You chose to provide a short written description (up to 300 words) explaining how your organization makes an impact in the community.Since 1958, Lions Camp Tatiyee has provided Arizona children with disabilities a place where they can simply be kids. As Arizona's only entirely free residential summer camp for children with disabilities and the only camp focused specifically on improving emotional health, self-esteem, confidence, and independence, we provide life-changing experiences for approximately 400 campers each summer.
We serve children ages 7 and older who live with learning, developmental, physical, hearing, and vision-related disabilities, as well as autism. Campers come from communities across Arizona, with more than 90% traveling from the Phoenix metropolitan area. Every camper comes from a low-income household, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent a child from attending camp.
Each summer, Lions Camp Tatiyee hosts eight one-week residential sessions. Campers spend six days and five nights participating in adaptive recreation, STEM education, arts and crafts, kayaking, archery, go-karts, sports, and outdoor adventures. Sessions are organized by age and disability, creating an environment where children are surrounded by peers who understand their experiences and encourage them to try new things, build friendships, and discover what they are capable of.
The impact extends far beyond a week at camp. Children return home with greater confidence, stronger social skills, increased independence, and memories that last a lifetime. Families also receive valuable respite, knowing their child is safe, supported by trained staff and onsite medical professionals, and encouraged every day to grow and thrive.
A grant from Arizona Financial Foundation would help ensure every eligible child can continue attending camp completely free of charge, creating life-changing opportunities for children with disabilities throughout Arizona.
Social media handleshttps://www.facebook.com/teamtatiyee
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lions-camp-tatiyee
Insta: @teamtatiyee