Summer Mix and Mingle

By Brandon Smith

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have a support system that encouraged my participation in summer fun despite my blindness. For as long as I can remember, I attended summer camp and training programs, and even a summer college course.

These camps were both educational, and a great way to make new friends.

I would say I had the perfect mix. I was in mainstream classes in school, but had opportunities to enjoy activities with other blind children during the summer. Camps and summer training programs are a great way to introduce blind children to the same activities that sighted children participate in, such as swimming, rock climbing, and even baseball. Beep baseball or Beep Ball, gives the player audible cues, and is adapted so the blind can have a chance to play. The balls beep and the bases emit tones, which allow the player to hear and run to them.

Summer camps can be a fun way to make friends and make memories. And for a blind child, camps can prove that activities, such as baseball aren’t just for the sighted to enjoy.