From June 2nd to 7th, campers from across Alabama experienced an Amazing Animal Safari through Summer Enrichment Camps hosted by Alabama School for the Blind (ASB), Alabama School for the Deaf (ASD) and Helen Keller School of Alabama (HKS). 

ASB’s Summer Enrichment Camp was designed specifically for students aged 6 to 16 who are blind or visually impaired. Campers lived on campus and spent time honing their academics, computer, independent living, and music skills which included learning to play the Djembe drums. They enjoyed lots of summer fun like swimming, arts and crafts, horseback riding, skating, field trips, and creating lasting friendships. The camp concluded with an award ceremony. 

“I loved riding the horses,” commented student Lily Hearn. “This school has a lot of opportunities for me that I do not have in my public school.”

ASD’s Summer Enrichment Camp was designed specifically for students aged 6 to 14 who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Throughout the week, campers lived on campus and spent time honing their American Sign Language as well as their academic, language arts, and creative problem-solving skills. ASD campers had plenty of fun swimming, doing arts and crafts, horseback riding, watching movies, taking field trips, and creating lasting friendships. 

“This camp is a perfect way to show parents that their children are getting the accessibility they need [while at ASD],” said Student Worker and recent ASD Graduate Kris Williams. “Every camper had the ability to be involved in every aspect, from the classroom to recreation.”

Summer Camp at HKS is a fun life-skills event designed to discover and build upon a student’s existing talents, skills and strengths. Small-group activities included arts and crafts, music, sensory integration, water play, horseback riding, simple food preparation, and community outings in a safe, supportive environment. It’s fun, meaningful and educational!

“A moment I enjoyed during camp was when we went to Big Time Entertainment,” said Justin Smith, a staff member at HKS. “The camper I was with, who is typically in a wheelchair, was having fun walking around the arcade, playing different games, smiling and laughing.”