25 years of memories
25 years of Teresita Pines
This year marks 25 years of the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines and as we gear up for our 25th Anniversary Gala (taking place Sunday, March 22, 2020 please go to our website for more information and to get your tickets today campteresitapines.org/anniversary) we are going through the archives and looking back at a quarter-century of photos and memories.
It's amazing to reflect on all the amazing things that have happen at Teresita Pines over the years, all the incredible improvements, updates and renovations to the cabins and dining halls to further our mission of providing accessible facilities to serve campers with special needs.
Over the past 25 years we have added so many new things to the camp like a system of accessible concrete pathways connecting seven ADA accessible cabins with the dining hall, swimming pool, archery range, playing field, campfire and chapel. The pathways can be used by campers in wheelchairs and have tactile indicators to assist the blind and vision impaired.
All of this could not have been possible without the amazing support of our community from Lions Clubs throughout California and beyond, Nonprofit Organizations and the 1000s of volunteers who have helped make the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines what it is today and what it will be for the next 25 years. We sincerely thank you for helping make Teresita Pines accessible to all and helping share the joy and magic of camp to more campers than ever before.
Enjoy some photos from the past 25 years of Teresita Pines below!
25th Anniversary Gala
Please remember to join us for our 25th Anniversary Gala: Sunday, March 22, 2020 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Los Angeles - Rosemead.
It will be a fun filled evening as we look back at 25 years of camp and the people, Lions Clubs and Organizations that helped make the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines what it is today.
Questions about the 25th Anniversary Gala? Please give us call at 760-249-3580 or email us at info@campteresitapines.org
We have a special discount rate on rooms at the Doubletree by Hilton. Reservations must be made before March 1, 2020. Click here to learn more Into book a room https://bit.ly/38TkeU8
Thank you and look forward to seeing you there!
Teresita Pines 2019 Fall Fundraiser
Here at the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines we've believe that camp should be accessible to all. ‘accessible to all’ also means financial accessibility. We want to make sure that every child has the chance to go to camp and leave with the skills, confidence and friendships that will last them a lifetime.
We are looking to offer even more ‘Camperships’ (scholarships to send Campers to Camp) and expand the accessibility and fun of going to camp to more children.
Today we are launching our special 30-day fundraiser called CAMP FOR ALL ((November 4 to December 3, 2019) to raise $15,000 for our ‘Camperships’ (Camper Scholarships) and help more than 350 children get to experience camp for the first time.
For this special fall fundraiser we have a lot of awesome rewards for every donation level, from Teresita Pines Pins to help complete your Lions Club pin collection, to Hats, T-shirts, Mugs and a whole lot more to thank you for making a difference in a child's life and supporting our mission here at the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines, “to provide beautiful mountain facilities for group camping, emphasizing the needs of the disabled”
You can donate directly through our website securely and easily or if you prefer to donate by check you can send your checks to our P.O. Box Address (please note we cannot receive mail to our physical street address).
Please mail your checks to:
LIONS CAMPS AT TERESITA PINES
PO BOX 98
WRIGHTWOOD, CA 92397
(On the Check Memo line, please put ‘Camp For All’)
Donation Levels and rewards
Photos of Rewards on our website
Donate $10 or more
For donations of $10 dollars or more you will get a digital shot out And a huge thank you for supporting our camp.
Donate $25 or more
For donations of $25 dollars or more you will receive our One-of-a-kind Teresita Pines pin, a true pin collection is not complete without it.
Donate $50 or more
For donations of $50 dollars or more you will receive our Limited Edition 25th Anniversary Camp tee. Or you can choose one of our classic Teresita Pines tee. Which ever one you choose You will look good and feel good you are helping make camp more accessible.
Donate $75 or more
For donations of $75 dollars or more you will receive our classic camp mug. Great for Pumpkin Spice Lattes or you know, regular coffee. But whatever you choose to put in your mug know that you're helping support Lions Camp with every sip.
Donate $100 or more
For donations of $100 dollars or more you will receive our classic Camp Beanie. Finally a way to keep your head warm during our cold California winters. and you will get a warm feeling knowing that your donation is helping the Lions camp.
