Alphapointe Adventure and Technology Camps

Alphapointe Adventure and Technology Camps

Adventure Camp – Designed for those children and youth who are visually impaired. There are no other opportunities to adventure into the outdoors and discover nature and activities in a camp setting with others who are visually impaired. Alphapointe’s Adventure Camps help process the challenges of each day’s activity, adapt to obstacles, gain skills and achieve success. A Counselor in Training (CIT) aspect of camp has also been designed to develop older campers (age 14-18) into mentors to the younger campers. Camp responsibilities are increased and they take a leadership role while gaining experience in a volunteer setting. The CIT program takes place during our Overnight Camp; CITs then come back the following week and are mentors for our younger participants. 

Our Outdoor Adventure Camps & Technology Camp Address nearly all of the areas in the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) used by the school districts to teach those who are visually impaired. ECC refers to skills training and opportunities needed to work, play, socialize, and take care of personal needs to the highest level possible. ECC areas of study: Assistive Technology, Career Education, Independent Living, Orientation and Mobility, Recreation/Leisure, Self-Determination, Sensory Efficiency and Social Interaction. 

Each day, a variety of activities are planned that focus on outdoor adventures. Activities are a Challenge by Choice; meaning each child is allowed to make the choice to “try” the activity – a growth mindset for new activities. Activities include; Swimming, Horseback Riding, Archery, Beep Baseball, Arts/Crafts, Rockwall Climbing, Ropes Courses and Camp Fire Sing-Alongs. Steps are taken to coach the camper into “challenging” themselves. At the end of camp, one award is given to the camper that pushes themselves to achieve success and represents Alphapointe’s values. This award is called the Erik Weinhenmayer Trailblazer Award, named after the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. 

Technology Camp – Designed for youth who are visually impaired. Youth are recommended by their school’s Teacher of the Visually Impaired to participate. Alphapointe’s Technology Camp, is a week-long camp for middle and high school students; exposing youth to devices, apps and technology that are developed for those who are blind or visually impaired so they can succeed and utilize today’s technology just as well as their sighted peers. Focus is placed on training that will impact academic development, advance internet navigation skills, social networking knowledge and internet security and safety.