We are much more than a summer camp. We’re a safe haven where teens and adults with disabilities can unwind, socialize and step outside their comfort zones by challenging themselves with new experiences. We create wonderful memories and build friendships that last a lifetime. By focusing on the “CAN” instead of the “CAN NOT” we build confidence and self-esteem. Abilities, not disabilities, guide us with FUN being the priority.
Our Mission
We provide recreational activities that encourage independence, build new skills, develop lifelong friendships and create lasting memories of camp.
Our Vision
To empower people challenged by disabilities through experiences that help develop life skills, foster independence and build self-esteem.
Core Values
Respect for the diversity we represent
Inclusive opportunities that welcome individuals of all abilities
Support and cooperation as we work together overcoming challenges
Empower and inspire others to grow and succeed
History
Recognizing that there was a need for recreational activities for adults with developmental and physical disabilities, Camp Horizon was started by the Lynden Jaycees in 1974, That first year there were 17 campers attending the session at the Lynden Fairgrounds. By 1981 the program had grown beyond the Jaycee’s capability to operate and the Lynden Lions Club assumed the leadership, hosting 85 campers that year. Lions Camp Horizon continued to grow and by 1985, we had moved to the former Blaine Airforce Station, now Whatcom County’s, Bay Horizon Park, hosting 130 campers that season.
In 1986, the Camp Horizon Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, owned by Lions Clubs of District 19H (NW Washington and SW British Columbia), was formed to operate and maintain Lions Camp Horizon and Bay Horizon Park, our home. Over time we grew to having four Base Camps and later added two smaller Adventure Camp sessions. Currently we can accommodate 260 campers spread over our six camp sessions each summer.
Over our 45year history, tens of thousands of hours have been donated by Lions Club members, their friends, families, community supporters, etc. to improve and maintain our campus and grounds. Additionally, thousands of hours have been donated for food service, program and temporary positions to help reduce the cost of operating our summer camp sessions. In 2019, we hosted a nine member Americorps Team for eight weeks during which they undertook a wide variety of building, sidewalk and grounds maintenance activities.
Our Team
Lions Camp Horizon is owned and operated by the Camp Horizon Foundation a 501(c)3 organization. The Foundation has a Board of Directors comprised of District 19H Lions and other community members who share our passion to provide services to individuals with disabilities. All Directors are unpaid volunteers.
Interested in serving on our board? Let’s talk. Email our board president to start a conversation.
Board of Directors
Bill Briggs
Wendy Canessa, Secretary*
Lynda Davidson, Canadian Outreach Coordinator
Karen Fletcher, Treasurer*
Dick Graham
Joel Haggen
Beth James
Sharron Sherfick, VP Camp Operations*
Christina Thomas
Melisa VanderStelt
Don Webster, President*
Steven Wong
*Indicates a member of the Executive Committee
Please check back for the 2024 staff
Interim Camp Director
Christina "Cheerios"
Christina was named after her cousin who had cerebral palsy. Introduced to the importance of creating inclusive communities from a young age, Christina started volunteering at Lions Camp Horizon when she was only 10 years old. She later began her career at camp in 2012 and worked her way through the Assistant Counselor, Lead Counselor and Camp Director positions. Christina is currently employed as a Special Education Teacher with the Mount Baker School District.
She has returned to Lions Camp Horizon as Interim Camp Director
Whether it’s in the classroom or at camp, Christina is committed to creating experiences that make learning fun for students and campers alike. Her work as an educator makes her extra mindful when planning activities that are inclusive for all campers.
Christina calls camp her “heaven on earth” and has a tattoo of the camp logo to make sure camp is with her wherever she goes.
Assistant Camp Director
JOJO
JoJo began her career with Camp Horizon in 2016 as a Camp Counselor. In 2022 she returned as our Administrative Assistant while pursuing a degree from Bellingham Technical College where she graduates this winter with an AAS in Business Management and a Certificate in Human Resources. In 2003 Gina will fill the position of Assistant Camp Director.
Meet your Program Team
MINNIE
Hey! I’m MINNIE, my favorite thing to do is help make buttermints! I also love hiking, playing sports, and most of all I love being goofy and having fun! My favorite thing about camp is the tethered hot air balloon ride!
POGO
Hi! I am POGO and I love to paint, play the guitar, and go thrift shopping! My favorite thing about camp is singing songs together!