Donate $125 or more
For donations of $125 dollars or more you will receive our Limited Edition 25th Anniversary Camp hat. Or you can choose one of our classic Teresita Pines hats.
Donate $150 or more
For donations of $150 dollars or more you will receive our Classic Camp Polo Shirt. Looks stylish riding your horse at the polo fields or on the golf course in our signature Camp Polo.
Donate $250 or more
For donations of $250 dollars or more you will receive our Classic Hoodie. It's a sweatshirt with a built in hood, what else would you ever need? Stay warm and show your support Of Teresita Pines.
Donate $500 or more
For donations of $500 dollars or more you will receive a special presentation about camp for your Lions Club meeting with homemade Cookies.
Donate $1000 or more
For donations of $1000 dollars or more you will receive your name on our wall of fame and award presented at Open House on Saturday, Sept. 12th, 2020.
Photos from our Fundraising Dinner Gala
Thank you for supporting Teresita Pines
Thank you so much for coming to our first annual Fundraising Dinner Gala and supporting Lions Camps at Teresita Pines. Together we raised over $33,000 to support our Campership program helping more kids go to camp than ever before and making camp accessible to all.
We have extended our Campership fundraiser for one extra week. If you were not able to attend our gala please consider making a donation today and help more children experience the joy of camp.
Photos by Pirouette Photography
The Top Ten Reasons Why You Need To Attend Our Dinner Gala
We have 1 week left until our Dinner Gala
Celebrate and support the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines
Sunday, March 24th: 5:00 pm-8:30 pm
Crossroads Center for Arts & Sciences
1634 18th St
Santa Monica, CA 90404
1. Easy, free parking lot and group hotel discount at nearby Gateway hotel (if you wish to stay the night)
2. Chances are there's someone there you'll know, and someone new to meet! :)
3. Photo Booth and roving photographers! You'll be famous in pictures!
4. Live Music! Kiki & the Biscuits perform...
5. One of the best Silent Auctions around with superb items you don't want to miss at a steal! (items mentioned below)
6. Open Bar... nuff said.
7. Delish Din-Din... appetizers and eeeeeven dessert!
8. You get to see a King get crowned for their fundraising efforts
9. You happen to like fun...
10. You like to help give campers with disabilities memories that last a lifetime!
125 seats have been filled so far! We have 25 seats left!
Go to www.campteresitapines.org/gala to purchase tickets online
Silent Auction items
1 General Admission Universal Stuidos Themepark Tickets
2. Free Teeth Whitening / Coronal polish at VIP Dental Spa
3. Painting 'Loch Lomond Cottage' from artist Tisha Whitney
4. 55" Samsung Flat Screen TV
5. Pampered stay at Camp w/ Cooking Class
6. Abstract crayon art from Arabella Kolatkar
7. 43" Samsung Flat Screen TV
8. DoubleTree by Hilton 3 day/2 night at Rosemead
9. DoubleTree by Hilton 3 day/2 night at Napa Valley American Canyon
10. Los Angeles Police Academy Tour with Brunch
11. Rare Chivas Regal Revolve 17 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky
12. Indian Wells Variety Collection of 24 Festive Beers
13. 12X16 Canvas Photograph of the Painted Desert, Arizona
14. Valley Forge Collectible Betsy Ross Flag
15. Johnnie Walker Black Label 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky
16. Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whiskey Aged 18 years
17. Chivas Regal Aged 12 years Scotch Whiskey
18. Kindle Books E-Reader Tablet
19. Unique Horseshoe Wine Rack with a selection of wines
20. Classic set of collectible Stoneware mugs & dessert/salad plates
Meet Our Ambassador Family “The Kolatkars”
Meet Our Ambassador Family “The Kolatkars”
Annie and Anand Kolatkar are the parents of Arabella (11) and Adrian (7).
Our Ambassador Family attended our Sight Awareness Camp in May of 2018. They were referred to us by a Blind Children’s Center family and attended camp together. Dad, originally from India, is a cancer researcher at USC and mom, a California native, is an author, energy healer and oil painter.
Arabella, a charismatic 5th grader, has dual diagnoses of Down syndrome and autism. She has multiple vision diagnoses but doesn’t let any of that stop her. She enjoys being an artist and enjoyed all the camp art activities.
