april 2026 newsletter

a letter from our director

Dear Camp Tatiyee Supporters, Families, and Community,

As we continue counting down to another incredible summer at Lions Camp Tatiyee, our excitement only continues to grow. Each month brings new reminders of why camp matters so deeply to the children and families we serve, and I am so grateful to share those moments with you.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll meet Felicity, a camper whose kindness and compassion made a beautiful impact during our Multi-Challenged School Age session. Her story is a powerful example of how camp creates a space where children can be exactly who they are, while building meaningful connections with those around them.

You’ll also learn more about our science programming, where campers explore everything from chemistry experiments to robotics in ways that are fun, hands-on, and fully accessible. For many of our campers, these experiences are brand new and open the door to curiosity, learning, and confidence.

We are deeply thankful for the continued partnership of the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund, whose support has helped hundreds of youth from Southern Arizona attend Camp Tatiyee over the years.

Thank you for being part of the Lions Camp Tatiyee community. Your generosity, encouragement, and belief in our mission make every story you read possible. We can’t wait to welcome campers back to the mountain soon for another summer full of growth, friendship, and unforgettable moments

Yours in camping,

Pamela Swanson

Executive Director (Adult in Charge)

felicity is a huge fan of camp

From the moment Felicity arrived at Lions Camp Tatiyee for our Multi-Challenged School Age session, it was clear that she was paying close attention to everyone around her. Felicity has a remarkable way of noticing people. How they’re feeling, whether they need help, and what might make them smile. Caring for others comes naturally to her, and she brings that kindness into every part of camp life!

Felicity is deeply thoughtful and patient, often putting the needs of others before her own. Throughout the week, she could be found checking in on friends, offering help without being asked, or simply spending time with someone who needed company.

For Felicity, the best programs were the ones that involved people. It didn’t matter what the activity was, if it gave her a chance to connect, she was all in. Whether she was participating in group programs, helping a friend through an activity, or celebrating someone else’s success, Felicity found joy in being part of the community. Camp gave her the opportunity to do what she loves most: show up for others.

Her counselors quickly noticed how naturally Felicity took on a supportive role. She modeled patience and empathy in ways that encouraged other campers to slow down, be kind, and look out for one another. Without ever being asked, she helped create a space where everyone felt cared for and included.

Lions Camp Tatiyee is a place where campers are encouraged to be exactly who they are, and Felicity thrived in that environment. Camp allowed her compassion, generosity, and gentle leadership to shine.

We are so grateful for the warmth Felicity brought to her week at camp. Her kindness made a lasting impression on campers and staff alike, and her presence reminded us all of the power of patience, empathy, and genuine care for others. We can’t wait to welcome her back for another summer of connection, laughter, and shared moments with friends.

making science programming accessible!

At Lions Camp Tatiyee, learning does not stop when summer begins. Through our science and enrichment programs, campers are given the opportunity to explore, experiment, and discover in ways that are fun, hands-on, and fully accessible.

For many of the special needs youth we serve, camp is the very first place they experience activities like chemistry experiments, geology exploration, or even robotics. These are opportunities that are not always available in traditional classrooms or community programs, especially for children with disabilities. At camp, we intentionally design enrichment programming so every camper can participate, regardless of ability or experience level.

Campers might mix colorful chemical reactions, examine rocks and fossils, or build simple robotic creations, all while learning through play. The focus is not on getting things perfect, but on curiosity, creativity, and trying something new. Seeing campers light up when an experiment works or when they discover something unexpected is one of the most rewarding parts of the week.

Science programs also encourage collaboration and connection. Campers work together, share discoveries, and cheer each other on as they learn side by side. These shared moments of exploration help build confidence while strengthening friendships. At Lions Camp Tatiyee, science is about more than experiments. It is about inspiring special needs youth to learn, explore, and believe in their own potential. By making enrichment accessible, we are opening doors to new interests, new skills, and new possibilities for every camper.

partner highlight: arizona daily star sportsmen's fund

Lions Camp Tatiyee is deeply grateful for the continued partnership of the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund, a long-standing supporter who has played an important role in expanding camp access for youth across Southern Arizona.

Through their generous support and commitment to community outreach, the Sportsmen’s Fund has helped connect hundreds of children and families to Lions Camp Tatiyee over the years. Their partnership ensures that special needs youth from Southern Arizona have the opportunity to experience a week of camp filled with friendship, growth, and unforgettable moments, entirely free of charge.

Access is a cornerstone of our mission, and the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund has been instrumental in making that possible in the Tucson area. By supporting outreach and camper participation, they help ensure that geography is never a barrier to experiencing the joy and empowerment of camp.

We are incredibly thankful for their ongoing dedication to our campers and their belief in the power of inclusive summer experiences. Because of partners like the Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund, Lions Camp Tatiyee continues to reach more children, build stronger communities, and change lives across Arizona.

make a monthly gift, make monthly impact

Consistent support is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting difference at Lions Camp Tatiyee. By becoming a monthly donor, you help ensure that special needs youth across Arizona can count on a life-changing camp experience year after year.

Monthly giving provides steady, reliable funding that allows us to plan ahead, maintain high-quality programming, and serve as many campers as possible. Your ongoing support directly funds free, inclusive experiences where campers build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections through activities like science enrichment, recreation, and community-centered programs.

Even a modest monthly gift adds up to a significant impact over time. For example, a $20 monthly donation helps provide critical support for camper care, programming, and accessibility needs throughout the summer season.

When you give monthly, you are not just making a donation, you are becoming a sustaining partner in the lives of the children and families we serve. Join us in creating life-changing experiences all year long.

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