A Life-Changing Experience for All: Celebrating Lions Camp Tatiyee

By Doyal D'angelo Bolin

This summer, The Burton Family Foundation supported the tremendous Lions Camp Tatiyee as part of our partnership with the Summer Youth Program Fund and its Arizona-based nonprofit collaborators, which supports comprehensive learning and development, along with recreational and creative outlets, for underserved youth. In addition to Camp Tatiyee, the foundation provided grant funding to support the following youth programs this summer:

• Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest summer programming for refugee youth

• Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation's Camp Sunrise and Sunrise Sidekicks 

• Camp Not-A-Wheeze summer programming for youth with asthma or allergic conditions

• Foundation for Blind Children's Sport, Habilitation, Art and Recreation Program 

• Arizona Recreation Center for the Handicapped for youth summer programming

• Patsy Reeve Foundation's Camp Patrick programming for youth with Spina bifida

• Civitan Foundation's Camp Civitan for children and adults with developmental disabilities

• The Opportunity Tree's Tree Fort Youth Transitions Program for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities

• Arizona Burn Foundation's Camp Courage for burn survivors ages 6 - 19

  
  

Lions Camp Tatiyee, which has served over 35,000 campers through 120 programs, has given hope and joy to children and adults with disabilities since its inception in 1958. Located in Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona, the organization provides a unique and inclusive summer camp experience entirely free of charge. With a mission to transform lives through connection, adventure, and personal growth, Lions Camp Tatiyee serves as a vital resource for families throughout the state, particularly in Navajo County and the Greater Phoenix area.

Tatiyee is dedicated to serving individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including physical disabilities, mental health conditions, autism, and co-occurring disabilities. The camp prides itself on its commitment to inclusivity, creating cohorts based on age and type of disability. This allows campers to build friendships and learn from peers who understand their unique challenges.

Tanner Swanson, the camp's Director of Dream Fulfillment, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity. “Many summer camps focus on just one type of disability, but that excludes so many kids. At Lions Camp Tatiyee, we focus on how we can be as inclusive as possible.” This approach ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive and create lasting memories.

One of the standout features of the camp is its commitment to serving not only children but also adults with special needs. Tatiyee recognizes that the need for support doesn’t end there. Swanson explains that just because kids grow up to be adults doesn’t mean their quality of life shouldn’t matter. This dedication to serving individuals of all ages is a testament to the camp’s mission.

The camp accommodates approximately 450 campers each year, with a focus on providing low staff-to-camper ratios. This ensures that children with complex needs receive the attention and care they require. With a typical ratio of one staff member for every two to three campers, each Tatiyee supporter goes above and beyond to provide safe, personalized care.

Life-changing Experiences

The experiences that Lions Camp Tatiyee offers are not just about fun; they are truly life-changing. For many campers, this summer camp serves as their only opportunity to break away from their daily routines and regular caregivers. This is best illustrated through campers Felicity, Bella and Kai.

Felicity is a vibrant young girl whose joy shines through her appreciation for life’s smallest wonders. After years of searching for a suitable camp, her mother found Tatiyee. “It gave her a truly life-changing summer camp experience,” her mother says. Felicity participated in archery, arts, and crafts, receiving compassionate care that made her parents feel completely at ease.

Bella, a sweet teenager, initially struggled with social interactions. Thanks to her supportive counselors, she built confidence throughout the week. A spontaneous dance-off in the dining hall saw Bella letting loose and laughing with fellow campers. Her love for cooking and baking allowed her to express herself in a nurturing environment, leaving her with cherished memories and newfound self-esteem.

Kai, an adventurous 10-year-old with cerebral palsy, embraced independence this summer, thanks to his favorite counselor, JD. This year, Kai proudly used a walker instead of his wheelchair during the camp dance. His favorite activity was the mudpit, where he delighted in just being a kid.

 “Some kids look forward to this all year,” Swanson says. “For many, this is the only time they get to interact with peers who share similar experiences.”

Campers engage in a wide array of activities, from STEM programming and arts and crafts to thrilling adventures like go-kart racing. Swanson highlights the excitement around the newly introduced go-kart program, where kids can feel the thrill of racing, something they might not have the chance to experience otherwise. The camp also includes popular activities such as swimming, archery, and a much-anticipated talent show, allowing campers to showcase their unique skills and talents.

Camp Tatiyee operates entirely on donations and provides its services free of charge. This allows families who might otherwise struggle to afford summer camp—many of whom are low-income or on reduced lunch programs—to provide their children with enriching experiences that enhance their quality of life.

“Quality of life matters,” Swanson said. “These kids are often shuffled from one doctor’s appointment to another and don’t always have the opportunity to socialize. At Lions Camp Tatiyee, they can relax, make friends, and just be kids.”

The impact of the camp extends beyond the campers themselves. Many staff members, often high school and college students, find that their experiences at the camp profoundly change their perspectives on life and disability. “It’s about growth and new experiences for everyone involved,” Swanson explains. “The connections formed at camp leave lasting impressions on both campers and staff.”

As Lions Camp Tatiyee celebrates its 65th year, its commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment remains unwavering. The camp continues to innovate and adapt, ensuring that every camper receives a transformative experience filled with joy, adventure, and the opportunity to connect with others.

The experience for both campers and staff members stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and inclusivity. By providing this service to children and adults with special needs, it not only enriches the lives of its campers but also fosters a sense of belonging that many find hard to come by. As they look toward the future, the camp is dedicated to continuing its mission of empowering families, creating friendships, and offering opportunities that last a lifetime. For many, Camp Tatiyee isn’t just a summer camp—it’s a home away from home.

To learn more about Lions Camp Tatiyee, please visit https://www.camptatiyee.org.

Photos courtesy of Lions Camp Tatiyee.