed us to achieve. With
your kindness and support we
are now able to provide a
unique fun filled experience for
all at Lions Bear Lake Camp.
Contributed by Christina Wills,
Office Manager
Big Help From Our Local Community
We Are Expanding Our Summer Program
worries aside and join in
making friends and enjoying
new experiences. With a
fully knowledgeable staff of
doctors, nurses and counse-
lors, we are able to provide
these children with brittle
health issues a week of fun
that they will never forget.
New this year, Lions Bear
Lake Camp with the help of
the Arthritis Foundation,
will be adding a whole new
week to the excitement.
Week two will not only be
available to the children of
Michigan, but will also be
expanded to children in
other states as well. Lions
Bear Lake Camp has always
had a mission to produce a
year round program and
this is a positive step in that
direction. With everyone’s
continued support we will
be able to keep growing,
allowing children with spe-
cial needs a summer of fun
filled memories that they
will never forget.
Contributed by Christina Wills,
Office Manager
The Michigan Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation's Camp Dakota is a residential camp for
children living with juvenile
arthritis and other
rheumatoid diseases. It is
where Michigan children
with juvenile arthritis can
come and enjoy a wonderful
summer experience! The
Arthritis Foundations Camp
Dakota is held yearly at
Lions Bear Lake Camp. For
one magical week, Michigan
children with juvenile arthri-
tis can put their health
“...outdoor play
and exposure to
nature has long-
lasting effects on
children and
Camp News
“It was really
hard, but it
showed me I could
do hard things.
The zip line was
an amazing
adrenaline rush.
I can’t wait to do
it again.”
DTE Energy Employees
Setting Poles
Making Friends at Camp Dakota
adults..."
Lions Clubs Gold Sponsors
($1000+)
Algonac Lions
Almont Lions
Ann Arbor Host Lions
Armada Lions
Berville Lions
Bretton Woods Lions
Chesaning Lions
Clarkston Lions
Clawson Lions
Dearborn Heights Lions
Eastpointe Lions
Emmett Lions
Frankenmuth Lions
Fraser Lions
Grand Rapids Lions
Lake Orion Lions
Lathrup Village Lions
Macomb Twp. Lions
Madison Heights Area Lions
Marine City Lions
Muskegon Northside Lions
Novi Lions
Plymouth Lions
Port Huron South Park Lions
Rochester Hills Lions
Rochester Lions
Romeo Lions
Royal Oak Lions
Shelby Twp. Lions
Sterling Heights Lions
Trenton Lions
Utica Lions
Warren Lions
Waterford Twp. Lions
Westland Lions
Wixom-Walled Lake Lions
Lions Clubs Silver Sponsors
($500-$999)
Alto Lions
Bedford Twp. Lions
Birmingham Lions
Brighton Lions
Cass City Lions
Centerline Lions
Chesterfield Lions
Clinton Valley Lions
Detroit Renaissance Lions
Elk Rapids Lions
Fenton Lions
Garden City Lions
Grosse Point Lions
Hadley Lions
Hart Lions
Hazel Park Lions
Holt Lions
Lapeer Lions
Linden Lions
Livonia Hi-Nooners Lions
Michigan Center Lions
Midland Lions
Mount Clemens Lions
North Branch Lions
Onekama Lions
Ortonville Lions
Oscoda Lions
Rose City Lions
Sandusky Lions
Sebewaing Lions
Selfridge N. Macomb Lions
Stockbridge Lions
Washington Lions
Yale Lions
Lioness Clubs Gold Sponsors
($1000+)
Armada Lioness
Delta Lioness
Harsens Island Lioness
Lake Orion Lioness
Lioness Clubs Silver Sponsors ($500-
$999)
Almont-Dryden Lioness
Macomb Twp. Lioness
Paw Paw Lioness
St. Johns Lioness
Our Contributors
Page 3 Volume 3, Issue 1
Foundations 2013
Allstate Foundation
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Capital Region Community
Foundation
Community Foundation of
Northeast Michigan
Four County Community
Foundation
Jury Foundation
Katherine B. Miner
Charitable Trust
The King’s Daughter and
Sons Inc.
