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Heather’s Camp: Empowering BVI Students to Conquer Obstacles with Confidence
By Beth Walker • Aug 28, 2023
.jpg?lang=en-US&ext=.jpg "Heather’s Camp: Empowering BVI Students to Conquer Obstacles with Confidence")
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Heather’s Camp gives youth who are blind or visually impaired opportunities to participate in activities they might not get to otherwise. Campers develop friendships, conquer fears and overcome obstacles. “It’s only four days, but the campers grow in their self-confidence,” said Hannah Christenson, Director of Community Programs at Envision. “They try things they never thought they’d try. It is so much fun.”
Campers were able to join fun activities including archery, boating, fishing, horseback riding, zip-lining, a rock climbing course, rope swinging, and swimming. Other activities also included a talent show and a dance event on the last night of camp. Hannah says the camp is nothing without its volunteers. This year, 40 volunteers, eight of whom are blind or visually impaired, helped ensure that all of the youth had opportunities to take part in a variety of activities. “There’s never any negativity,” said Christenson. “Everyone is pushing positivity. They help the campers be successful.”
Some volunteers were campers at one time or another. Members of Wichita State Delta Gamma again served as volunteers through the chapter’s Service for Sight community service and philanthropy initiative. This year’s Miss Kansas, Courtney Wages, is another Heather’s Camp volunteer who has volunteered for the past 6 years in a row. “As an advocate for vision health, I love helping people who are blind or visually impaired turn their ‘can’ts’ into ‘cans’,” said Wages.
This year, Heather’s Camp, named in honor of the late Heather Suzanne Francis Muller, drew in students from Colorado, Kansas, Texas, and Wisconsin. Students are admitted regardless of their ability to pay.
To support Heather’s Camp, please visit envisionus.com/donate.