VIDBE-Q Volume 65 Issue 1
Camp Spark as Professional Development
There is an ever-present need for professionals in the field and Camp
Spark provides professional development opportunities for professionals
and pre-professionals in the fields of adapted physical education and
activity, physical, occupational, recreational therapy, teachers of the
visually impaired, and orientation and mobility specialists. Additionally, at all
sessions of Camp Spark, campers receive direct instruction in Orientation
and Mobility from O&M interns under the direct supervision of a COMS.
This provides practicum experiences for pre-professional Orientation and
Mobility specialists and O&M experience in a new environment for
campers. Each of these professional development opportunities facilitates
the advancement of the field and actively works to ameliorate the
knowledge gap.
Evaluating Impact
Each year, campers complete a Quality of Life survey to evaluate the
impact of our programs. At the end of camp, 97% of campers reported that
Camp Spark helped them build new friendships with a 6% increase from
the start of camp, 88% of camp reported improved Orientation and Mobility
skills in a new environment with a 29% increase, 97% were encouraged to
try new things outside of their comfort zone with a 16% increase, and 91%
