A Loss of Sight, Never a Loss of Vision
Camp Abilities Saratoga Campers and Coaches Tandem Biking
(Courtesy of Aidan Clark)
Mixed in among the various summer camps on Skidmore’s campus last week was Camp Abilities Saratoga, a weeklong sleep away camp for the blind and visually impaired. This year, 15 campers were paired one-to-one with a coach, many of whom are former campers themselves.
Camp abilities Saratoga is a service project of the Saratoga Lion’s Club which started in 2013. The camp is modeled after the original Camp Abilities Brockport, founded by Brockport Professor, Dr. Lauren J. Lieberman in 1996.
Currently there are 29 other camp abilities around the county and the world.
Camp Abilities Saratoga Campers Learning Baseball
(Courtesy of Aidan Clark)
The camp welcomes kids aged 10 through 16 to stay on Skidmore’s campus from August 1st through the 8th. Activities include ice skating, tandem biking, baseball, bowling, soccer, and tennis.
“The goal is to work on their confidence, self-esteem, and learn to advocate for themselves,” said Camp Abilities Saratoga Vice President, John McDonald. “Lots of times in their school districts they may be the only child that’s blind or visually impaired. Here, they’re with other kids that face the same daily challenges.”
There is no cost to the families for the camp. It is made possible through grants from the New York Commission for the Blind and fundraisers by the Saratoga Lion’s Club.
This year, The Western Sun Foundation, a community of popular jab band Goose, donated $10,000 dollars in support of Camp Abilities Saratoga.
Donations are the foundation for Camp Abilities Saratoga to allow a sense of independence for the blind and visually impaired. Those interested in making a charitable contribution can do so at www.campabilitiessaratoga.org/donate/.