Oral Hull Summer Camps for the Blind
Four Camps in 2009 Offer Blind Accessible Adventures in Oregon
The Oral Hull Foundation summer camps are designed for people who enjoy friendship, field trips, arts and crafts, swimming, hot tubs, games, entertainment, great food, and fun. The camps offer traditional programs (swimming, hiking, and campfires) and options such as bungee jumping, cycling, whitewater rafting, dragon boating, and skydiving.
Oral Hull’s 2009 Camps for Blind and Visually Impaired Adults
- Adult Adventure Camp: Aug. 1-7 ($375)
- Alumni and Friends Camp: Aug. 9-15 ($350)
- Explore Oregon Camp: Aug. 17-23 ($350)
- Family Camp: Aug. 27-30 ($125 adults and $75 per child)
Adventure Camp aimed at participants seeking a variety of challenging adventures including whitewater rafting, hiking, and an optional skydiving or gliding trip (additional cost). This camp is open to adults 18+ years only.
Friends and Alumni Adult Camp includes special entertainment, field trips, swimming in the park’s heated pool, archery course, and more.
New Explore Oregon Camp for adults provides a blend of traditional camp activities and outdoor experiences including whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River.
For each camp, a limited amount of financial assistance is available for Oregon residents based on financial need.
Family Camp is offered to families who have visually impaired children aged 17 and under. The entire family is welcome to join in the fun. Camp activities include competitions, swimming, games, campfires and much more.
Oral Hull Park Facilities
Though reserved primarily for use by the blind and visually impaired, Oral Hull Park accommodates church groups, school retreats, corporate meetings, family reunions, and weddings and private parties.
Rainbow Lodge is a spacious lounge with a native stone fireplace, Braille library, commercial kitchen, dining area, and restrooms. Rental groups can prepare their own meals or hire the park’s food service.
Accommodations: Philbin Hall Dormitory provides accommodations for 48 persons (twin beds) in double occupancy rooms. Linens and towels are furnished. Philbin Hall is accessible and has a day room with a kitchen. Furnished trailers are also available on site for family or private housing.
Morgan Recreation Hall has a piano and table games including Show Down, air hockey, bumper pool, and table bowling.
The Gardens of Enchantment is an award-winning garden that appeals to the five senses. A spacious, glass-enclosed Garden Gazebo overlooking the gardens (with restrooms and a small kitchen) is an ideal spot for small receptions or meetings.
Barbeque area: The park’s large, covered picnic shelter can accommodate 100+ people and features two clean-up areas and cooking centers.
Pool: The camp maintains a 24’ by 42’ indoor heated pool (seasonal) and a 14-seat indoor spa.
Grounds: Park grounds feature expansive paved walkways (many with raised rails), a ¼ mile walking track, and a nature trail along the Sandy River.
About Oral Hull Park
Oral Hull Park is located near Sandy, Oregon – an hour’s drive from Portland. The secluded campus, which has Mount Hood for a backdrop, has magnificent gardens and giant evergreen trees. The park opened in 1962 on 23 acres of farmland left by Oral and Albert Hull and developed by the Lions and Kiwanis Clubs along with local businesses. Daytime August temperatures average in the high 70s.
Contact executive director Jeff Lann (503.668.6195) for more information or apply online.
The Oral Hull Foundation offers blind and visually impaired individuals and groups a setting that is both intimate and accessible, providing opportunities for adventure and relaxation with all the modern amenities.
Blind Camper and Guide Dog at Oral Hull Park
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