20th ANNUAL CAMP TEEN CHALLENGE TO TEACH STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES TO NOT ONLY SURVIVE, BUT THRIVE
WACO, Texas – Nearly 40 area students with visual impairments will come together to experience Camp Teen Challenge from June 6-10 at the Peaceable Kingdom Retreat in Killeen. Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 is teaming up with the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Division of Blind Services to provide this experience for Central Texas students.
“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,” Melba Bunch, camp chair and education specialist for ESC Region 12, said. “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, Kerens, 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 hayride, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, woodworking, 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.
Note to media: Photo opportunities and interviews are available. Please contact Melba Bunch before arriving and check in with her upon arrival. See a schedule of activities below (a complete schedule is available upon request).
Camp Schedule:
Mon., June 6 3 – 7 p.m. Pool Party, Hayride, Fishing
Tues., June 7 3 – 5 p.m. Helicopter Exploration
Tues., June 7 4 – 5 p.m. Beep Baseball
Wed., June 8 7:30 – 9 p.m. Talent Show
Fri., June 10 12 – 1:30 p.m. Camp Closing
For more information about volunteering and participating in the camp, please contact Melba Bunch at 254.297.1145 or mbunch@esc12.net. For media inquiries or photo requests, contact Jennifer Marshall-Higgins at jhiggins@esc12.net.
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About ESC Region 12
One of 20 regional education service centers statewide, the Education Service Center Region 12 (ESC Region 12) is dedicated to serving school districts, charter schools and area private/parochial schools in improving student performance. ESC Region 12 partners with school districts to deliver services and solutions to educators so they may help all children be successful.
Based in Waco, with satellite offices in Corsicana, Hamilton, Nolanville, and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills, and Navarro counties.
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. www.dars.state.tx.us
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