Warm Greetings from BLIND, Incorporated
It is once again time to start planning for our 2012 Buddy program.
This three-week summer fun and learning program is for children ages 9 to 13.
The dates for 2012 are July 13 through August 4, 2012.
The Buddy Program offers an opportunity for blind children to make friends and have fun in a positive and secure setting as well as to learn and practice alternative techniques of blindness while building self-confidence.
The training in alternative techniques includes instruction in reading and writing Braille, basic cane travel, cooking skills, and introductions to independent living skills and industrial arts. Students may learn to pour liquids, carry a food tray, do laundry, follow a recipe, and much more. Self-confidence and problem solving skills are gained through building and painting projects such as their own birdhouses and nightstands. Students also participate in "talk time," where they discuss important issues about blindness with blind peers and instructors. This time gives the students a chance to discuss their feelings about blindness, their frustrations with uncomfortable situations, and suggestions for overcoming problems caused by blindness.
In addition, students participate in many exciting activities in the Twin Cities area, such as visits to Build a Bear work shop, Wild Mountain Water Park, and horseback riding. These activities allow students to develop their socialization skills. Activities are well supervised and mentoring for the children is provided by active blind role models. Lifelong friendships begin during this brief summer experience.
During these entire out-of-the- classroom activities during the Buddy Program, one of our goals is to teach our students the alternative techniques of blindness and gain the self-confidence that would allow them to return home and actively participate in even more fun activities with their sighted friends.
Activities are excellent opportunities to teach and reinforce a wide variety of alternative techniques, as they apply to real life, and this learning experience is usually most effective when there is a lot of fun involved.
If you have questions please call 612-872-0100 (ext. 251), toll-free 800-597-9558, or email cguggisberg@blindinc.org . You may complete an application by visiting our website at www.blindinc.org
Sincerely,
Charlene Guggisberg
Coordinator for Youth and Special programs
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