Lion's Wilderness Camp 4 Deaf Children

This endorsed Lions project was founded in 1980, and officially incorporated 1981, to provide wilderness camping facilities, experiences, educational opportunities, and mentoring for hearing impaired children (7-17). Camp Ross Relles was built in 1976 by the Optimists for the Handicapped, on property above Nevada City, California. Lions took over the management of the facility in 2007 and provide resources for a number of community organizations to utilize the camp facilities. The proceeds from the renters help to provide the annual Lions Wilderness Camp for Deaf Children.

Located in the Tahoe National Forest, it has its own natural amenities: a creek, meadow (ball field), hiking trails, an outpost camp area, and wildlife. A lodge, twelve cabins (accommodating up to 136 individuals), a pool, crafts and archery areas are included. Located next to Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park and the old gold mining town of North Bloomfield more educational opportunities abound as well as fishing, canoeing, and exploration through a hydraulically drilled cave.

The camp was built in 1976 and is in need of constant updating. Lions and other volunteers come on their own time to do the work. Needed materials are purchased or donated, and made ready for each work project weekend. Some of the current needed work include but are not limited to:
- New bunks and mattresses
- Two cabin roof replacements
- New energy-efficient windows for the lodge and all cabins
- Ball field renovation (sprinklers, grass, a storage unit for equipment, additional bleachers, etc.)
- Eventually, resurfacing the pool

Thanks to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and a local Charter School, youth volunteers in the spring and fall to rake pine needles, clear brush, and do other projects to help keep the camp fire-safe, ready for the new season, and/or to shut down for the winter months.