The Holiday Season is the traditional time to remember our friends, new and old, and the organizations that have been so important to our camp and made our jobs more enjoyable. We have been blessed to have many dedicated supporters helping us throughout the year, and thanks to your help, we have had a positive impact on the lives of young campers.

We'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your encouragement and generous support - whether it was volunteering time, giving money or sending a child to camp. We would not be able to develop the quality programs we produce without the strong camp family network.

This past year, we made commitments to improve our programs, staff and camp ... and we made significant progress. We ran successful deaf and diabetes camps and initiated plans for a blind youth camp in 2008. Heather Magoon attended training and conferences in Georgia and Iowa. We finished the renovations to the recreation hall and camp office, and later we created a multi-purpose meeting room and staff quarters. We brought in a new cabin and made structural repairs to one rustic cabin. Work was done on the entrance road, the health center was remodeled and the pool rededicated. In addition to these projects we've raised funds to create a Patriots Circle featuring engraved brick pavers around the U.S. Flag pole and to install a new, expanded waste water treatment system.

Elections were held last May and the officers assumed their duties at the beginning of the fiscal year in October. We look forward to working with president Sandi Halterman, 1st VP Mark Leroux, 2nd VP Jim Dodson, secretary Rich Tameris, treasurer Jim Glynn, and the new Board of Directors. We also extend our appreciation to immediate past president Bud Humbert for his past leadership.

The summer programs were enjoyed by nearly 350 special needs campers. Our cadre of counselors, program and medical staff did a terrific job making sure the campers were safe and had lots of fun. Here again, we enjoyed support from the Lions throughout Multiple District 22 along with the American Diabetes Association and several other foundations and agencies.

Camp is the place to make and renew friendships while enjoying fun and games during the summer break. We work hard helping kids make memories that will last a lifetime, and we also work hard running the camp as a business. In addition to the many licenses and permits we must secure, we also have to maintain several certifications. This past summer, the American Camp Association performed an extensive review of our entire operation and once again, we passed ACA's accreditation inspection.

The annual fundraising gala this past September featured talented local contestants who performed before a sell out crowd of 340 guests. We enjoyed record numbers all around, thanks to the generous sponsors, silent auction donors, talented participants, ticket buyers and the gala committee.

In October, Lions Camp Merrick hosted the 28th annual Conference of Lions Camps. This conference brought 15 Lions camps together from across the United States to participate, learn and share best practices. Thirty representatives from those camps enjoyed an informative program, excellent meals, sightseeing in Washington, D.C., entertainment and camaraderie. Greg Floberg was elected CLC president for the coming year.

Overall, LCM had another fun, safe, successful year and made many more memories to cherish for years to come. We want to extend our best wishes during the holiday season to you and your loved ones and may your New Year be filled with good health, prosperity and happiness.

Happy Holidays!

Gregory V. Floberg, Development / Executive Director
Heather Magoon, Camp Administrator
Patricia Moffat, Executive Assistant