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 (CSRA).

A partnership between the Family YMCA of Greater Augusta and the Children’s Hospital of Georgia 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 the following developments based on a plan approved by the Army Corps of Engineers:

• A 25,000 square foot multi-purpose building with a parking lot and outdoor theater/stage area

• The first “next generation” double cabin

• Renovations to the original camp facilities

• Renovations to the archery range

• New improved hiking trails

• New utilities infrastructure to support existing and future developments

Phase II Development Ribbon Cutting 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

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

• New environmentally-friendly waste management system

• Paved pathways throughout the property for handicap access

• New high and low ropes course components

Pending contributions for funding Phase III Development includes a 100,000 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.  Additionally, two more cabins, extensive waterfront development, additional trail enhancements and a chapel will be developed.

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, Citizens of Georgia Power, Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, SeureGive, David Belk Cannon Foundation.

• Paved Pathways:  Club Car/Ingersoll Rand

This summer marks the first time all overnight Children’s Hospital of Georgia medical camps will be hosted locally at Camp Lakeside, including:

• Camp Rainbow - for children with cancer and their siblings.

• Camp Joint Venture - for children between the ages of six to 18 who have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and joint-related diseases.

• Camp Strong Heart - a camp for children and adolescents between the ages of five to seventeen who have been diagnosed with cardiac related diagnoses.

• Camp Sweet Life - for children between the ages of seven to 16 who have been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes or insulin dependent Diabetes.