Youth Thrive at 2nd Annual Heather’s Camp Trailblazers Weekend | Envision Blog

Youth Thrive at 2nd Annual Heathers Camp Trailblazers Weekend

By Beth Walker • Apr 26, 2024
A young girl on a horse.

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Envision hosted its 2nd annual Heathers Camp Trailblazers Weekend in collaboration with Kansas State School for the Blind and the Foreseeable Future Foundation at Camp Wood in Elmdale, KS, on April 5-7th. This event provides youth with vision loss opportunities to build independence, make new friends, and gain confidence regardless of their vision level. It is also a great way for youth to experience camp life as many who attend the Trailblazers Weekend are also interested in or are planning to return for Envision’s annual Heathers Camp summer camp in July.  

This year twenty-four participants ages 12+ enjoyed a weekend of horsemanship, rock climbing, cookouts and other camp staples. Out of these participants, only seven had been to Heathers Camp, with many new faces who are interested in attending Heathers Camp and other Envision community programs and events in the future. Hannah Christenson, Director of Community Services at Envision, leads efforts to provide fun programs and opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired of all ages. For Christenson, seeing youth who are blind or visually impaired thrive in outdoor activities is something she is deeply passionate about. 

"The Trailblazer’s Weekend provides youth with vision loss opportunities to come out of their shell and build friendships with others who they can relate to,” says Christenson. “They get to participate in a variety of activities that are not only fun but also teach them that they are independent and capable. Many participants leave the weekend with new friendships, increased confidence levels, and a desire to return for Heathers Camp in the summer.”  

Around twenty-five staff and volunteers from Envision, Kansas State School for the Blind, and Wichita State University's Delta Gamma were on hand to assist campers. The Trailblazer’s Weekend wouldn’t be possible without support from the Foreseeable Future Foundation, who has funded the program for the last two years.  

Registrations are now open for our 24th Annual Heathers Camp summer camp! This is a national four-day summer program for children ages 7-18 who are blind or visually impaired and provides a traditional camping experience in an inclusive environment. To register for Heathers Camp or to learn more, visit envisionus.com/youth-programs/heathers-camp-for-bvi-kids.