Adrian, her exuberant 1st grade brother is a former reverse mainstreamer from Blind Children’s Center where he has several friends with vision problems. He and his buddies raced around camp participating in all the activities having a total blast! When he grows up he wants to be a doctor and help children with special needs.
Join us at our fundraising dinner gala in Santa Monica, CA and meet our ambassador family and help support Lions Camps at Teresita Pines and continue our mission of making camp accessible to all. Learn more about our gala
Meet the Candidates for the King of Teresita Pines
Join us for a fun filled night of dinner, entertainment, and a whole lot more in Santa Monica, CA
Our fundraiser gala is a fun filled night with delicious food, great entertainment, live music and a whole lot more, all while supporting the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines.
Get your tickets today for the event and show your support for the candidate you want to see crowned king of Teresita Pines.
Learn More About the Candidates for the King of Teresita Pines
This year we're launching our first fundraising dinner to celebrate the camp and help support our mission all year long. We would like to introduce you to the Candidates for the title of King of Teresita Pines at our inaugural fundraising event.
The Candidates vying for the title of “King of Teresita Pines” are extraordinary people who are relentless in their efforts to help children with disabilities experience memories that last a lifetime at Lions Camps at Teresita Pines. Every dollar each candidate raises equals one vote and the person with the most votes will be announced at the Dinner.
Mike Jones - (PDG 4-L5) Jurupa District Lions Club
Read more about Mike Jones and his contributions to Lions Clubs and the Camp Click here
Chuck Nelson - (4-L5) Timberline Lions Club
Read more about Chuck Nelson and his contributions to Lions Clubs and the Camp Click here
John Nelson - (DG 4-L2) Long Beach Belmont Shore Lions Club
Read more about John Nelson and his contributions to Lions Clubs and the Camp Click here
Justin Myers - (DG 4-L4) Laguna Beach Lions Club
Read more about Justin Myers and his contributions to Lions Clubs and the Camp Click here
Join Us for a Special Fundraiser Dinner Gala to celebrate and support the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines. Limited Seating.
CROSSROADS CENTER FOR ARTS & SCIENCES
1634 18TH ST
SANTA MONICA, CA 90404
Sunday, March 24th: 5:00 pm-8:30 pm
A percentage of the ticket cost will benefit the Campership program of Lions Camps at Teresita Pines, providing memories that will last a lifetime for campers who are deaf, blind, with autism, or diabetes.
This Gala is a celebration of the camp, the achievements we have made and the candidates’ efforts in raising funds and awareness for Camp. Surrounded by friends, family and camp supporters, the attendees will enjoy a special evening in celebration of their hard work and support of our special campers and their families.
Traveling from out of town?
We have a special group rate just for Lions at the Gateway Hotel Santa Monica.
To make reservations by phone please call the hotel at: (310) 829-9100 when making reservations ask for the Lions Camp at Teresita Pines discount rate or Reserve online at www.gatewayhotel.com and Enter Code: LIONS For the discount group rate.
Gateway Hotel Santa Monica
1920 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Have questions about the event?
Please call us at (760) 249-3580
Or you can email us at info@campteresitapines.org Or simply reply to this email.
IF YOU PREFER TO PAY BY CHECK, PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE FORM AND MAIL IT WITH YOUR CHECK TO OUR PO BOX ADDRESS
Please send your check with completed form to:
Lions Camps at Teresita Pines
P.O. Box 98
Wrightwood, CA 92397
Thank you for making a difference in a child's life and supporting our mission here at the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines, “to provide beautiful mountain facilities for group camping, emphasizing the needs of the disabled”
STAY CONNECTED WITH CAMP ALL YEAR LONG
Sign up for our newsletter at campteresitapines.org/newsletter
Memories That Last A Lifetime Are Made At Camp
We believe that every child should have the chance to go to camp and leave with the skills, confidence and friendships that will last them a lifetime. For over 20 years the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines with the support of Lions and friends throughout California has proven that camp can be accessible to all allowing everyone regardless of ability, the fun, the laughter and the joy that comes from experiencing camp for the first time.
