As I prepare for the upcoming 2022 GDB summer camp programs, I find myself reflecting on my own summer camp experiences and the positive impact it has had on my own life. 

Growing up with a visual impairment, I wanted nothing more than to just fit in and feel included in school activities like games on the playground, or extracurricular activities after school, but often I found myself sitting alone on the lunch benches while my friends and classmates ran around freely playing whatever fun game was popular at the time. I could not wait until summer when I could attend Braille Institute’s youth program that included day camp programming, and the highly anticipated weeklong trip up to Camp Edwards! At summer camp, I felt like I belonged, everyone understood about being visually impaired or blind, and I was included, in fact encouraged to participate and try all kinds of fun new things. Not to mention, make new friends, some of whom I am still friends with today. Many of my most favorite childhood memories took place during these summers, from horseback riding, roller skating, swimming, arts & crafts, trips to the beach, hiking, campfires, canoeing, tandem bike riding, and only now as an adult and looking back, many opportunities for my own personal growth and development. 

Kids go from home to school to extracurriculars, each environment contributing to their development, and our summer Camp experience is no different. GDB’s weeklong summer camp programs not only gives teens a week full of all around camp fun, but the opportunity for hands on experiences learning about the guide dog lifestyle that will better prepare them to step into a partnership with a guide dog in their future. For some of our campers, attending Camp GDB might be the first time they have been away from mom and dad and get to experience some independence. We encourage the campers to try new activities that can help boost confidence, for example walking with a guide dog in harness for the very first time. For many of our campers, it might be the first time they have had an opportunity to connect with other kids that are blind or visually impaired, they are encouraged to practice their Orientation & Mobility skills while at camp, and they have opportunities to develop some of their independent living skills by helping prepare snacks, problem solving, practicing time management skills, and personal hygiene. I have also watched campers who are more independent with their O&M and IL skills assist other campers who may need a little help, which teaches empathy and compassion, but also how to think outside the box and be creative.

As our GDB summer camp program continues to grow, I am so grateful I get to be a part of something, that as a child and teenager gave me so much!