VANCOUVER — For the sixth consecutive year, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes held an overnight, comprehensive sports camp for children and youth who are blind or visually impaired. This winter session of Camp Spark offered young campers the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including snowshoeing, tubing, broomball and more.
Staff integrated various vocational transition skills for campers to build independence throughout the weekend, including advocacy, leadership, teamwork, meal prep and cooking. An onsite orientation and mobility specialist helped support campers orient to a new environment with the use of their canes.
The 2024 schedule offers three winter sessions for Camp Spark. The first session was held Jan. 19-21 at Camp Ghormley in Naches. There will be a second session for athletes ages 16-21 from Feb. 16-19 at the Hull Foundation and Learning Center in Sandy, Ore. The final session, for campers ages 12-15, takes place March 1-3 at Mount Hood Kiwanis Camp in Rhododendron, Ore.
“We are excited to offer these truly transformational programs to children and youth with visual impairments,” founder and president/CEO Billy Henry said. “Camp Spark reaches far beyond participating in sports and acts as a catalyst to help campers gain the confidence, self-esteem, friendships and independence they need to achieve success in all areas of life.”
