News Summary
Hilton Head Island celebrated Camp Leo’s 50th anniversary, a camp providing summer experiences for legally blind children. The occasion was marked by a proclamation declaring July 16 as Camp Leo Day, highlighting the camp’s impact on youth. Community support is vital for its operations, with funding from local businesses, donations, and vital services offered by volunteers. The anniversary featured performances emphasizing the camp’s mission to empower visually impaired children, showcasing a commitment to building confidence and independence.
Hilton Head Island celebrated a significant milestone this week as Camp Leo marked its 50th anniversary, an initiative that provides summer experiences for legally blind children from across the state. On July 16, a proclamation from the Hilton Head Town Council declared the day as Camp Leo Day, highlighting the camp’s enduring impact on the lives of youth aged 7 to 17.
Dale Larow, who chairs the Camp Leo Council, reported that the nonprofit organization typically requires annual funding between $40,000 and $45,000 to operate effectively. This financial support enables the camp to cover various essential expenses, including van rentals, bed storage, staff hiring, and other operational costs. Major funding sources encompass a Lions Club concession stand at the RBC Heritage event, grants from local businesses, and various in-kind donations from the community.
Local support is crucial for the camp’s continuing operations. St. Andrew By-the-Sea United Methodist Church plays a vital role by providing facilities at no cost through its Celebration Center. This arrangement includes the use of kitchen facilities, contributing to the camp’s success over the years. Community involvement extends beyond funding; local businesses and volunteers generously donate services for recreational activities such as kayaking and dolphin cruises, enriching the camp experience.
One of the highlights of the anniversary celebration was a performance of “God Bless America” by Shelby Craig, a 29-year-old legally blind counselor, alongside musician Gregg Russell. Craig’s connection to Camp Leo began at the young age of six, introducing her to the valuable opportunities the camp offers. Her presence and performance underscored the camp’s enduring impact on the lives of its participants.
Camp Leo operates without traditional camping facilities, such as cottages or archery ranges, which has contributed to its relatively low profile over the years. However, the camp’s mission is clear: to build independence and self-confidence in children who are visually impaired. This mission has attracted consistent support from the local community, exemplifying a spirit of camaraderie and commitment to helping children thrive.
During the anniversary celebration, Ben Snead, the camp’s director for 44 years, assisted Craig onto the stage, symbolizing the unity and cooperation surrounding Camp Leo. The event showcased not only the camp’s significance but also the community’s role in its ongoing success. Anecdotes of generosity were evident, as a stranger in the audience donated $200 to purchase something special for the children attending the camp, highlighting the impact of community engagement.
As Camp Leo embarks on its next chapter, its longstanding commitment to empowering legally blind children remains a cornerstone of its identity. The camp exemplifies the best of what American communities can achieve through collaboration and mutual support. Its journey reflects not just a dedication to helping children develop essential life skills, but also the fostering of a supportive environment where children can learn and grow, despite their visual impairments. With the backing of the Hilton Head community, Camp Leo continues to thrive and will undoubtedly impact future generations of children.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet Opinion
- Wikipedia: Camp Leo
- Wells Funeral Home
- Google Search: Camp Leo
- Tukios Website
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Visual Impairment
- Legacy.com Obituary
- Google News: Hilton Head Island
- Island Packet Living
- Google Scholar: Nonprofit Organizations
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
