Arizona Lions Camp Tatiyee

06/03/2026

When Ellie first arrived at Lions Camp Tatiyee for our Intellectually Challenged School Age session, she was very quiet. New environments felt overwhelming, and it took time for her to feel comfortable around so many new faces. At the start of the week, Ellie often stayed close to counselors, observing more than participating and taking in everything around her.

Camp gave Ellie something she needed most: time and patience. There was no pressure for her to speak up, perform, or socialize before she was ready. Slowly, as she became familiar with the rhythm of camp and the people around her, Ellie began to open up — first in small ways, and then more confidently.

Cooking became one of Ellie’s favorite programs. The structure of the kitchen, combined with the shared goal of making something together, gave her a comfortable way to connect with others. Archery was another highlight, offering her a chance to focus, try something new, and feel proud of herself. Group programs also played an important role, allowing Ellie to participate alongside others in a way that felt safe and supported.

Over time, Ellie formed close friendships with a small group of campers who understood her and met her with kindness. These connections helped her feel accepted and valued, and her confidence grew as she realized she didn’t have to change herself to belong. With encouragement from counselors and peers alike, Ellie began to smile more, speak up, and take part in activities she once hesitated to try.

Lions Camp Tatiyee provided Ellie with a space where she could be herself — a place where she was accepted, supported, and loved just as she was. Camp didn’t rush her growth; it allowed it to happen naturally.

By the end of the week, Ellie had stepped out of her shell in ways that felt meaningful and lasting. We’re incredibly proud of her courage and the connections she made, and we can’t wait to welcome her back to camp for more moments of confidence, friendship, and joy.

05/25/2026

Lions Camp Tatiyee is incredibly grateful for the long-standing partnership of UFCW Local 99, a key supporter whose generosity has helped make camp accessible to children with disabilities from across Arizona for many years.

Through their continued sponsorship, UFCW Local 99 has supported countless special needs youth in attending Camp Tatiyee entirely free of charge. Their commitment removes financial barriers for families and opens the door to experiences that build confidence, connection, and lifelong memories.

Because of partners like UFCW Local 99, Lions Camp Tatiyee is able to serve hundreds of campers each summer. Their support plays a vital role in allowing us to serve statewide and ensure that no child is turned away due to financial hardship.

We truly would not be able to reach and serve so many children without this incredible partner. We are deeply thankful for their years of trust, generosity, and belief in the power of inclusive summer camp experiences.

05/21/2026

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day 🌍♿

Accessibility isn’t a feature, it’s a value. It’s the belief that experiences should be designed so people can fully participate, belong, and have fun without barriers getting in the way. When accessibility is built in from the start, it opens the door to possibility.

At Lions Camp Tatiyee, accessibility shapes everything we do. It’s why campers can race go-karts, climb the rock wall, swim, shoot archery, and try dozens of other activities, all adapted so they work for different bodies, abilities, and communication styles. Campers choose what they want to try, how they want to participate, and how far they want to push themselves, supported by trained staff and adaptive equipment.

Today, we’re celebrating accessibility as the foundation of great camp experiences and the reason so many campers get to say “yes” to adventure. 🌲🏕️

05/19/2026

One of the most exciting and unforgettable programs at Lions Camp Tatiyee is our go-kart track. For many campers, this is something they have never had the chance to try before. With trained staff operating the karts and campers safely riding along, everyone gets to experience the thrill of speed, movement, and adventure in a way that is fully accessible and inclusive. Smiles appear instantly as the engines start and the karts roll forward.

The go-karts bring a sense of excitement that is hard to match. Campers cheer for one another, laugh as they race around the track, and eagerly line up for another turn. It is fast paced, fun, and often the highlight of the entire week.

Beyond the excitement, the go-kart program is incredibly empowering. It allows campers to experience something new and adventurous in a safe environment built around their needs. For many, it is a rare opportunity to feel the rush of motion and freedom that traditional recreational programs do not always offer.