In 2018 we continued our mission of delivering amazing Camp experiences and welcomed over 6,700 campers to Teresita Pines, hosting special Lions camps including: The Sight Awareness Weekend, Lions Wilderness Camp for Deaf Children, Lions Diabetes Camp, MD-4 Lions Youth Exchange Program, MD-4 Lions Youth Leadership Institute. Plus, we worked with other nonprofits that support children and adults with autism, children who have a parent battling cancer, and much more.
Thank you for making a difference in a child's life and supporting our mission here at the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines, “to provide beautiful mountain facilities for group camping, emphasizing the needs of the disabled”
Together we raised over $13,495.99 in our Teresita Pines Fall Fundraiser, Thank you!
YOUR DONATIONS MAKES IT ALL POSSIBLE!
Our original goal was $10,000 but in the end, together we raised over $13,495.99 in our Teresita Pines Fall Fundraiser, Thank you!
It's your continued support of our Lions Camp that makes everything we do possible from hosting the Sight Awareness Weekend, Lions Wilderness Camp for Deaf Children and so much more. It’s through your donations that allow our camp to continue to serve so many children with disabilities and gives everyone the opportunity to experience the joys and friendships that come from camp.
We are proud to continue to represent the Lions club motto We Serve and make Camp truly accessible to all regardless of disability.
We thank you for your continued support of the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines!
Donors to our Fall Fundraiser include
And Many More, including Anonymous Donors, Thank You!
Photos from the Lions Appreciation Day and Open House
Thank you to everyone for coming to the Open House and for your continued support of the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines. Here are a few photos from the open house on Saturday and Follow us on Instagram for even more photos from the Lions Camps at Teresita Pines.
Lions Appreciation Day & Open House
Lions Appreciation Day & Open House
Here’s an opportunity for Lions Club members to bring the family for a day of fun, food, friends, activities and awards at Teresita Pines. Discover all of the things the camp has to offer while enjoying camp activities including swimming, archery and the climbing wall.
This is a fun day for all ages, so please bring your children and grandchildren for a great day in the beautiful Angeles National Forest.
Saturday, September 8th 2018
The festivities begin at 9:00 AM
Schedule of Events
- 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Continental Breakfast
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tours of facilities and camp activities
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Entertainment, Awards, Presentations, Raffle Winners
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Tours of facilities and camp activities
RSVP
Please RSVP and let us know how many people are coming.
GPS COORDINATE ADDRESS
Photos From The Sight Awareness Weekend 2018
Here’s some pictures from the Sight Awareness Weekend Family Camp. We served 15 families with a member who’s visually impaired. Families had fun with Arts & Crafts, Sports & Games, Drama Games, Swimming, a Hike, a Campfire night with a show and s'mores, and more! Thanks to our volunteer staff who helped make it a blast. We’ll see you next year!
It's your support that makes these camps possible. Please consider making a donation today to our Campership fund. $25, $50, $100 or more. Every donation helps to bring smiles and lifelong memories to our campers.
What is a Campership?
Make a donation today and make a lasting impact on the life of a child.
At Teresita Pines we feel there should be nothing standing in the way of kids having an amazing camp experience. ‘Accessibility to all’ also means financial accessibility. We want to make sure that every child has the chance to go to camp and leave with the skills, confidence and friendships that will last them a lifetime.
Each year we offer ‘Camperships’ (Camper Scholarships) to children whose family can’t afford camp. This year we are looking to offer even more scholarships and expand the accessibility and fun of going to camp to more children with disabilities. Your help can surely make Teresita Pines accessible to all.
Please consider donating today. 100% of your donation is tax-deductible.
Thank you,
Your friends at Teresita Pines
Now you can donate directly through our website easily and securely
Please consider to donate $10, $25, $50 or more. Every bit helps!
Donate by check
If you prefer to donate via check please mail your donation to our PO Box address
Lions Camps at Teresita Pines Inc.
PO Box 98
Wrightwood, CA 92397
Third Annual Lions Camps at Teresita Pines Sight Awareness Weekend
We had a fun-filled Sight Awareness Weekend 2018 (May 18-20) for families with a member who has a considerable visual impairment. But please do fill out our quick form so that we can reach out to you next year when registrations open.
Escape the city and join us for a fun family weekend in the peaceful and beautiful Angeles National Forest with your family. Open to all families with a visually impaired member. There will be a program of activities for the whole family including:
Climbing wall
Swimming pool (weather permitted)
Archery
Group hike
Campfire / Evening Program
And more!
