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appreciation, archery, camping, celebration, children, christmas, cookies, crafts, cycle, donors, excitement, experiences, hiking, interdependence, kayaking, lions pride, magic, memory, mission, parent, presents, resources, roles, santa, self-confidence, social skills, spirit, sports, stress, support, swimming, thank you, tree, wisconsin lions camp
Think back to your favorite Christmas memory. You were likely a small child. You can 
probably remember your excitement as the holiday quickly approached. The days leading up to Christmas Eve, you were on your best behavior (but had good reminders from your parents and teachers.) When December 24 finally arrived, you couldn’t wait to go to sleep that night. Your mom and dad likely helped you prepare for the evening with a fresh plate of cookies and a glass of milk. You brushed your teeth and quickly went to bed, but then spent most of the night watching the clock – just waiting for an appropriate time to wake up. Then on Christmas morning, you couldn’t believe your eyes as you found a Christmas tree full of presents replaced with an empty plate. You believed in the magic of Christmas.
Sadly, things change as we grow older. Our excitement was instead replaced with stress and a To-Do list a mile long, and the spirit fades. Fortunately, the magic does reappear as we have children of our own, but our roles change – from excited child to excited parent. We also spend Christmas Eve, making preparations and not getting much shuteye because we too are eager to watch our children thrilled be opening our gifts. Then quietly smiling when they ask, “How did Santa know this is exactly what I wanted?” As parents, we come to discover a new kind of magic – the magic of giving.
But as life continues on, the cycle continues. Our children grow up, and the spirit again slightly fades.
Luckily, as supporters of Lions Pride, we have a unique role that allows us to play Santa all year long. How, you might ask? By giving special children all around the state of Wisconsin the gift of experience. This year, over 150 children were given the opportunity to spend a week in the beautiful place known as the Wisconsin Lions Camp. During their week at camp, these kids have the chance for overnight camping, canoe and hiking trips, swimming, kayaking, paddle boating, archery, crafts, sports and more. All the while, they are also developing self-confidence, interdependence, social skills and outdoor recreational skills, at no cost to their families.
This particular gift may not be beautifully wrapped under a bright, full Christmas tree, but we know in our hearts that it’s a gift that keeps on giving all year long because a child’s week at camp allows them the resources, skills and experiences that will serve them long beyond their childhoods.
Of course, none of this would be possible without you, the help of our donors, the lifeblood of our organization. We never get tired of saying thank you for your ongoing support. Although our biological children may be grown, we look forward to playing the role of Santa for countless years to come. Thank you for helping us continue our mission to preserve, provide and protect Lions Camp and all other WLF statewide projects.
The Lions Pride Office will be closed the week of December 24, to celebrate Christmas with our families. We’d like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!
you are familiar with Lions, you know that July is the official start of the Lionistic New Year. Each year, Lions Club International finishes off the year with the international convention. 
week’s 11th Annual 
likely gathered all of your W-2s, 1099-MISCs and other taxes documents, and have made plans to meet with your accountant or sit down and file your 2017 taxes. Everyone seems to have Uncle Sam and their finances on their mind. Lions Pride is no exception – but we’re not filing taxes; instead, we’re completing our annual audit.
the blank), can you remember how you felt this time of year? Let’s see if our description matches your imagination: you knew that Christmas was only days away, so you were on your best behavior because Santa was watching. As December 25 crept closer and closer, you could hardly contain your excitement. Soon enough, Christmas Eve would arrive. You would put out some milk and cookies, brush your teeth and get to bed quickly – only to spend the night watching the clock. You just couldn’t wait for Christmas Day.
because it allows us a chance to reflect on all of life’s blessings. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, we had some time to think about all that we’re thankful for here at Lions Pride. In 2017, we’ve been able to help financially support the 
supported the Lions free service programs by participating in local fundraisers and activities, but over the course of the last two decades, expenses for Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects have risen dramatically. Lions Pride was created to counteract these increasing costs by working to preserve, protect and provide for the future of Lions Camp and all WLF projects. 
Although we don’t have any white, fluffy snow on the ground in Central Wisconsin, there is definitely no doubt in our minds that we have entered the holiday season. With the blockbuster shopping deal ads continuously showing on television and lighted trees slowly appearing in home windows, it has become clear that Christmas is not far away.
parents across the United States celebrate Take Your Daughter to Work Day. 