The Greater Augusta Family YMCA’s Camp Lakeside will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its Phase II Development, Tuesday, September 25, 2018, 1:30 p.m. at Camp Lakeside, 1238 Dogwood Lane, Lincolnton, Georgia 30817.  The groundbreaking signals the progress of $5.7 million raised to date toward the “Healing Through Joy” $7.8 million capital campaign five-year goal.
 
Fifteen years ago, along the shores of Lake Thurmond, Camp Lakeside was developed to provide day and residence camps for youth, adults, families and military groups in the Central Savannah River Area.
 
A partnership between the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia (Children’s Hospital) launched a renovation and expansion that will allow anyone with a chronic health condition or disability to have access to a life-changing camp experience.
 
Phase I renovations are complete and include:
 
A 25,000 square foot multi-purpose building with a parking lot and outdoor theater/stage area.

Renovations to the arts and crafts building.

Construction of a shed for water activities.

Renovations to the archery range.

New improved hiking trails.

Phase II Development Groundbreaking Includes:

A 5,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, full service medical facility to accommodate any disability and health condition that may arise and provide routine care for all campers.

Six new “next generation” cabins that can accommodate up to 30 campers each, bringing the camp’s total bed capacity to 240.

A new environmentally-friendly waste management system.

Also planned and pending further contributions is a 300,000 gallon, zero-entry swimming pool (shallow end of the pool is ground level to provide wheelchair access) with a splash pad, slide feature, bath house and restroom facilities, as well as new paved handicap accessible pathways throughout the property.

Phase II is scheduled for completion by Summer 2019.

Major charitable gifts that have made Phase II possible include donations from:

Medical Facility: Harley Langdale, Jr. Foundation, The Dozier Family, Children’s Hospital of Georgia, Children’s Miracle Network

Next Generation Cabins:  John Deere Foundation, Citizens of Georgia Power, Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, Stevens Creek Church, Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia, 2015 - 2016
“Every child, regardless of their medical challenges, deserves the opportunity to experience camp as normally as possible and create lifelong memories.  The Phase II expansion makes this possible, while giving them the medical resources they need during camp.  Children’s lives are changed through a normal and exciting camp experience they couldn’t otherwise enjoy.  That’s why we called our campaign, “Healing Through Joy,” says Kaci Johnson, Campaign Co-Chair.

Duncan Johnson, Campaign Co-Chair adds, “The support of donations from individuals, area businesses and foundations has been remarkable.  These contributions are making a significant difference in these children’s physical, mental and spiritual health.  Camp Lakeside provides an independent camp experience for children of all abilities and we are prayerful for further gifts to complete Phase II soon.”