VIDBE-Q Volume 67 Issue 3
addition, they wanted to provide more opportunities for the children to repeat their
favorite games, activities, and socialize with friends. The Summer Fun camp team
wanted to improve the turnout for camp by sending out the camp flyer earlier and
distributing more broadly. Furthermore, they wanted to increase the number of
hours at camp and include more field trips. In addition, they expressed interest in
focusing on STEM activities for next year's camp.
Creating summer camp opportunities through partnerships between
universities and educational agencies, schools and low incidence professionals is
an idea that can be replicated throughout the country. A great place to begin is to
reach out to specialized schools for the blind and/or Deaf that may already have
existing instructional staff interested in extending educational options in the
summer. Another option is to connect with itinerant TVIs and TODs that work for
educational service centers or local school districts. One of the keys to success is
having a great team of professionals who are comfortable working together and
have a real interest in providing new opportunities for children. An additional key
to success is to have multiple planning meetings, especially as the camp is being
developed the first year. This allows for the team to stay on track and ensure that
all forms, documents, materials and plans are ready to go before camp begins.
Depending upon the camp instructors' experience and qualifications, there are
many options for the camp focus and camp themes. The ECC provides so many