At Lions Camp Tatiyee, go-karts are about more than just the ride. They are about joy, confidence, and giving every camper the chance to experience something truly special. Long after camp ends, this is one of the moments campers talk about most.

05/17/2026

Summer is almost here at Lions Camp Tatiyee, and we’re kicking off the season with stories full of friendship, adventure, and camp magic ☀️💙

In our May Newsletter, meet Rocky, a camper who found connection, confidence, and joy through art, go-karts, and time spent with friends who truly understand her experiences. You’ll also get a closer look at one of camp’s most exciting programs: adaptive go-kart racing!

From laughter around camp to unforgettable memories on the track, this is what Camp Tatiyee is all about.

Read the full newsletter here: https://loom.ly/Zh9PDC8

From the thrill of adaptive go-kart racing to the lifelong friendships formed around camp, Rocky’s story captures the heart of what makes Lions Camp Tatiyee so special. See how entirely free summer camp experiences are helping children with disabilities build confidence, connection, and unforgetta...

05/12/2026

For Rocky, Lions Camp Tatiyee is a place to belong. As a camper in our Orthopedically Challenged session, Rocky arrives at camp ready to connect, create, and enjoy time with peers who understand and share similar life experiences.

Two of Rocky’s favorite programs couldn’t be more different, yet both offered something meaningful. In the art program, Rocky loved having the freedom to create at her own pace, focusing on the process and enjoying the calm, expressive side of camp. Art provided a space for her to relax, reflect, and take pride in what she made.

On the other end of the spectrum were the go-karts, a program Rocky looked forward to all week. The fast pace, the revving engines, and the pure joy of racing brought out a huge smile every time. Go-karts are a favorite for many campers, and for Rocky, they were a powerful reminder that fun, excitement, and adventure are for everyone.

What made camp especially meaningful for Rocky, though, was the opportunity to build a social network. Camp created a space where friendships formed naturally, through shared activities, conversations between programs, and laughter that carried from morning to night. Being surrounded by peers with similar challenges and experiences allowed Rocky to feel comfortable, understood, and connected.

Lions Camp Tatiyee plays an important role in creating community for those who may not always have access to spaces like this. For Rocky, camp offered the chance to form relationships, strengthen independence, and enjoy a week that was as social as it was fun.

We’re so glad Rocky is part of our camp family. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and openness to connection make camp a better place, and we look forward to welcoming her back for more art, more go-karts, and more time with friends in the summers to come.

05/09/2026

If you want to purchase shirts, call or email the camp, don’t follow the scammers posting on our page🤪

05/07/2026

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day 💚

Children’s mental health is shaped early by connection, confidence, and feeling like they belong. For many children with disabilities, finding spaces where they are understood and included can be hard and when those spaces are missing, feelings of loneliness and anxiety can take root.

At Lions Camp Tatiyee, summer camp offers something different. Campers spend time with peers who share similar experiences, build friendships at their own pace, and try new things in an environment designed to support their emotional well-being. Everyday moments like eating meals together, working on a project, and laughing with cabinmates help children feel seen, capable, and connected.

Today, we’re recognizing National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day and the importance of creating spaces where kids can build confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of self.

05/01/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

Mental health matters for all youth, and for many young people with disabilities, it’s shaped by experiences like social isolation, limited access to inclusive spaces, and feeling misunderstood by peers. When opportunities for connection are rare, mental health challenges can grow quietly and early.

That’s why experiences like summer camp are so important. At Lions Camp Tatiyee, youth spend time with others who share similar disabilities, life experiences, and challenges. Camp becomes a place to build real friendships, feel understood without needing to explain, and practice independence in a supportive environment. Laughter, shared routines, and community do powerful work for emotional well-being.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re reaffirming what we see every summer: connection matters. Belonging matters. And when youth are given space to be themselves and build friendships, their mental health is strengthened in meaningful, lasting ways. 🌲🏕️