Lion becomes a life member at Licola

LIONS Club of Barwon Heads Ocean Grove member John Claringbold has been honoured for his work supporting the Licola Wilderness Village.

At a recent Lions dinner, Mr Claringbold was presented with a life membership to the village in the Gippsland town, which is entirely owned by Lions Clubs in Victoria and southern New South Wales and has hosted camps for underprivileged, deserving, special needs and disengaged young people for the past 50 years.

Mr Claringbold said he was honoured to receive the life membership.

“I was completely surprised on the night of the dinner,” he said. “The visiting Lion members I presumed were in attendance for the genU presentation and our future involvement in one specific project.

“In fact, there were four Lions who I had met through the Licola camps, but I still did not register the obvious connection to the presentation.”

He said Lions Graham Mulroney and John Brady described Licola as an interesting and unique place for children, which sparked his interest in helping out.

“With about 30 volunteers, a dedicated staff and excellent organisation, I soon realised that Licola was an amazing place,” he said.

“Over five days, the children meet new friends, overcome challenges and have a very happy time.

“The volunteers develop a special rapport with each child under their care. To see a child’s face as they overcame their fear of the giant swing, the high ropes course and the climbing wall, were special moments.

“Canoeing on the Macalister River, making damper and attempting the obstacle course were part of the activities that the children really enjoyed.”

Camps are typically held in the first week of January each year with about 120 local children from the Bellarine and Geelong region in attendance.

Every child is sponsored by local businesses and families, as well as charitable trusts.