 Dear Camp Tatiyee Supporters, Families, and Community, Warm greetings to each one of you! I am delighted to share some exciting updates with you in this newsletter, as well as a powerful story of impact. First up, some good news! Registration for our 2024 summer season opens November 1st, 2023! That’s right, we opened it two months early so that everyone has more time to complete paperwork, get medical evaluations done, and submit the application! To ensure that your loved ones have the opportunity to experience the magic of Lions Camp Tatiyee firsthand, I encourage all families to register promptly. Our spots fill quickly, and we don't want anyone to miss out! Next I want to share the story of Wiki, a young man living with Down Syndrome who attends camp each year. Wiki has radiant spirit, boundless enthusiasm, and an innate ability to inspire those around him. He truly encapsulates what Camp Tatiyee is all about. Each year, we see campers like Wiki challenging their limitations, forming lifelong bonds, and enjoying activities like our celebrated archery program, which instills confidence and camaraderie in all participants. And don’t forget! None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of supporters like you. Now, more than ever, as we gear up for another summer, we rely on your generous contributions to make camp possible for Wiki. Every dollar donated ensures that children with special needs receive a life-changing camp experience. Make sure to get your donation or tax credit in by the end of the calendar year! In this edition of our newsletter, you'll see more about Wiki’s story, discover our enriching archery program, and learn how Light the World is creating powerful change for Camp Tatiyee. Additionally, we present a unique giving opportunity through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, which empowers you to make a significant difference in the lives of our campers. As we prepare for another year of camp, I extend my deepest gratitude for your continued support. Together, we can create countless more stories like Wiki's. Wishing you all warmth and happiness, Pam Swanson Executive Director meet wiki, you changed his life A young man with Down Syndrome, Wiki attends Camp Tatiyee’s Intellectually Challenged School Age session each summer. A leader among his peers, Wiki has championed the camp's spirit of challenging perceived limitations, empowering peers, and having fun. Wiki is always eager to participate in a wide range of programs, from archery, to go-cart racing, and so much more. He always pushes himself to try something new, make a new friend, and make the most of camp. When it came to archery, Wiki had a knack for hitting the bullseye, and his surprising talent became a source of inspiration for others. He even started helping show others how to hit the target!  Camp Tatiyee provides campers like Wiki a chance to push their limits, and to be role models for their peers. It isn’t often that people like Wiki get to go on a week-long adventure with 40 peers facing the exact same challenges that he faces. He also doesn’t get many chances to lead or teach others. But at camp, Wiki gets to live out these important formative experiences that many of us take for granted. As his confidence has grown, Wiki has become more comfortable opening up to others. He often communicates in hushed tones, tapping his friends on the shoulder and sharing heartfelt words and secrets with those lucky enough to be close to him. He even has his own business cards, and hands them out to every new person he meets. He’s quite the character, once you get to know him a little bit.  Wiki embodies the spirit of Lions Camp Tatiyee. His unwavering positivity, active participation in camp activities, and unique way of connecting with others make him a treasured member of the camp community. For Wiki, Camp Tatiyee is not just a place; it's a wonderful world where he thrives, spreading joy and unity to everyone lucky enough to know him. making archery fun and accessible At Camp Tatiyee, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to have a classic camp experience. Our archery program is designed to create an inclusive and supportive environment where campers of all abilities can participate, learn, and excel. Picture this: a bow in your hands, an arrow at the ready, and a target just waiting to be conquered. Archery is not just a sport; it's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. As campers learn to aim, focus, and release that arrow with precision, they also develop valuable life skills that will stay with them long after the summer ends.  Archery fosters a sense of independence like no other activity. Campers learn to trust in their own abilities, make decisions with confidence, and take responsibility for your actions. With each arrow you release, you'll feel a sense of empowerment, knowing that you have the power to hit your target and achieve your goals. Archery provides a sense of camaraderie and a chance for campers to bond with their peers. Campers get to cheer each other on, celebrate each other's successes, and build lifelong friendships that extend beyond the archery range. It’s a formative and powerful experience for every camper that comes to Camp Tatiyee. a new partnership with light the world We are thrilled to share that Lions Camp Tatiyee has been selected as a statewide charity in the Light the World campaign! We will be present in their innovative Giving Machines in cities across the state, benefitting from thousands of generous donors. This is an initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and turns the act of giving into a simple and direct process. Picture a vending machine, but instead of dispensing snacks or drinks, it offers the chance to donate to change someone's life. These Giving Machines, placed in cities across Arizona, are a beacon of hope and support for our campers. With just a few buttons, individuals can contribute towards sending a camper to Lions Camp Tatiyee, purchasing sensory toys, or providing essential medical supplies to campers during their stay.  The impact of these donations cannot be overstated. Each contribution is a step towards guaranteeing that our campers, like Wiki, can enjoy a summer filled with adventure, learning, and growth. We deeply appreciate the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for selecting us for this incredible opportunity. Their partnership illuminates our mission to provide a nurturing and empowering environment for individuals with disabilities. We encourage our community to experience the joy of giving by visiting the Giving Machines. You can find a location near you by visiting this website: https://arizonagivingmachines.org/ To all who have supported Lions Camp Tatiyee through the Light the World Giving Machines, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Together, we are lighting the world, one life at a time. donate your tax credit today! You have the power to create life-changing summer camp experiences for people like Wiki by taking advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Your generous donation through this program can make a significant difference in the lives of those served by Camp Tatiyee. Starting this year, you can donate up to $421 (single, married filing separately, or head of household) or $841 (married filing jointly) through the QCO credit. Your support will directly impact the lives of these children, offering them opportunities for fun, friendship, and personal growth. It will also ensure that Camp Tatiyee always remains free for the campers we serve. We call upon our dedicated families, Lions Clubs members, past employees, and community members who are passionate about our mission to join us in this important endeavor. Please consider making a donation before the end of the year to help us reach out fundraising goals. Camp Tatiyee relies on generous people like you to keep our doors open for hundreds of campers like Wiki every year.
Your support matters, and together we can make a profound difference in the lives of special needs youth across Arizona. Your donation through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit is a powerful investment in the well-being and happiness of campers like Wiki. Comments are closed.
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