Cost: $40 per person for the weekend (no cost for youth under 5 years of age)
Please bring cash or check with you to Camp
INCLUDES:
2- night stay
Friday evening snacks
5 meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner & Sunday breakfast, lunch)
Planned Program with activities
Arrive between 5pm-8pm on Friday, May 18th and depart Sunday, May 20th after lunch
We’re anticipating a good number of families this year for our Sight Awareness weekend. Your flexibility in sharing a cabin with another family is greatly appreciated.
Questions? CALL 800.585.3245 OR EMAIL info@campteresitapines.org
GPS COORDINATE ADDRESS
Lions Camps at Teresita Pines
22801 Big Pines Highway
Valyermo, California 93563
Photos from previous years
Lions Spring Work Weekend May 31 - June 3, 2018
Join us for a weekend of work and fun!
We would like to invite you to our Spring Work Weekend where friends of Teresita Pines come together to fix-up, spruce-up and beautify the camp facilities that serve many children and families each year.
This weekend is open to all families, volunteers and community members looking to escape the city and spend a weekend in the beautiful mountains of the Angeles National Forest to paint, rake, repair, build and improve the beauty and safety of our grounds and facilities.
No experience needed, Though we have some special projects for participants with the following skills:
* Electrician
* Plumbing
* Carpentry
We’re anticipating record numbers of volunteers this year for our Spring Work Weekend. Your flexibility in sharing a cabin with fellow volunteers is greatly appreciated.
Schedule
Thursday Night, May 31:
Work Weekend Leaders arrive, along with anyone else who would like to setup and begin small projects on Friday.
Friday Night, June 1:
We will get you settled into your cabin and then kick back and relax with some hot chocolate, snacks, puzzles and good conversation in our main dining hall.
We ask that you arrive to the Camp by 10:00 PM Friday night or by 10:00 AM Saturday morning
Saturday, June 2:
Start your day with breakfast at 8:00 AM with work projects beginning at 9:00 AM. After a day of successful projects, join us for dinner and a campfire.
Sunday June 3:
Sunday begins with breakfast at 8:00 AM, then completing projects.
We'll celebrate our successes at our 11:30 am lunch before saying
goodbye.
A forthcoming e-mail (for those who sign up) will arrive with more info and a list of projects we want to accomplish.
GPS COORDINATE ADDRESS
22801 Big Pines Highway
Valyermo, California 93563
We’re welcoming our new Camp Manager David Garry!
Please help us welcome our new Camp Manager David Garry! David brings over 30 years of Camp experience and over 15 years of Nonprofit experience to Lions Camp at Teresita Pines. He had originated the partnership between Lions Camp and Jay Nolan Camp (for children with/without disabilities) as their Camp Director in the early 2000’s, and in his most recent position had coordinated volunteers and communications for Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times (of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California). David has recently started transitioning into the role under the direction of veteran Camp Manager John Bauer.
David hails originally from Connecticut, where he had also served as administration for 4-H Camps.
He said of his new role: "I’m honored to join the team at Lions Camp at Teresita Pines, and have had the opportunity to meet with many of the stakeholders - Board members, Donors, Staff, and Volunteers that clearly have a love for the Camp, as well. I look forward to being a Lion by joining the Lions Club, and I look forward to meeting and partnering with the groups and organizations that stay at Lions Camp at Teresita Pines, and in providing a home away from home, helping make memories that will last a lifetime.”
Behind the scenes photos from the Lions Float at Rose Parade
If you watched this year's Rose Parade you may have recognized a familiar face, Teresita Pines camp manager John Bauer riding on the front of the Lions Club international float. We’re so proud to have John represent Lions Club to the world.
Here are some behind-the-scenes photos of the decoration and final preparation of the float right before it goes on parade.
Lions Camps at Teresita Pines Holiday Party 2017
Happy Holidays! Thank you to everyone for being part of the Teresita Pines community this year. It's your support that makes Teresita Pines great!
Happy Holidays and look forward see you in 2018!
From your friends at Lions Camps at Teresita Pines
Here are pictures from LCTP Holiday Party
