Summer Camps in IL -- and other states?

June 30, 2007

I want to be sure and mention this while it's on my mind. In IL, both ISVI

and ISD have summer experiences that are wonderful. Both have a Parent

Infant Institute for families of kids 0-5. And both have camp for older

kids. Aubrie has gone to ISVI summer camp this year and last and she just

loved it! She has not been to ISD camp. Now that she's a student there,

she's not eligible because camps are for non-students. What I have found is

that it's a fabulous learning experience to be away from home, with a team

of different adults, meeting new friends, and learning new skills related to

hearing or vision loss.

Aubrie's had lots of experience at ISD since birth. But we've had much less

experience and interaction at ISVI. This opportunity to be around folks

with vision impairment is so great - she gets to be with kids with a variety

of vision issues, many with other issues as well. And she has so much fun!

I think it helps her self-awareness to be exposed to so many other kids with

similar and different disabilities. Her world is expanded now that she has

friends at home ( " typical " friends), friends with CHARGE that we see at the

conferences, deaf friends from ISD, and friends with vision impairments from

ISVI.

Her " best " friend at ISVI camp is a girl who is totally blind. Aubrie loves

her because she likes to rock too! She's never met a person who likes to

rock with her so Jada is a wonderful companion for one week out of the year.

I assume that many other state schools have similar programs. I'm sure it's

difficult for them to get word to every single child with a qualifying

vision or hearing impairment in the state so it may be something you have to

check into. From our experience, it's well worth it. The other thing I

like about ISVI's camp is that you don't have to be self-sufficient. They

are prepared to assist in anything necessary. In IL, the Lions Club has a

nice camp for kids but you have to be totally self-sufficient - which

negates Aubrie's attendance.

Oh - and the ISD and ISVI camps are free! Yes, free! How cool is that!?

Enough - you get the idea. I don't know if I would be aware of these camps

if we didn't live so close. And if I was aware, through a brochure or

something, I'm not sure I'd give it my real consideration.

Michele W

Aubrie's mom 9 yrs - who is now at " Camp Baki " with her Grandma (who she

calls Baki) for a week!

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