Sports Camps For Blind Kids Set For This Summer In OR And WA

From NWABA: The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) announced Wednesday it will be hosting two Camp Abilities camps this year.

Camp Abilities is a camp model derived from a program based out of New York that offers a one-week comprehensive, developmental sports camp for children and youth with visual impairments. The camp provides 1:2 instructional situations for each child. These children will vary in socioeconomic status, ethnic background and level of skills and abilities.

This will be the third annual Camp Abilities Oregon that NWABA has offered for children with visual impairments across the state, but it will be the first time NWABA hosts Camp Abilities Washington.

• Camp Abilities Oregon will be held at the Linfield College campus in McMinnville from July 22 to July 27. This camp will accept 40 youth ages 8 to 15.
• Camp Abilities Washington will be hosted at University of Puget Sound's campus from July 29 to August 3. This camp is accepting 20 youth ages 8 to 14.

Registration for both camps opens at 8 a.m. Jan. 16. Please visit www.nwaba.org to fill out electronic registration forms.

Campers will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Additionally, NWABA is also accepting applications for Camp counselors for both camps, which can be found online as well

The program's purpose is to empower children who are blind or visually impaired, break the cycle of dependence and ill health that is unnecessarily associated with their disability, and build their self-belief that they can take control of their own quality of life and use their many talents to actively contribute in their communities.

Campers will participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities including goalball (a sport specifically developed for individuals with visual impairments), judo, tandem cycling, kayaking, track & field, and numerous others.

"Our Board of Directors is extremely excited to offer these truly transformational programs to children and youth with visual impairments," said Founder and Executive Director Billy Henry. "Camp Abilities will reach far beyond participating in sports and act as a catalyst to help campers gain the confidence, self-esteem, friendships and independence they need to achieve success in all areas of life."

Camp Abilities Oregon is partially funded by the Oregon Blind and Visually Impaired Student Fund, and Camp Abilities Washington is partially funded by Washington State Department of Services for the Blind. However, additional support is critically needed to deliver a successful camp.

Donations to support Camp Abilities are accepted by mailing a check to PO BOX 65265, Vancouver, WA, 98665 or making an online gift at www.nwaba.org. Please indicate that your donation is to support Camp Abilities.

For more information on Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, please contact Billy Henry at 1-360-718-2826, or visit www.nwaba.org.

Image Courtesy of NWABA