Local students tackle annual Lions camp

MORE than 100 students from the Geelong region have returned home from an annual multi-day camp earlier this month, equipped with new skills to tackle their studies and deal with future challenges.

Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions Club member and recruiter for Camp Licola John Claringbold said the towns of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads sent eight local students with the region’s cohort.

Raf, Indigo, Lior, Buddy, Raff, Emma, Callum and Ari, whose last names could not be published for privacy purposes, provided positive feedback about the camp.

“Over five days, the children grew in confidence and resilience,” Mr Claringbold said.

“The volunteers and staff provide the experience and support for this to happen.

“Licola is a unique place. The former sawmill settlement on the banks of the Macalister River has been transformed into a special camp for children.

“It is owned and operated by the Lions Clubs of Victoria and southern NSW. It is also powered by 288 solar panels and 120 batteries.”

More than 30 volunteers assisted the students over the five days.

Through confined living, the students learnt about cooperation, helping each other, and organisation skills while taking on a range of activities such as the high ropes course, raft building, and the flying fox.

Mr Claringbold said he was grateful to the community for their assistance in sending the local students to Camp Licola this year.

“Our commitment to Licola is only possibly from the support of local businesses and families.

“It costs $500 per student for them to attend Camp Licola, meaning we needed $4,000 to send our group of eight students.

“It’s the community’s generosity that made it possible.”

Mr Claringbold said supporters of this year’s fundraising efforts included Bendigo Bank Barwon Heads, Bellarine Property, Barwon Heads Pharmacy, Barwon Heads Hotel, Barwon Coast, Smith and Sons, Direct Chemist Outlet Ocean Grove, Carah Family, Deb/Kirk McNamara, Barb/Mick Cummins, Robyn/Lloyd Smith, Margaret Addison, Kim Caddy and the customers of Piping Hot Chicken and Burger Bar, Kyosk, The Olive Pit, Napona and White Hart Coffee Bar.