About Camp LEo

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Camp Leo provides a unique experience for the visually impaired children of South Carolina. All campers must be a resident of South Carolina and be visually impaired.   Camp Leo provides visually  impaired children the opportunity to enjoy camp activities with new and different experiences, in the company of  their peers, under the supervision of professionally trained staff. All counselors and staff have to have an up to date background check on file

  The Camp Leo Council hires a full time staff, including two Directors and 20 to 25 counselors, depending upon the number of campers. Some of our counselors were former campers and most have been counselors for years. It is like a family reunion when they come and get together.

There is also a full time registered nurse on staff to monitor daily medications and emergencies.  

The camp is also fortunate to have many Lions Club members and other volunteers from the community to help with specific camp activities. 

 There is never a cost to any camper to come to Camp Leo. From the transportation( There is a bus that picks up campers  from Spartanburg, Greenville, Columbia, and makes a stop in Walterboro) to the room,board,meals, and all activities are included at no charge.

  Camp Leo was founded in 1975 by the Hilton Head Lions Club in partnership with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind. Unfortunately, the Commission lost its federal grant in 1981, leaving the Lions with the responsibility for the financial support of the Camp. The Commission has continued to provide important services such as contacting potential campers, sending applications and screening applicants.       

Camp Leo is project of Hilton Head Island Noontime and Sun City-Okatie Lions Clubs also sponsored by the Lions of South Carolina.

Hilton Head Island, SC  

During the early years of Camp Leo, the Presbyterian campground located on South Forest Beach was used. That facility was closed in the mid-eighties, and the camp was moved to the Hilton Head Preparatory School. It spent a brief period at Hilton Head High School and now is held at St Andrews by the Sea campus. The church is converted to a camp by placing bunks in some classrooms, having camp activities in other classrooms, and turning the cafeteria into the gymnasium and food services area. The children are divided up by their age and the councellors stay in the same room as the campers.  Activities include beach walks and games; swimming; fishing; boating; scuba diving; kayaking; movies; athletic games; and evening activities with DJs, music, and talent show. There is also an awards banquet on Friday night.