by Michelle Miracle, Public Relations Intern, Christian Record Services,
assisted by Randolph Wilson, Communication Director, Bermuda Conference
and photos by Art Grayman, Director of Field Services, Christian Record Services.
Adapted from: Atlantic Union Gleaner (November, 2000)
The first blind camp in Bermuda was held August 14-20, 2000, on Padget Island. Among honored guests was prime minister of Bermuda Jennifer Smith, who met with campers and staff and praised the work of National Camps for Blind Children. "The work that you are doing will change the lives of many Bermudans, and we look forward to working with you in the future," she said.
The campers were sponsored by funds raised by a program of Christian Record Services and with the help of the Bermuda Conference. For 33 years CRS has been running blind camps throughout North America, with over 1,000 campers attending each year.
According to Randolph Wilson, communication director for the Bermuda Conference, "The camp was a good example of Bermudans reaching out to the wider community." Among the campers were residents of New York, Bermuda, and two Canadian townships.
"This was a groundbreaking venture," said Art Grayman, director of field services for CRS. Half a dozen campers, along with an equal number of counselors, got to know one another really well over the course of the week. "We want to continue working for the blind in Bermuda, not just at camp, but throughout the year," Grayman continued.
Campers ranged in age from 18 to 81, and all were able to participate in the activities. The daily schedule of activities centered around the ocean. Mornings began with a "high tide" wake-up call followed by camp council. In the afternoons counselor guides took the campers around the island giving them the opportunity to enjoy jet skiing, swimming, canoeing, live floral arranging, and even rope rapeling down an ocean front cliff.
The theme of this year's camp was "Bermuda Triangle of Love." "I was so pleased with the camaraderie of the campers and the hospitality that the Bermudans showed the international campers," said Marie Binns, camp director and disabilities coordinator for the Bermuda Conference.
"Most of our campers were of different faiths or of no faith, and our spiritual message was new to them," according to Greg Vargas, camp pastor. Campfire each evening provided an
"CRS sends braille, large print and audio materials to the blind in over 79 countries," said Larry Pitcher, president of CRS. "Our goal is to help the blind see Jesus."
Louise Perchief, mayor of St. George, visited the island and saw firsthand the work of CRS. "On behalf of the people of Bermuda, I thank you for your time and effort in putting on this unique camp."