This summer, the Lighthouse will offer two<\/strong> \u201cBuild Your Own\u201d Camps<\/strong> — each with a recommended participation of two weeks. These flexible, individualized camps<\/strong> allow teens with vision loss the best of both worlds \u2013 the opportunity to gather with peers from across the state for shared learning and recreation, and also the opportunity to customize their learning for their own goals and interests! <\/p>\n\n\n\n We are also pleased to offer again this year an expanded Blind and Socially Savvy Camp<\/strong> in collaboration with Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB). <\/p>\n\n\n\n All Lighthouse camps include a strong recreational component – taking advantage of the unique Duluth setting which was named the #1 recreational setting in the nation by Outside Magazine in 2014! Camps will include activities such as: Sailing on Lake Superior; hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail; tandem biking; and swimming, water skiing, kayaking or canoeing on inland lakes; horseback riding; indoor rock climbing; goal ball; self-defense; ropes courses, and beep baseball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Build Your Own Camp #1 \u2013 Mobility, Communications and Independent Living<\/strong>, June 9 to June 22<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blind and Socially Savvy<\/strong>, July 21 to July 25<\/p>\n\n\n\n Build Your Own Camp #2 \u2013 Blind and CAREER Savvy<\/strong>, July 26 to August 9<\/p>\n\n\n\n This camp builds skills especially critical for future success \u2013 mobility skills, independent living skills and communications. Instruction in these areas will be customized toward each students\u2019 skill level and interests. Students may choose to focus more on one area over another. A wide array of recreational and social activities will also be built into the camp days and evenings, as described above. And, campers may also choose two elective options from below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Technology<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Individualized leisure activities such as wood working, arts or crafts, or fitness activities<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Workforce Readiness<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Braille<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 College prep<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Additional instruction in mobility, communications or independent living<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Other topics possible upon request<\/p>\n\n\n\n Students will spend time doing complete tasks they will need to do when they live on their own. For instance, they will research and use public transportation; travel to a range of destinations; plan, shop for and prepare entire meals; manage money, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At this camp, students will also be given the opportunity to hone their written communication skills. Employers and colleges tell us that writing and literacy skills are severely hindering many young people today. For individuals with vision loss, the challenges are greater \u2013 even for teens who get into college and are otherwise very capable! Consider national data that only four out of ten blind or visually-impaired college students finish college, and only one in three visually-impaired adults has a job. Ease and skill with written communications will help your teen beat these odds. This Lighthouse camp will offer communication skill-building at each student\u2019s level \u2013 ranging from basic literacy \u201cbrush-ups\u201d to advanced writing or advanced technology use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Blind & Socially Savvy teaches students with a vision loss \u201csoft skills\u201d like professional image, nonverbal communication, networking, and employer expectations. Previously offered in a four-day version, the five-day version will allow time for recreational activities which will aid in learning, enjoyment and opportunities for practice. For this camp, counselors and families should contact Sheila at SSB, sheila.koenig@state.mn.us<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Build Your Own Camp # 2 | CAREER Savvy | July 26 to August 9, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The focus of this camp is career success! Like Build Your Own Camp #1, this camp includes many customizable components. Teens can choose a work experience from a number of choices based on their interests and skills. We will do our best to respond to each teen\u2019s requested type of work. Teen will also receive training in travel skills, independent living skills, and technology related to their career goals and individual needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 The first week of camp will prepare teens for a week of employment experiences the following week. Topics to be covered include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Planning, traveling to, and orienting oneself to a place of employment<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Shopping for and dressing for success<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Using technology to create, proofread and send out a job application and resume<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Preparing for employment by completing a mock interview<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Practicing technologies used in the workplace, such as creating and editing workplace documents, answering phones, using office equipment <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Knowing how to identify and ask for simple accommodations to make the workplace accessible for their needs<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00f0 Planning how to get to work on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the second week of camp, students will use the skills they learned to participate in a job experience that is selected according to their interests and skills. Students will experience full days of work, practice workplace etiquette and learn more about a career area of interest to them. As feasible, students will utilize public transportation to navigate to and from the workplace. During the work week, students will learn about balancing the work requirements with the practicalities of daily life, such as planning and preparing one\u2019s own meals, enjoying recreation outside of work and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With questions or suggestions, call Mary or Haley at 218-624-4828, email me at mjunnila@LCFVL.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Teens and parents, if you are interested, please do the following<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Tell us asap of your possible interest by emailing mjunnila@LCFVL.org<\/a> or calling Mary or Haley at 218-624-4828 with any questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Discuss your interest right away with your State Services for the Blind (SSB)Counselor to determine if you are eligible for SSB funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Fill out the Lighthouse on-line application, which is posted on line at 2019 Lighthouse Summer Programs <\/strong><\/a>. <\/strong>To give us time to custom-build camps for each student, we ask families and counselors to please submit applications as soon as possible, including information about participant needs and interests, and at the latest, by May 1. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks again for your consideration. We welcome your feedback!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warm Wishes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mary Junnila, MPP<\/p>\n\n\n\n Executive Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lighthouse Mission: Fostering independent and vibrant lives for individuals with vision loss. Thank you for listening! Dear Teachers, SSB Counselors, Parents and Teens: It is March \u2013 a time when we all start looking forward to the warmer days of summer! Are you interested in a summer camp for a teen with vision loss (or yourself) – but searching for a camp that is fun, social and truly serves your teen\u2019s […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[239,512,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-tvitoolbox","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6rcRg-1f9","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9098,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9098","url_meta":{"origin":4783,"position":0},"title":"Level Up: Building Confidence, Skills, and Futures for Blind and Low Vision Students","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"August 21, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: Envision\u2019s Level Up program is more than a summer camp\u2014it\u2019s a launching pad for blind and visually impaired students stepping into independence, college, and careers. Since 2006, Level Up has combined skill-building with hands-on experiences that prepare students for life beyond high school. From technology training to culinary\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "BlindAbilities Presents"","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2573,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=2573","url_meta":{"origin":4783,"position":1},"title":"Register Now! 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Wood Workers for the Blind Summer Sessions Filling Fast!","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"July 24, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Woodworking for the Blind Sixth Annual Summer Workshop Now Two Separate Sessions All Members Invited Advanced Woodworking Session Monday, August 21, thru Saturday August 26, 2017 Welcoming Dinner Monday evening August 21 Woodworking Fundamentals Session Saturday, August 26, thru August 31, 2017 Welcoming Dinner Saturday evening August 26 Each Session\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Career"","block_context":{"text":"Career","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=373"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4783"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4787,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4783\/revisions\/4787"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Lighthouse 2019 Summer Camp Dates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lighthouse 2019 Summer Camp Descriptions <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Build Your Own Camp #1 <\/em>|<\/em> Mobility, Communications and Independent Living <\/em>|<\/em>June 9 to June 22, 2019<\/em><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Blind and Socially Savvy | July 21 to July 25, 2019 <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Application Instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lighthouse Values: We believe in the dignity of all human lives. We embrace and promote the values of respectfulness, compassion, responsibility, diversity and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\nContact:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities<\/a>
On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com<\/a>
Send us an email<\/a>
Get the Free Blind Abilities App<\/a> on the App Store.
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"