19th Annual Camp Teen Challenge for the Visually-Impaired to Make a Buzz
WACO, Texas – Picture the dirt in your face and the sun on your skin as you dive for beeping balls and scramble to buzzing bases. Baseball is a challenging game, but imagine if you couldn’t see. Beep baseball, a spin on America’s favorite pastime, will debut alongside a week of fun-filled activities at the annual Camp Teen Challenge, beginning June 7.
Nearly 40 area students with visual impairments will team up to experience this event on June 7-11 at the Peaceable Kingdom Retreat in Killeen, 19051 Farm-To-Market Road 2484, Killeen, TX 76542-5068. Visual disabilities can make it difficult for students to do the same tasks and activities as their friends and fellow peers. However, this year’s summer camp will focus on and teach these students how to be “survivorkids”, which is the theme for this year’s camp.
“These students often may be the only ones with a disability in their class, but at the camp, they meet and interact with kids who have the same or similar impairments,” said Melba Bunch, camp chair and education specialist for Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12. “Together, they learn how to gain confidence and independence without feeling isolated. These students not only learn how to survive, but they also learn how to thrive!”
Participating campers will be from several areas in Central Texas, including: Abbott, Aquilla, Bryan, Centerville, College Station, Copperas Cove, Corsicana, Fairfield, Groesbeck, Hallsburg, Hewitt, Hillsboro, Huntsville, Kerns, Killeen, Lexington, Mexia, Temple, Whitney, and Waco.
Visually-impaired students in grades 5-12 will develop social, physical and pre-vocational skills through various activities. From zip lines and ropes courses to a game of beep baseball, campers can conquer fears and find fellowship among their peers. Other activities include a hay ride, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, wood working, archery, an etiquette dinner, and theater and talent shows.
Camp Teen Challenge, sponsored by ESC Region 12 and DARS-Division of Blind Services, has been helping visually-impaired children for 19 years through donations and the help of volunteers. The camp received a $3,000 grant this year from the All Blind Children’s Fund of Texas, which will help pay for a portion of the activities.
Photo opportunities are available, and media are encouraged to attend this unique camp event. See camp schedule (PDF File) .
For more information about volunteering and participating in the camp, please contact Melba Bunch at 254.297.1145 or mbunch@esc12.net.
About DARS
The Division for Blind Services within the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services provides services to Texans of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. Our goal is to assist you in developing confidence in your skills and abilities, maintaining or securing employment, and living as independently as possible.
About Peaceable Kingdom Retreat
Peaceable Kingdom serves more than 6,000 children with chronic illnesses and special needs between the ages of three and 22, along with their families annually. These children come free of charge and without regard to race, religion or ability to pay. The retreat serves children whose abilities and disabilities vary.
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