Meet the Camp Counselors
CALI
Hello, I’m Cali, some of my favorite things are Harry Potter, playing soccer, horseback riding, and painting! My favorite thing about camp is how fun and accepting the environment is.
ECHO
Hey! I’m Echo and my favorite things are vlogging, playing cornhole, watching movies, and E-Bike riding! My favorite thing about camp is the community and the activities we do.
PEARL
Hi! My name is Pearl and I love swimming, all things ocean, houseplants, crystals, and being creative. My favorite thing about camp is being in an environment that not only embraces diversity but celebrates it!
CHEETO
Hello, I’m Cheeto! My favorite things are finding new places to eat, journaling, Iced matcha lattes, and Dogs! My favorite thing about camp is meeting new people and creating new bonds.
SUNNY
Hello my name is Sunny! I love Food, Dogs, Reading, Traveling, and Music. My favorite thing about camp is getting to know campers and fellow counselors, and having fun while doing so!
SKETCH
Hey, I’m Sketch, as you could guess I love drawing, and doing crafts. I also love to spend time out in nature creating art and doing fun activities. My favorite thing about camp is since the first day I came to work here I have felt comfortable and safe to be myself.
CROW
Hi! I’m Crow! A few of my favorite things are Dragons, cats, and wildlife. I also love to draw and collect cool pins/ buttons! My favorite thing about camp is the inclusive community here!
BEEBO
Hi there! It’s me Beebo! I love lasagna, baking cookies, throwing javelin, and water color! My favorite part of camp is the campfire!
MULCH
Hello! I’m Mulch! My favorite things are trains, wolves and apple juice! I love photography and hanging out with friends. My favorite thing about camp is the community!
BREEZY
Hey, I’m Breezy! I love to play basketball, dancing, and going hiking with friends. My favorite thing about camp is all the new friends I’ll get to make and all the smiles I’ll get to see every day!
RUBY
HI! Im Ruby, my favorite things to do is singing, playing softball, crocheting, and watching Disney movies! My favorite thing about camp is singing around the campfire!
JOURNEY
Hey im Journey! I love reading, playing tennis, hanging out with my friends, and going on adventures outside. My favorite thing about camp is the opportunity to meet new people and experiencing new things!
NEWT
Hello im Newt! I love playing the violin, rock climbing, and reading! My favorite thing about camp is trying new things and meeting new people! This is my first year at Lions Camp Horizon and I truly cant to what Lions Camp is all about!
SEA STAR
At 17 years of age, I discovered my passion for helping people while working at a camp for children who have been abused and have been a part of it every year since. I loved it! This camp experience led to my bachelor’s degree in human services as well to a Counselor position at Camp Horizon. Being a part of Camp Horizon has been a joy, and I can honestly say that I get the privilege every year to work with the best group of people that I have ever met. From there I segued to volunteering with Special Olympics, became an intern with Max Higbee Center, and a caregiver. Working with people with disabilities is a passion of mine.
Along with Camp, my interests include spending time with friends and family, volunteering, traveling, caring for children, and watching movies.
Camp Horizon is a place where I feel welcomed, included, cared about, heard, and accepted for who I am, and that is my favorite part of camp, because I know are campers do as well.
ERNIE
“I’ve worked at Lion Camp Horizon for three years going on four and it has been the best experience of my life.I have found my passion in life and have made many memories with new friends every year. I’m forever grateful to be staffed at this wonderful summer camp.”
FORK
Meet Your Night Watch Staff
LADYBUG
“I like to lend a helping hand when I can. I like to just have fun! My experience with camp so far has been amazing, I have learned so much from working here less than a year! Everyone at camp is so friendly and nice, helpful, caring, and supportive. My favorite activity at camp is the talent show we put on because it’s fun to get silly!”
Daffe
Hi I’m Daffe, I am very excited to be your Head Cook this year. I received a Masters degree from Grand Canyon University. I served in the US Army for over 20 years as a logistics manager, then I worked for the Department of Defense for 10 years as an operations manager. I’m looking forward to having some fun in the kitchen this summer!
Bumper
“My name is Blayne aka ‘Bumper’. My 4-legged buddy is Clyde. I served in the Coast Guard and have been around the world, but this is by far the most rewarding job I have ever done. I consider myself lucky to be part of such an amazing program. Beyond all the camp season tasks, Clyde and I are year-round campers at LCH, maintaining the facilities, grounds and providing support for our rental clients.”