Visually Impaired Students to Camp for Success
Camp Begins June 8 in Killeen

WACO, TEXAS— Blind, low vision, visually-impaired…words that would be scary for anyone, but especially for children. For many children, it is a challenge they face every day.  Visual disabilities can make it difficult for students to do the same tasks and activities as their friends and fellow students. However, this summer, nearly 40 area students with visual impairments will join other kids who have the same or similar disability for the annual Camp Teen Challenge June 8-12 at the Peaceable Kingdom Retreat in Killeen.

“These students often may be the only child with a disability in their class or grade, but at the camp, they meet kids who have the same or similar impairments. Together, they learn job, social and self-help skills,” said Melba Bunch, education specialist for ESC Region 12 and camp chair.

Visually impaired students in grades 5-12 will learn new skills (social, physical and pre-vocational), conquer fears and enjoy fellowship with their peers—all for the goal of gaining independence and meeting others with disabilities.  Campers will learn to cook, clean, look for and interview for a job and how to socialize. 

They will also participate in zip lining and ropes courses, a talent show, archery, tree planting and wood work. Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York, a nonprofit guide dog school will bring in guide dogs for the children to learn about and experience.

Participating campers are from Blooming Grove, College Station, Corsicana, Frost, Gatesville, Killeen, Kerens, Mildred, Riesel, Teague, Temple and Waco.

Camp Teen Challenge has been helping visually impaired children for 19 years and continues to do so through donations and the help of volunteers.  This year, the camp received a $3,000 grant from the All Blind Children’s Fund of Texas, which helped pay for some of the activities. The camp is co-sponsored by ESC Region (ESC) 12 and DARS-Division of Blind Services.

Media are encouraged to visit this unique and fun-filled camp event.  See schedule of activities—a complete schedule is available upon request.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Marshall-Higgins at 254.297.1198 or jhiggins@esc12.net.

Camp Schedule
Monday        6/8                     Scavenger hunt and Zip line night course
Tuesday        6/9                   Wood working, archery and tree planting
Wednesday 6/10                 Talent show
Thursday 6/11                     Job Fair and Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Friday 6/12                           Camp closing

Link to June 8th Channel 8 Austin Newscast covering Camp Teen Challenge in Killeen:
http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/?SecID=278&ArID=242784

About DARS
The Division for Blind Services within the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services provides services to Texans of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. Our goal is to assist you in: Developing confidence in your skills and abilities, maintaining or securing employment, and living as independently as possible. www.dars.state.tx.us

About Peaceable Kingdom Retreat
Peaceable Kingdom serves 6,000+ children with chronic illnesses and special needs between the ages of 3 and 22, along with their families annually. These children come free of charge and without regard to race, religion or ability to pay. The retreat serves children whose abilities and disabilities vary. www.peaceablekingdomretreat.com/

About ESC Region 12
One of 20 centers throughout Texas, the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 provides professional training and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students.  Based in Waco, with offices in Corsicana, Hamilton, Hillsboro, Nolanville and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, Mills, McLennan and Navarro counties.  www.esc12.net