Winter Fun For Blind Campers

By Michelle Miracle. Contributions also by Justin Okimi and Terri Lynn Thomas
Adapted from: Michigan Memo (April, 2001)

From across Canada, Texas, and Michigan, 30 winter campers gathered at Camp Au Sable ready for winter fun and warm fellowship.

Launched by Christian Record Services Canada, the third annual week-long winter camp for the blind kicked off on February 12. CRS sponsors two winter camps each year; Au Sable in Michigan and another in Colorado. Providing these and 25 other camps free of charge is only one facet of Christian Record Services' work. Braille magazines, books and audio cassettes are sent out to thousands of visually impaired and blind subscribers throughout the world each month.

Camp is a widely known unique and rewarding outreach to the blind. The experience really bonds the blind children and adults with their sighted counselors through praising the Lord and learning about one other.

At Au Sable this winter campfires and evening devotions were directed by CRS staff and students from Kingsway College, a boarding academy in Oshawa, Ontario Canada. In order to make it on the Au Sable staff for a week, the academy seniors each earned $200 by doing odd jobs around campus.

The students put their motto, "Service, not Fame," into action by helping the campers experience things that we take for granted. "Cross-country skiing is tricky for some sighted people, but I can't imagine being blind and having to trust someone to show me the path," said counselor Terri Lynn Thomas.

Cross-country skiing is one of a myriad of activities that make the week fly by and get the campers buzzing about the next year. "We provide the campers with many outdoor experiences, such as sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and horseback riding," said Scott Baker, camp manager.

With 18 inches of snow blanketing the campground and nearby Lake Shellenbarger, the campers had a chance to take part in many indoor activities as well. Nature center director Gary Longfellow observed that "the blind are good students of nature. They enjoy touching live creatures like snakes, lizards, tarantulas, and mice." One of the week's highlights was the turtle race in which each camper took a turn coaxing a turtle down the home stretch.

Along with the nature center, the craft building provided a nice change from the elements. Alexandra Longfellow, creative arts teacher, enjoyed showing the kids how to make and paint ceramics. "Each year I am amazed at the ability of the blind to work with colors and textures," said Longfellow.