Summer Camps

Each summer, the transition program at the Iowa Department for the Blind holds camps following a particular theme. Themes can range from outdoor recreation to preparing for college to possible career tracks. Participants in the camps engage in a variety of activies that allow them to:

• Learn non-visual techniques helpful for daily living
• Interact and connect with other teens experiencing vision loss
• Recognize how to be a good consumer of Department services
• Become more independent and self-confident 
• Gain skills specific to the camp's theme

Calendar of Events

June 18-22, 2012, FUNdamentals Camp - IDB, Des Moines, Iowa
The emphasis of this camp is on interactive, fun learning with exposure to a wide range of employment and life skills. Students will acquire strategies for dealing with the job interview, potential employers and workplace cultures. They will have fun with old friends and new ones in Des Moines as we hit the streets to get a feel for traveling in unfamiliar places, visit employers, and enjoy local attractions. Check out public transportation, cooking for your friends and family, ways to earn money. Get ready for some great games and friendly competition!

July 16-19, 2012, Lakeside Palooza - Honey Creek Resort on Lake Rathbun (near Moravia, Iowa)
Join us for recreational activities and experience many exciting and diverse events related to camping and the great outdoors. This program is guaranteed to be packed full of excitement. Test the skills you learned at FUNdamentals as you spend this camp fending for yourself, cooking your own meals, hiking, swimming, boating and learning about nature. Be sure not to miss your last chance to spend time with friends before the school year starts. 

See past summer programs for 2010 here.

Participation

Transition camps are open to blind and visually impaired Iowans ages 14 to 21 who have not yet graduated from high school. They must also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services from the Iowa Department for the Blind. 

For more information, contact one of our Transition Specialists:
Julie Aufdenkamp or  Keri Osterhaus
800-362-2587 or 515-281-1333.
julie.aufdenkamp@blind.state.ia.us
keri.osterhaus@blind.state.ia.us