Kohl’s Foundation
Lapeer County Community
Foundation
Louise Tuller Miller Trust
Merkley-Youth Charitable
Trust
Michigan Braille
Transcribing Fund
The Phillip and Elizabeth
Filmer Memorial
Charitable Trust
Rollin M. Gerstacker
Foundation
Whiting Foundation
Mark Your Calendar
Lions Bear Lake Camp
3rd Annual Wine Tasting
Saturday Oct. 4, 2014
Note from parent-
My visually impaired daughters just spent 2
wonderful weeks at Lions Bear Lake Camp.
Because of Lions Clubs and their donors, the
camp was almost free. There are not many
camps that are or are even willing to accom-
modate to my daughters’ needs. Not only
does this camp accommodate, it is a camp
designed to fit their needs. All physically
challenged youth are accommodated. This is
one thing, you as donors, are making possible
for these children and I would like to thank
you all. Kathi Lash
Visually impaired campers challenging themselves with team building activities.
Michael Roy
Al Lindsey
Donna Wineman
Walter & Debra Kaltz
Jerry Wylin
Martin & Amy Butkovich
Ben & Barb Delecke
Michael & Laurie
Demanuel
Mauri & Betty Deprez
Lester, Shirly & Cheryl
Dobersky
Dave & Mary Ebert
Marjorie Fetty
Fraser Lions Club
Everette & Ruth Gerber
Evelyn Girardot
Joan Job
Bill & Pat Kierpaul
Gary & Margie Kirsh
Ann & Robert Klein
Joyce Kraatz
Larry & Judith Kukuk
Gordon & Jean Logan
Glennis Mosher
Owendale Lions
Danilo Riggio
Stephen & Bonnie Rojeski
Pat Sasseen
Dave Szlachta
Samuel & Carole Vitale
Rob & Gail Wylin &
Family
Dan & Charlene Yoke
Page 4 Camp News
Ronald DeBuck
Macomb Township Lions
Richard Fortier
Hubbard Lake Lions
Roger LaMothe
Sharon Bevan
Craig & Janis Bishop
Chuck & Phyllis Blackburn
Terry & Pat Bowerman
CCJ Board of Directors
Dave & Mary Dykstra
Ron Holler
Harry & Laura Johnson
Al & Desiree Lindsey
Lawrence & Colleen
McNeal
Jim & Lauraine Pettinato
Port Huron South Park
Lions
Vandercook Lake Lions
John & Carolyn Verbeken
Terry & Becky Walters
David & Nancy Winter
James Lunan
Lathrup Village Lions
Violet May Perry
Emmett Lions
James Rogers
Denise Benoit
Melissa Cardenas
Robert & Michelle
Chowen
Stephen & Susan Daley
Ron Diurba
Marvin & Marilyn
Featherston
Thomas & Tracy Golden
GP Strategies
Mike Koper
Neil & Robin Loughlin
Village of Ortonville
Michael & Donna
Pincumbe
Gene Probe
Kayla Ratz
Thomas & Ann Smith
Memorials
Blind and Visually
Impaired Session
Alto Area Lions
Laingsburg Lions
Livonia “High Nooners”
Lions (2)
Livonia Ophthalmologists
North Branch Lions
Northport Lions
Romeo Lions
Sandusky Lions
Selfridge North Macomb
Lions (2)
Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Session
Alpena Lions
Holiday Shores Lions
Lapeer Lions
Lewiston Lioness Lions
Madison Heights Area
Lions (2)
Michigan Center Lions
Midland County Health
Department
Sandusky Lions
Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Family Camp
Mayville Lions
Juvenile Arthritis
Session
St. Mary Catholic School
Camper Sponsors Honorariums Memorials
Dick Belloli
Richard Belloli, Jr.
