News You Can Use, from TLC : Covid-19

TLC-4-Families

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 21:54:14 +0000

last Updated: 02/09/2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

(830) 896-896-8500 | news@lionscamp.com

From the Office of the President & CEO

Stephen S. Mabry

TLC-4-Families

Kerrville, TX - February 9, 2021. At this time last year, I visited with you about the impact of COVID-19 on TLC’s summer operation and that given Time, Planning and Care, TLC would be back. In the past year, we have learned much about how this virus behaves, and what we can do as individuals to safeguard our own health as well as how to safeguard others.

Also in the past year, there has been much passed by way of public policy as well as research to indicate what has worked in larger settings and what has not been as successful. Given Time, planning and care, the Texas Lions Camp organization has formulated our strategic plan for operations during pandemic conditions and this was recently adopted as our approach during the Semi-Annual Board Meeting held this past Saturday at Texas Lions Camp.

I am excited to announce TLC-4-Families which will be offered during the summer of 2021 to families who find they could benefit from an outing together. Specifically, our facility will be offered to families who have one or more children living under their roof, with a special medical condition of some type. Since parents will remain on campus and in charge of their children our typical scope of services will not be constrained to our typical qualification list, except where we deem it would be unsafe to do so. Moreover, your other children who reside under your roof are welcome to come and participate at what TLC has to offer.

The way this will work and the main condition that will allow for its continued operation, is that families on campus will remain together at all times and socially distanced from others during their stay. They will reside together in their assigned, private unit and will participate as a group in the activities they select for their stay.

Those families with Type-1 Diabetes will be provided programming and housing during the month of July, where the month of June will be set aside for conditions other than Type-1 Diabetes. Dr. Ponder and I, along with his staff and mine, are continuing to develop the program for diabetes, but in addition to outdoor recreation as a family, certainly, med-ed will be a large part of what is offered during your stay if attending the July sessions.

For a long-time camper families, you are already accustomed to making the trek to Kerrville. Now you have a special invitation from me to you to extend that stay and join us for TLC-4-Families. Registration is available at our website, and as you might imagine, space is limited. Where normally TLC is in the large event business, this approach by design spreads out the scope for what will be allowed by pandemic operations.

So, get out your calendar, learn more about the program offering at lions camp.com and make your plans to join us while space remains. Until then, know that we are planning for your arrival and look forward to welcoming you to TLC-4-Families.

Respectfully yours,

Stephen S. Mabry
President & CEO
Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

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_______________________________

Stephen is President and CEO of Texas Lions Camp, Inc. and recently celebrated 30 years ofservice to this 70 year-old, 501(c)(3) charitable, organization in August of 2019. TLC, Inc. has a large Board of Directors consisting of 94 voting members and over 300 volunteer members that serve on one of 10 standing committees. As a corporation, TLC has more than 200 full-time and seasonal employees (who are organized into 7 departments) and over 2,000 volunteers per year that areresponsible for creating an atmosphere of success for more than 1,500 children with physical disabilities per summer. Stephen is a Certified Association Executive with the American Society of Association Executives, a past Certified Fund-Raising Executive with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Stephen is a father of three and resides on TLC’s Kerrville campus together with his wife Shawn, who as luck would have it, is a professional editor.

Summer Programs Open Soon!

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 17:01:44 +0000

TLC2U

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

(830) 896-896-8500 | news@lionscamp.com

From the Office of the President & CEO

Stephen S. Mabry, CAE

TLC2U

Kerrville, TX - June 12, 2020.Together with the staff, I am excited to announce that Summer Programs for the Summer of 2020 open on July 5th with our new flagship program: TLC2U! In the coming weeks, children who are registered for Camp will receive a care-package in the mail from TLC. Their box will be filled with camp-swag, goodies and all kinds of activities and items that will be needed for the coming program. Then on July 5th, we will make history together when campers, their families, Lions and staff from all over the world, will have the opportunity to logon at www.lionscamp.com to join in the fun as one, larger community.

Here's a Vid to tell you more:

What's it all about?

https://www.lionscamp.com/become-a-camper.html#TLC2U

What do I need to do?

https://www.lionscamp.com/TLC2U/HOW-TO-GET-THE-MOST-OUT-OF-TLC2U.pdf

What's the daily Schedule?

https://www.lionscamp.com/TLC2U/VirtualWeekPlaninColor.pdf

We are not just making the best of things...we are making history by starting new programs that will involve more people than ever before. Don't miss out - make your plans to join in the fun, today!

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_______________________________

Stephen isPresident and CEO of Texas Lions Camp, Inc. and recently celebrated 30 years ofservice to this 70 year-old, 501(c)(3) charitable, organization in August of2019. TLC, Inc. has a large Board of Directors consisting of 94 voting membersand over 300 volunteer members that serve on one of 10 standing committees. Asa corporation, TLC has more than 200 full-time and seasonal employees (who areorganized into 7 departments) and over 2,000 volunteers per year that areresponsible for creating an atmosphere of success for more than 1,500 childrenwith physical disabilities per summer. Stephen is a Certified AssociationExecutive with the American Society of Association Executives, a past CertifiedFund-Raising Executive with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Stephen is afather of three and resides on TLC’s Kerrville campus together with his wifeShawn, who as luck would have it, is a professional editor.

