John Eads

Texas Lions Clubs

One summer, a 10-year-old boy in a wheelchair talked to me about his week at Texas Lions Camp.

He told me, “I spend 51 weeks of the year in a place made just for you, and one week in a place made just for me. And it’s like Heaven on Earth.” His words brought tears to my eyes then, and still do every time I retell his story.

This year, I have the honor and privilege of serving as president of Texas Lions Camp. One of my goals is that each of the 1,500 camper slots be filled this summer, and achieving it begins with enrollment.

Parents can register potential campers online at lionscamp.com. The camp is provided at no cost to the family.

Since 1953, Texas Lions Camp has been providing a fun-filled camping experience for children with special medical needs, while helping campers gain confidence and build self-esteem. Summer 2019 session dates and applications for various medical conditions are on the camp website. Priority is given to new campers, and positions are assigned by the order in which completed applications are received.

Texas Lions Camp serves children ages 7-16 who have physical disabilities, Type 1 diabetes, cancer, Down syndrome or epilepsy. The application requires submission of medical information by the child’s physician.

Additionally, a Lion sponsor is required. Any Lion in Texas may sponsor a camper, and parents may contact their local Lions club for assistance.

Located on 515 acres in the beautiful Hill Country outside Kerrville, Lions Camp is supported by the more than 24,500 Lions of Texas and their friends, including nonprofit foundations, corporations and businesses.

Chartered in 1949, the camp has welcomed more than 73,000 children.

The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

I have been a Lion since 1966, and my real love is the Texas Lions Camp. My wife and I have volunteered there for more than 40 years. We have seen first-hand the incredible difference Texas Lions Camp makes in the lives of the campers. One summer, I spent a day assisting a young girl who could not walk. We participated in many outdoor activities, from hiking and playing ball to dancing and singing around the camp fire. It was one of the best days of my life. The joy and freedom that child experienced is forever embedded in my memory.

We’ve created a place where children with special needs find facilities designed for them – and tailored activities allowing them to experience the thrill of climbing a rock wall or zip lining – even if their arms and legs don’t work on the ground. We help children with diabetes learn how to manage their disease while enjoying sports. Texas Lions Camp is magical for special needs children.

If you know a child who could benefit from Texas Lions Camp, check out our website at lionscamp.com. Encourage the parent to complete the application. Let’s make a positive difference in a child’s life.



John Eads is President and Chairman of the Board of Texas Lions Camp. He has been on the Executive Committee for the past five years, and is a member and former chair of the Texas Lions Camp Planned Giving and Endowment Committee. He was named to the Texas Lions Hall of Fame in 2010. He resides in DeSoto and is a member of the DeSoto Lions Club.