Jennifer Eaton, manager of youth services with VisionCorps of Lancaster, laid out the rules early for the campers who took part in Camp Cool from June 17 to 21. The campers, each of whom has a vision impairment, were told that they were not allowed to come to Eaton and say, "I can't (do something)." "They could say, 'I need help' or 'I'm scared to do this,'" said Eaton.
The idea behind the banned phrase was to encourage the 8- to 12-year-old students from Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties to creatively utilize the expanded core curriculum that camp leaders had set out for the week. "(The curriculum is) a set of tools that children with vision loss need to have in order to lead successful, independent lives," explained Eaton, who added that the curriculum focuses on several areas: social interaction; transportation; orientation and mobility; recreation; assistive technology; independent living skills; career education; compensatory skills, which comprise reading and writing in different communication modes such as braille and large print; visual efficiency skills; and self-advocacy, such as asking for assistance when needed. All of the activities the campers participated in helped them to develop in these areas.
On June 17, the campers journeyed to Triangle Therapeutic Riding, which is in Reinholds and is overseen by Laura Rutledge. "(Horseback riding is) a great recreational activity for children with vision loss (because of) the sensory input, the connection with the animal, and the sense of independence they get from riding," said Eaton. "The (campers) think they are here just to play with the horse, but it's so much more than that."
Camp Cool also included a kayaking trip to Indiantown Gap, where the group worked with Team River Runner in a program that was designed for veterans.
Camp leaders began working to bolster social confidence with ice breaker games on the first day of camp. "We will work on socialization all week," said Eaton, who noted that a train ride to Harrisburg was on the agenda to promote use of public transportation. "We will visit the State Museum, tour the Capitol, and ride the riverboat cruise, and ... they will experience what it's like to call for an Uber." Eaton noted that vision-impaired campers can utilize a smartphone using VoiceOver.
The campers also shopped for groceries. "(Campers received) a list of what they need to purchase, and they needed to locate the items within the store," said Eaton, explaining that they planned to use Aira, a new technology available in certain public locations. "(Campers) can call in and get a live person who uses the camera on the phone to guide them through the grocery store," explained Eaton, who added that campers would be encouraged to learn the basic layout and locations of types of food in grocery stores and to not shy away from asking clerks for help.
During lunch at Wegman's, campers were required to ask for large print and braille menus at the cafe. Eaton noted that money management would be tested. "Each (camper) will have cash and have to know what denomination they are handing the clerk," she said, noting that there are apps available to help those with very limited vision.
Working to develop cooking skills was part of the plan as well. "(Campers) will prepare desserts for Friday when volunteers from United Way will help beautify our York office space by doing gardening," said Eaton. "(Campers) will plant flowers and help with weeding and then serve desserts they have created to the volunteers as refreshments."
Readers who would like more information about VisionCorps may visit http://www.visioncorps.net or call 717-291-5951, ext. 4118.
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