Time, Planning & Care

Fri, 01 May 2020 19:23:42 +0000

Time, Planning & Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

(830) 896-896-8500 | news@lionscamp.com

From the Office of the President & CEO

Stephen S. Mabry, CAE

Time, Planning & Care

Kerrville, TX - May 1, 2020. I want to talk to you today about TLC’s plans for the Summer of 2020. Since January, we have been watching and evaluating the impact of Covid-19 on TLC’s plans for the summer, while all along the way, preparing to receive staff and children as normal. As time has elapsed, we have intently listened to Governor Abbott, Health, Regulatory and accrediting bodies, who have guided us to this point.

I chose the Sports Lake specifically to talk to you today, as it is one of the original activity areas developed at Texas Lions Camp, some 70 years ago. When it was developed, it did not hold water properly and rather than the sports lake it was intended to be, it became known as the “frog-pond” as it would hold varying degrees of water depending upon the season and severity of rain fall.

During CAMPaign 2000, we were able to form a new plan and raise the funds to make important alterations to the facility that has resulted in what you see today: a 20’ deep, accessible facility that not only holds water but provides habitat for fish and game and opportunities for fishing, canoeing and paddle-boating for children across our State. I am reminded that this facility did not start where it is today, rather, it matured and improved given time, planning and care. Like this facility, we as people are not who we are going to be given time, planning and care either.

As the Board, staff and I have evaluated the evolution of the Coronavirus, we have watched and realized that the systems that camp is dependent upon to keep children safe are not in place for the Summer of 2020 and if we take a realistic assessment, given the short time-frame, they are not likely to be able to progress to the point they need to be by the time they are needed for Texas Lions Camp. This deals with our capacity to safely transport staff to the campus from overseas, to transporting children who have multiple health concerns from across the state of Texas to co-habit in one place, to not becoming a drain on local healthcare resources ourselves should Covid-19 infections result here on our Kerrville campus.

Of greatest concern, is the fact that virtually all of TLC’s campers have been listed by the CDC as having increased risk from contracting a Covid-19 infection. Clearly, the health and safety of our kiddos, their families, our Lions, volunteers and staff are not something we are prepared to place at risk and certainly not at greater risk.

What does it Mean for 2020?
Given time, planning and care, TLC will be positioned to be stronger than ever and operating at Next-Level proficiency as more becomes known and the systems needed to safeguard the lives in our charge are not in such a condition of flux.

What this means for the Summer of 2020 is that we will transition our operations to include summer activities but will not open our residential operations onsite this summer for check-in of campers. The staff and I are working to develop many new and exciting offerings for the summer that can be offered online, mailed home and other interactive programs during the interim.I recognize that everyone is ready for things to return to normal. Given Time, Planning and Care I expect exactly that but we care too much about you guys to signal all clear before we are in a position to do so.

My belief in TLC’s mission and in fact, the camping industry as a whole is unshaken. Please understand that there will be other camps that are positioned to open and operate and our decision is in no way a statement against their choices and ability to safely operate. Rather, it is an honest assessment of what we feel is right for TLC and the children who depend upon us.

As we set about the work at hand, thank you for your continued support and belief in the mission of Texas Lions Camp. Truly, we are in this together and will emerge stronger and ready for the Next-Level given Time, Planning and Care.

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_______________________________

Stephen isPresident and CEO of Texas Lions Camp, Inc. and recently celebrated 30 years ofservice to this 70 year-old, 501(c)(3) charitable, organization in August of2019. TLC, Inc. has a large Board of Directors consisting of 94 voting membersand over 300 volunteer members that serve on one of 10 standing committees. Asa corporation, TLC has more than 200 full-time and seasonal employees (who areorganized into 7 departments) and over 2,000 volunteers per year that areresponsible for creating an atmosphere of success for more than 1,500 childrenwith physical disabilities per summer. Stephen is a Certified AssociationExecutive with the American Society of Association Executives, a past CertifiedFund-Raising Executive with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Stephen is afather of three and resides on TLC’s Kerrville campus together with his wifeShawn, who as luck would have it, is a professional editor.

Notice of Assignments - DB Camp

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 16:16:09 +0000

Notice of Assignments - DB Camp

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

(830) 896-896-8500 | news@lionscamp.com

From the Office of the President & CEO

Stephen S. Mabry, CAE

Notice of Assignments - Camp for Diabetes

Kerrville, TX - April 22, 2020.Each year, return campers and those who are awaiting the end of the priority assignment period for the diabetes program look forward to April 15th to learn about the status of their camper application. I am writing today in order to notify our camper families and lion sponsors that those assignments have been made, but are not being sent at this time pending our final scheduling determination.

I have asked TLC's VP of Summer Camps (Karen-Anne King) to direct the registrar (Jess Mihalcik) to delay notice of assignments until further notice.Rest assured that Jess has prepared the assignments and that the order andselections will be preserved as prepared. Jess will release the notices as soonas final decisions concerning the operation of Summer Camp are made and I have released the hold on assignments.