IPDG Dick Dettling
PDG Terry Walters
Goodrich Lions Club
Hadley Lions Club
Lila Hodgin
Romeo Lions
Roger LaMothe
Hanover-Horton Lions
PDG Jim Pettinato
Esther LaMothe
Lioness Traci Tribley IPDP
Brettonwoods Lioness
Club
Jeff & Veronica Dean
Greg & Theresa Hayes
John & Ruth Kriewall
Robert & Mireya Mackovyak
Ortonville Lions
Mark Your Calendar
Lions Bear Lake Camp
Spring Work Bee
May 10, 2014 Having fun in the Arts and Crafts Center
New and Exciting Things Happening at Lions Bear Lake Camp
Page 5 Volume 3, Issue 1
It has been many years in
the works, but Lions Bear
Lake Camp has finally fin-
ished its universally accessi-
ble climbing tower and zip
line with help from a lot of
major contributors. Our
unique climbing tower with
zip line works much differ-
ently than any other in the
state of Michigan. Each
route on our climbing tower
is approximately 40 feet,
each with a different degree
of difficulty. Side one is built
on a lean and is wheelchair
accessible. Side two has two
vertical routes, one route
with an overhang. Once a
climber reaches the top plat-
form a Certified Facilitator
will transfer the climber
onto the zip line. The zip
line is a hydraulic system and
lowers the zipper to the
ground or back into their
wheelchair. This program is
designed to adapt to the
style and needs of each indi-
vidual climber while also
being fun and highly motiva-
tional. With the expansion
of this new program, we
have also needed to add to
our staff. Our Certified Fa-
cilitators had a wonderful
time watching and assisting
the kids this summer. This
is Rob Trott’s third year
with us at camp as a facilita-
tor, “To watch the excite-
ment and expressions on
many of the campers faces
as they successfully com-
plete the biggest challenge of
their young lives…. price-
less!” Tiffany Adams first
year as a facilitator with
Lions Bear Lake Camp was
an exciting one, “It was a
great blessing for me to
have the opportunity to
help the young people have
an awesome experience on
the climbing tower and zip
line. To see the huge smiles
on their faces when they got
done showed just how spe-
cial this experience was for
them.” With this being the
first summer of using our
new tower, you could only
imagine the excitement
from our staff and campers.
Nick was one of our first
wheelchair bound individuals
to experience our tower, “It
was really hard, but it
showed me I could do hard
things. The zip line was an
amazing adrenaline rush. I
can’t wait to do it again.”
With Nicks help our staff
was able to practice assisting
with a wheelchair bound
individual before our camp-
ers arrived. Thanks to Nick
our staff was ready to per-
form. Another important
person to this project is
Jean Jones, our Challenge
Course Director. With
her ideas all of this was
possible. “I wasn’t at Lions
Bear Lake Camp for very
long before I had a
vision, a vision that
kept on growing. I
knew that our
campers needed a
climbing tower and
not just any climbing
tower; a tower that
each camper could
enjoy while facing
challenges. A well
thought out and
planned climbing
tower that would allow the
camper to grow emotional-
ly and physically from their
experience. It took six
years of determination be-
fore I was able to turn a
dream into reality. I am so
thankful for all the support
from Dennis, Christina and
my family. I am fortunate
to have a husband that
shared in my dream of the
perfect climbing tower
and zip line. Together
we were able to
design not only a
beautiful tower but
also a zip line even
a wheelchair
bound climber
could experience.
Through all the gen-
erous donation of
money, time and materi-
al, a 40 foot climbing tower
and 325 foot zip line was
built at Lions Bear Lake
Camp. I am very proud of
each camper that approach-
es the tower with determi-
nation to conquer their
fears or challenge their pre
conceived abilities. We had
a wonderful 2013 and I am
looking forward to 2014.”
Lions Bear Lake Camp
would like to thank every-
one that helped participate
in this project, from those
of you that made donations
to the ones that donated
their time. We would like
to give a special thanks to a
huge supporter of Lions
Bear Lake Camp, Delores
Charles and to the Greater
Lansing Foundation. With-
out all of your support this
project would not have
been possible.
Contributed by
Christina Wills,
Office Manager
3409 N. Five Lakes Rd.
Lapeer, MI 48446
Phone: 810.245.0726
Fax: 810.245.0750
www.bearlakecamp.org
LIONS
BEAR LAKE CAMP
Camp Wish List
Mark Your Calendar
For a Fun Event
Annual Golf Outing
May 18, 2014
We’re on the web
www.bearlakecamp.org
Lions Bear Lake Camp
3409 N. Five Lakes Rd. Lapeer, MI 48446
Lions Visually Impaired Youth Camp, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization
10 ft. Portable Shade $3,000
Universally Accessible Paddle Boat $2,800
Tents (3) $350
Archery Bows and Arrows $200
Basic Medical Supplies $500
Visual Impaired Games $500
Books for Deaf and Hard of Hearing $350
Camper Shirts $700
$200
$200
$100
$400
$200
$100
$500
$200
$25
8 foot tables
$40
Climbing Rope
Microwave Oven
Office Chairs (2))
File Cabinet
Life Jacktes (4)
Nature Center Equipment
Arts Center Supplies
Window blinds
Case of copy paper
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