Envision Offers Heather’s Camp to Give Youth Who Are Blind or Low Vision a Summer Camp Experience to Remember

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“Heather’s Camp is a special opportunity for children who are blind or low vision to have a summer camp experience that they will remember forever. The majority of these children would not get this experience without Heather's Camp."

WICHITA, Kan. (PRWEB) July 30, 2013

When you think of summertime when you were a child you think of spending time with friends, swimming, family vacations and of course, summer camp. However, for children who are blind or visually impaired, this experience may be out of reach. Heather’s Camp was formed to make summer camp a reality for these youth. Heather’s Camp was named in memory of Heather Muller, a WSU alumni and one of the Carr brother’s victims. Heather earned her degree in audiology from WSU and worked with disabled children at Rainbows United. Heather was pursuing her master’s degree in early childhood special education when her life was cut tragically short. An active member of Delta Gamma sorority, Heather worked to further the efforts of the Delta Gamma philanthropy: Service for Sight. Her love of children and desire to help those with special needs lives on in Heather’s Camp.

This year, Heather’s Camp will be held August 1-4th at the Rock Springs 4-H camp, which is located just south of Junction City, Kan. Youth from all over the region will spend 4 days and 3 nights participating in activities they only dreamed of being able to do. Activities will consist of swimming, canoeing, beep archery, boating, rifle shooting and horseback riding. In the safe confines of Heather’s Camp, these kids are free to be themselves- to grow, to learn and to have fun. “Heather’s Camp is a special opportunity for children who are blind or low vision to have a summer camp experience that they will remember forever,” said Bonnie Cochran Support Program Manager for Envision. “The majority of these children would not get this experience without Heather’s Camp.”

Heather’s Camp started in 2001 with 17 children participating. Over the years, Heather’s Camp has expanded and served more children. This year Heather’s Camp will host a record high of 85 youth who are visually impaired. The camp is staffed by many volunteers, including the WSU sorority of Delta Gamma, who assist in the planning and operation of the camp. “Envision is proud to partner with Heather’s Camp and make sure this opportunity is available for children who are blind or visually impaired, said CEO Michael Monteferrante. “The impact this camp has on children is life changing.”

Heather’s Camp is an opportunity for youth who are blind and visually impaired to have a summer experience like any other child. They build friendships with those that are experiencing the same struggles they do in everyday life. Through this experience, they not only gain new skills but gain more confidence and independence in a supportive and encouraging environment. The social networks they obtain and memories they create last a lifetime.

How Can You Help?
Heather’s Ride, the annual fundraiser to support Heather’s Camp, will be on Sunday August 18th.
Visit http://www.heatherscamp.org/heathersride for more information.

If you would like to make a donation, contact Heather at Hogan Heather.Hogan(at)envisionus(dot)com or call 316-440-1517.

About Envision
Envision promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or low vision. Founded in 1933, Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals with vision loss in the nation. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration for the blind and visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research. For more information, visit http://www.envisionus.com.
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