Thank you for your continued patience as we evaluate the safety and well-being of our kiddos and staff in the midst of this evolving and unprecedented event created by Covid-19.

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_______________________________

Stephen isPresident and CEO of Texas Lions Camp, Inc. and recently celebrated 30 years ofservice to this 70 year-old, 501(c)(3) charitable, organization in August of2019. TLC, Inc. has a large Board of Directors consisting of 94 voting membersand over 300 volunteer members that serve on one of 10 standing committees. Asa corporation, TLC has more than 200 full-time and seasonal employees (who areorganized into 7 departments) and over 2,000 volunteers per year that areresponsible for creating an atmosphere of success for more than 1,500 childrenwith physical disabilities per summer. Stephen is a Certified AssociationExecutive with the American Society of Association Executives, a past CertifiedFund-Raising Executive with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Stephen is afather of three and resides on TLC’s Kerrville campus together with his wifeShawn, who as luck would have it, is a professional editor.

Situation Report

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 00:24:48 +0000

News Release: Situation Report, Last Updated 04/27/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Texas Lions Camp, Inc.

(830) 896-896-8500 | news@lionscamp.com

From the Office of the President & CEO

Stephen S. Mabry, CAE

Situation Report

Kerrville, TX - April 27, 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic is being managed at all levels under which Texas Lions Camp operates. The following schedule indicates action taken at the indicated levels. Of course, this is merely a summary recap and does not seek to list all decisions made that may impact TLC. Links have been provided for additional information where available and are indicated by blue underlined text.

Australia

TLC hires heavily within the territorial boundaries of Australia and New Zealand.

April 15, 2020. Minister of Travel announces international travel to and from the Country of Australia will likely continue for a longer term.

United States

Tracker. Covid-19 Case & Resource Tracker.
March 16, 2020. Suspension of Routine Visas, stated to have a deadline of May 12, 2020 or until further notice.

Texas

Governor Greg Abbott has been very proactive in providing guidance and updates concerning the State of Texas' response.

March 30, 2020. Executive Order EO-GA14 (Closure of non-essential businesses and restriction of gatherings).

Explanation/Clarification on EO-GA14

April 27, 2020. Governor issues Executive Order to phase the opening of businesses according to protocols. Phase I begins May 1, 2020 and if the approach yields results, then Phase II will be implement on or about May 18, 2020. To read the Governor's report, click here.

Kerr County

March 24, 2020. District Judge, Rob Kelly, declared Kerr County and Disaster Area but has not issueda health advisory.

City of Kerrville

As of this writing, Kerrville has increased to 4 confirmed cases.

March 20, 2020. Kerrville continues operations in Phase – 4 of theemergency operations pandemic plan. Mayor Bill Blackburn issued aDeclaration of Disaster, which was ratified by City Council on March 20, 2020.
March 30, 2020. Kerrville's first documented case.
April 1, 2020. Kerrville opens satellite testing facility at Youth Exhibit Center, with physician's order.
April 9, 2020. Public Service Announcement from all chiefs. All City parks closed and restriction of non-essential travel reiterated.
April 16, 2020. Status of Covid-19 from City Chiefs.

Texas Lions Camp

February 2020. President &CEO developed a three-Level, response protocol for the Staff and Facility
February 2020. President & CEO suspended all business travel of professional staff.
February 2020. President &CEO initiated Protocol Level – 1.2 (Preventative Measures)
March 2020. President &CEO implemented a Work-From-Home-Program for TLC Pro-Staff
March 2020. President &CEO appointed a Covid-19 Response Team
March 2020. President &CEO reached out to local officials and is receiving briefings throughavailable channels
March 2020.President &CEO increased public discourse through media channels and survey
April 15, 2020. President & CEO has directed the VP of Summer Camps to direct the Registrar to initiate a hold on the release of non-priority, Notice of Assignments to the Diabetes program. The assignments will be made, but notifications to families will be withheld at this time, pending Governor Abbott's executive order to release non-essential business operations.
April 24, 2020. President & CEO agrees with Vision Works to discontinue Camp Discovery until 2021.
Executive Committee isreceiving daily briefings from the President & CEO
Executive Committee isengaged and taking an active role in TLC’s response
Executive Committee ismaking use of Cloud-based technologies to meet and discuss issue important toTLC
Board of Directorsis receiving regular updates through normal channels

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_______________________________

Stephen isPresident and CEO of Texas Lions Camp, Inc. and recently celebrated 30 years ofservice to this 70 year-old, 501(c)(3) charitable, organization in August of2019. TLC, Inc. has a large Board of Directors consisting of 94 voting membersand over 300 volunteer members that serve on one of 10 standing committees. Asa corporation, TLC has more than 200 full-time and seasonal employees (who areorganized into 7 departments) and over 2,000 volunteers per year that areresponsible for creating an atmosphere of success for more than 1,500 childrenwith physical disabilities per summer. Stephen is a Certified AssociationExecutive with the American Society of Association Executives, a past CertifiedFund-Raising Executive with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Stephen is afather of three and resides on TLC’s Kerrville campus together with his wifeShawn, who as luck would have it, is a professional editor.