Summer Camps 2021
Registration Now Open
Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
2021 Summer Programs
Summer Time Fun
Something for Everyone
Pandemic Considerations
In preparation for summer camps, Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IESBVI) is reviewing CDC Guidance and consulting with County Health Departments and the Iowa Department of Public Health. As we learn more about COVID-19 and consider current conditions, we will continually assess whether to cancel or significantly change plans for our residential and day camps. All registered camper families will be directly notified of any changes. Updates will also be posted on our web page: www.iowa-braille.k12.ia.us
Physical and mental health are top priorities at our camps. IESBVI is committed to:
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Consulting with our Health Center professionals and following official state guidance including pre-camp restrictions for campers and staff
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Establishing frequent and transparent communication with parents
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Symptom screening daily
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Creating on-site health, hygiene, and sanitation practices
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Making adjustments to camp schedules with a focus on outdoor activities
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Having systems in place should a positive case emerge
Residential Camp Descriptions
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June 12-13 |
Girls’ Night Out - grades 4-7 and grades 8-12 Cedar Falls |
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This camp is a skill building slumber party! Girls will develop independent living skills by using public transportation, handling money, primping themselves and each other in a safe and accessible environment. This is an opportunity for girls with visual impairments to spend time with each other, have fun and make new friends. Girls will be grouped by age for some activities. Girls should possess basic self-care skills such as toileting and showering. Contact Lisa Lutz at 319-361-9154 or lisa.lutz@iaedb.org |
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June 13-17 |
Camp Abilities - ages 7-21 Cedar Falls |
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Camp Abilities at the University of Northern Iowa. This camp focuses on physical activity with exposure and exploration of leisure and recreational hobbies/pursuits. The activities will be adapted and modified so that all can participate regardless of vision level. Students should be predominantly independent with self-care and have few behavioral concerns. Students should be prepared to be active throughout the week and willing to try new activities. Contact Brandon Schellhorn at 515-249-6312 or brandon.schellhorn@iaedb.org |
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June 20-25 |
Around the World in 5 days - grades 3-8 Council Bluffs |
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Are you interested in learning about other cultures? Come to Around the World in 5 days and get to know a different country each day! You will go on field trips around the area and experience other cultures. You will learn music, customs, and crafts from 5 different countries.. Enjoy all of this plus typical summer camp fun!! Students who attend this camp should be able to independently toilet, follow simple directions, and stay on task for short amounts of time. Students who need some basic help dressing, showering, and traveling (Orientation and Mobility) can attend this camp. Optional Bus Route pick-up/drop off locations along I-80. Contact Becky Marth at 712-310-9205 or becky.marth@iaedb.org |
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July 11-16 |
Transition Life Skills - grades 8-12 Des Moines |
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Create your own adventure in a place where everything around you is always changing. A place where HUGE skyscrapers loom overhead and sounds from the hustle and bustle of traffic never seem to end. If this sounds like an adventure that you are ready to take on, Transition Life Skills may be just be the camp for you! Campers will be engaging in one adventure after another designed to develop their independent living skills. Now that you know that this adventure awaits you, are you ready to take it on?
This camp will be held at Grand View University and is limited to 10 participants. Contact Kim Stocks, 712-308-1034 or kim.stocks@iaedb.org |
Camp Explore at Sunnyside:
Camp Sunnyside will announce summer camp plans in mid-February. Students who are eligible will be contacted directly regarding registration.
If you have questions, contact your TVI or Susan Rolinger, 515-782-3792 or susan.rolinger@iaedb.org
Not comfortable sending your child to camp?
Consider an Independent At-Home Activity Kit
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Boxed Up Boredom Busters - age groups 2-4; 5-8; 9-12 |
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Description - A box of family fun delivered to your door! Activities are based on your child’s developmental and sensory needs. Kit includes - Necessary supplies, detailed instructions, and additional resources. All materials are brightly colored, scented, textured, or include sound sources to spark use of multiple senses. Contact Crystal Beighley, 319-310-8597 or crystal.beighley@iaedb.org |
Regional Day Camps
Specific details are available on our webpage and will be mailed to families living near day camp locations.
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June 21-25 |
Camp Success - grades 7-12+ Burlington |
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Contact Jill Mehaffy-Nalley, 563-949-7167 or jill.mehaffynalley@iaedb.org |
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June 21-25 |
Expanding Our World: Junior - grades K-6 (TVI referral) Des Moines |
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Contact Shelley Smith, 515-779-4790 or shelley.smith@iaedb.org |
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June 21-24 |
Northeast Nature Camp - grades 3-8 Dubuque |
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Contact Crystal Beighley, 319-310-8597 or crystal.beighley@iaedb.org |
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June 28-July 2 |
Great Prairie Summer Quest - grades K-8 (TVI referral) Mt. Pleasant |
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Contact Jill Mehaffy-Nalley, 563-949-7167 or jill.mehaffynalley@iaedb.org |
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June 28-July 2 |
Expanding Our World: Teen - grades 7-12 (TVI referral) Des Moines |
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Contact Shelley Smith, 515-779-4790 or shelley.smith@iaedb.org |
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July 12-15 |
Game Time - grades 1-12 Sioux Center |
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Contact Crystal Beighley, 319-310-8597 or crystal.beighley@iaedb.org |
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To register: Click the link below or scan the QR code with your smart phone’s camera.
