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Back in 1972, the Miami Springs Glenn H. Curtiss Lions Camp SightsClub was hosting a barbecue at the horse ranch of Lions Mel Carver and Art Tidwell. Among the guests were several blind children, who were helped to ride the horses, most for the first time, by the Lions. During one of the rides, the children heard the sighted children of the Lions talking about summer camp. This prompted one of the blind kids to ask, "Is there a camp where blind kids can go and do things like ride horses, play ball, swim, and other things that 'regular' kids do?"

An idea was born. After some checking, it was found that only one camp in the USA accepted blind children. So three Lions - Mel Carver, Art Tidwell, and Dick Swan - with the help of the other members of the Miami Springs Glenn H. Curtiss Lions Club, started working on plans to have one. The club immediately realized the project was too big for one district, so asked the newly elected Governor Mel Carver, and Council Chairman, to present the idea to the state for consideration. It was immediately approved as a State Wishing Well & Brick Wallsproject, the search for property began, and the dream of a few Lions came true.

     The perfect sight for the Florida Lions Camp was found on the shore of Tiger Lake, in Mid State, 40 acres of oak shaded property. Gov. Mel Carver returned to his club and said the contract was signed! But a few weeks later, while on a camp-out, in tents on the property, these Lions found another piece - 17 acres - the fish camp next door! There were several run down buildings there, but with work, it would be perfect. So the deal was made on the spot to buy that piece of land also.

But there was no money to do so. Thus, another idea was born, to pay for this new land, and through financial maneuvering, the sale was stalled long enough for it to take effect. Gov. Mel and Lions Art Tidwell and Dick Swan enlisted the help of their club, and Lions throughout District 35-A, to sell symbolic deeds for one square inch of camp property, for $10 each. Lions all over Florida, and adjoining states were contacted, contributed. Almost the entire price of the new land was raised, and this land now houses the main part of the Lions Camp.    

Florida Lions Camp

2819 Tiger Lake Road

Lake Wales, FL 33898

863-696-1948

flc@gte.net

 

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