2009 Camps for Blind Youth, Adults
Summer Camps Offer Blind and Visually Impaired Recreation, Education
Feb 9, 2009
Options for blind campers continue to increase in every region of the United States and Canada. Nearly all provide essential outdoor recreation, including swimming, hiking, and campfires, and indoor activities such as arts and crafts, while others are geared towards teaching life skills or Christian values.
Since 1967, over 43,000 campers have attended the more than 20 camps the Christian Record Services runs for blind children and adults in the United States and Canada. The camps are free minus a $35 registration fee. The camps are designed to help children:
- discover undeveloped potential
- increase self-confidence
- improve physical vigor
- develop an appreciation for God's love and care.
A Selection of Summer Camps for the Blind for 2009
PA Lions Beacon Lodge Camp
The Pennsylvania Lions Beacon Lodge will hold its 61st season of camping from June 6th through August 12th, 2009. Camp sessions are six or 11 days, based on eligibility. Special emphasis is placed on interests for recreation, learning, and new challenges.
A dual program serves both children and adults concurrently, though each group enjoys separate activities and housing. Activities may include:
- Bowling
- Swimming
- Miniature golf
- Arts and crafts
- Archery
- Games
- Aerobics.
Beacon Lodge is located in the beautiful mountains of central Pennsylvania along the Juniata River. Write to
PA Lions Beacon Lodge Camp
114 SR103 South
Mount Union, PA 17066
Camp Siloam 2009 Bible Camp
The Camp Siloam 2009 Bible Camp for blind adults, sponsored by the Gospel Association for the Blind, will be held May 23rd through the 30th at the Golden Cross Ranch in New Caney, Texas, a 110- acre facility located 25 minutes from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The weeklong camp costs $200, which includes lodging, meals, and activities. This year's theme is “You Can Be a Gospel Messenger!”
Favorite camp activities include:
- Swimming
- Horseback riding
- Games
- Animal visits from the Houston Zoo
- A Wal Mart shopping trip
- Two talent nights
- Christian Videos
- Bible study
- Hayrides
- Campfire
First-year attendance is free, minus a $25 registration fee, required of all campers to receive an application and medical form (due by April 15, 2009). Help with travel expenses may be available. Make check payable to Gospel Association for the Blind, and index card with complete contact information to:
The Gospel Association for the Blind
P.O. Box 1162
Bunnell, FL 32110
A voicemail message about the camp is available at 866.251.5165, box 7128 and at circle-of-love.net.
Additional Summer Camps for the Blind
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, Washington, DC (202.454.6400)
Offers weeklong day camp with recreation, crafts, and learning for visually impaired children ages 6-12 living in the metropolitan Washington, DC area.
Alabama School for the Blind Camp, Talladega, AL (256.761.3200)
Free weeklong summer camp for blind and low-vision Alabama residents ages 6-15 not currently attending ASB. The camp includes field trips, swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and concludes with a Family Fun Weekend.
Lions Bear Lake Camp, Lapeer, MI (810.245.0726)
Offers outdoor educational and recreational opportunities for the physically challenged and persons of special needs.
CNIB Lake Joseph Outdoor Centre Muskoka, ONT (877.748.4028)
Offers a unique mix of rehabilitation and recreational programs for people who are living with visual impairment
Camp Bloomfield, Malibu, CA (323.295.4555, x 291)
Offers weeklong sessions for children of all ages and disabilities on a 40-acre campground in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Camp Misquah, Ottawa, ONT (613.822.0535)
Offers open fields, a sand-bottom lake, and forests for hiking; music, dance, movies, and talent nights.
Florida Lions Camp, Lake Wales, FL (863.696.1948)
Offers diverse experiences (camping, cooking over a fire, challenge course) to instill self-worth and independence in blind persons ages five and up.
To select the right camp for you, your child, or your family, contact special education, vocational rehabilitation, and recreation professionals in your area to help identify all reputable programs.
 |
