The Manning Lions Club recently welcomed Camp Leo Director Ben Snead, who shared how a weeklong summer camp on Hilton Head Island provides children with visual impairments opportunities for recreation, friendship and independence at no cost to their families.
Snead was joined by his wife, Mary, who also works at the camp. During the meeting, club Vice President Richard Kump presented the couple with a donation to sponsor a camper in 2027.
Founded in 1975 by the Hilton Head Lions Club in partnership with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, Camp Leo serves legally blind children ages 7 to 17 from across South Carolina. The camp is held at St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church on Hilton Head Island.
The program offers campers opportunities to participate in activities they might not otherwise experience, including swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, scuba diving, beach outings, athletic games and evening entertainment featuring music and talent shows.
Beyond recreation, Camp Leo provides children with opportunities to develop friendships, build confidence and spend time with peers who share similar experiences.
According to the camp's website, professionally trained staff members supervise campers around the clock. The program employs two directors, approximately 20 to 25 counselors and a registered nurse. Some counselors are former campers who return to help provide the same experiences they enjoyed as children.
Camp Leo covers transportation, lodging, meals and activities, ensuring families do not face financial barriers to participation. Bus transportation is available from designated locations across the state.
Although the camp began as a partnership with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, the Lions assumed financial responsibility in 1981 after the commission lost its federal grant. The commission continues to assist with identifying and screening prospective campers.
Today, the camp is supported by Lions Clubs throughout South Carolina, community volunteers, businesses and individual donors. Snead told Manning club members that operating the program costs approximately $40,000 annually.
The Manning Lions Club's donation will help continue that mission by providing a camper with the opportunity to attend in 2027.
The donation is part of the Manning Lions Club's ongoing commitment to supporting people with visual impairments. Locally, the club provides vision screenings, assists residents with eye care and eyeglasses, and supports the South Carolina Lions Vision Services Blind Fishing Tournament. Members also participate in food distribution, wheelchair ramp construction and other community service projects.
For more information about Camp Leo, camper applications or ways to support the program, visit campleosc.org.
