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THE VISION
Fifteen years ago, along the shores of Lake Thurmond, Camp Lakeside was developed to provide day and residence camps for youth, adults, families and military groups in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). A partnership between the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia includes a renovation and expansion that will allow anyone with a chronic health condition or disability to have access to a life-changing camp experience.
Since we began our Healing Through Joy Capital Campaign, we have made great progress towards our vision to become an accessible recreation venue so everyone can have a camp experience. In 2019, for the first time, we were able to host four medical camps through the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, camps that were previously hosted at a facility 100 miles from Augusta. As we continue to improve Camp Lakeside, we will be able to offer more unique experiences and therapeutic activities for children with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
THE PLAN
- Phase I- Completed
- First double cabin constructed
- Development of a 25,000 square foot multi-purpose building with a parking lot and outdoor theatre/stage area
- Renovations to the arts and crafts building
- Construction of a shed for water activities
- Renovations to the archery range
- New and improved hiking trails
- Phase II – Completed
- A 5,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, full service medical facility to accommodate any disability and health condition that may arise and provide routine care for all campers
- Four new “next generation” cabins that can accommodate up to 30 campers each
- Phase III
- A zero-entry swimming pool (shallow end of the pool is ground level to provide wheelchair access) with shade features, bath house and restroom facilities
- Construction of a 300-seat, indoor/outdoor Chapel overlooking the lake
- Construction of an accessible treehouse that will feature an indoor education space, wheelchair ramp, accessible restroom facilities and a slide
THE BENEFITS
When you support Camp Lakeside, you…
- Nurture the potential of every child and teen
- Invest in the lives of thousands of people for years to come
- Provide a camp where all children, youth and adults, regardless of ability or health status, can enjoy the adventure, fun and friendships of summer camp
- Afford parents of children with serious illnesses, disabilities and life challenges an opportunity to relax knowing their child is in a nurturing and medically safe environment
- Promote family development and strengthen the family unit
- Provide a secure environment for the families of our military veterans
THE FUTURE
The Family Y and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia will add a significant dimension to the quality of life for all those who most need it in the Southeast. With these critical additions, Camp Lakeside will become a valuable recreation, therapeutic resource that will meet the needs of the next generation of children, youth, adults and their families in the region. Healing Through Joy!!
