Illinois
School for the Visually Impaired
658 East State Street
Jacksonville, IL 62650 (Toll Free 800-919-5617)
217-479-4400 TTY: 217-479-4415 Fax: 217-479-4479
E-mail: ISVI
www.isvi.net
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GENERAL INFORMATION NEWS PARENTS |
FINE ARTS APPRECIATION CAMP REPORT
June 15 – Arrival
Day At 8:00 p.m. that evening, a "mixer" dance was held for campers in the lower level of the Unit 2 dormitory where campers from the older two camps resided during the week. The dance provided an opportunity for campers to meet each other and have a chance to get to know one another from the Fine Arts Camp and Technology Camp. The DJ for the dance was one of ISVI's educators.
Meals & Breaks
In the area of music and drama, the campers worked very hard to develop their rendition of "Late Night With David Love‑The‑Earth‑Man Show." The theme of camp was "A Touch of Nature" so the campers helped create skits and learn songs to support that theme. The campers learned one group song "With Only Sunshine" that everyone joined in on. One of the skits was a band of four girls with a puppet "singing" the words. They were the "Mad Cow Girls" and sang "Hormone Deranged." All of the campers participated in the "Top Ten Worst Nature Jokes Ever," each telling a joke or pun. One of the campers was "David" and one was the "Fly on The Wall," the guest for the evening. Another camper read poetry while two others used props and puppets to interpret the poem. The campers worked very hard to learn the staging for the performance as well as their individual parts. Everyone was excited about the program and the part they had in it. Costumes and props were needed for the program presented on June 21. Campers worked cooperatively with the educators, junior ambassador, the RCW, and each other to plan, design, secure and/or construct the items needed. Costumes included the following: an outdoors‑man, a talk show host, two cows, two cowgirls, a fly, and a speaker dressed formally for a poetry reading. In addition, numerous props and set items were utilized: puppets, a puppet "stage," "trash," flowers, rhythm instruments, signs to cue the audience, and camp art projects. The campers learned a great deal about what happens "behind‑the‑scenes" in any production. Not only did they have to gather and/or make costumes and props, they learned the importance of planning and organizing ahead of time in order to ensure that all items were where they needed to be for a smooth performance. In the Art sessions of the Fine Arts Camp, since the theme of camp this year was "A Touch of Nature," campers painted terra cotta flowerpots with acrylic paints in creative ways. Later, they planted their own pots with Vinca flowers. For another project, quite a variety of leaves were collected for ink printing with fabric paint on canvas tote bags to follow the nature theme. Campers also created their own macramé bracelets, key chains, etc. The Saturday performance encompassed much more than singing and speaking on stage. It was the culmination of a week of teamwork, sincere effort, and creativity. The campers were rewarded with the applause and cheers of their family and friends. The instructors observed that every camper ended the week with an improved sense of confidence and self‑worth.
The campers from the older two camps–Fine Arts and Technology were divided up
into four groups. Each night of the week–Monday through Thursday, campers
rotated each night between four different recreational activities; bowling,
games, a campus‑wide scavenger hunt and swimming in ISVI's swimming pool.
Bowling
Horseback Riding
Outdoor Fun Night At the track area, the campers first sat on the bleachers while I led a conversation about the importance of staying physically active. The campers participated in the discussion by making predictions to my questions and sharing relevant stories of their own. Next, we moved to the grassy area behind the bleachers and stretched out and warmed up our muscles to prepare for physical activity. After we were stretched and warm, we walked around the track for ten minutes. Some of the campers even chose to jog or run around the track. After about ten minutes of walking or running, we found our way back to the grassy area to do some resistance training with the latex stretch bands. Many of the campers had never used these stretch bands before and found the activity to be fun. We did some repetitions of resistance training with our arms and the campers tried their own ways to use the bands, too. After the bands were collected, we engaged in some friendly competitions, such as who can do the most sit‑ups, who can balance on one foot the longest, who can do the most jumping jacks, etc. The highlight of the night was probably the last activity--a water balloon relay. The campers were split up into two teams and they had to collect water balloons without popping them and whichever team either had the most un-popped water balloons or completed the challenge the fastest (in the case that both teams had the same amount of water balloons left) won. The campers could then throw the water balloons at the ground or at another consenting camper or adult. Once the pieces of water balloon were cleaned up, the campers were given free time outside to swing, glide, or relax. One freeze pop (popsicle) was given to each camper during the free time.
Dormitory & Dinner Each of the three daily meals was served in the Dining Hall located in the center of the campus. For each meal, campers went through the food line cafeteria style with assistance being provided to anyone who needed help. Campers were also provided assistance in locating a table so each camper could sit where and with whom they would like. Meals were planned and organized by ISVI's dietary manager. All staff involved in the Fine Arts Appreciation Camp thank you for allowing your child to spend the week with us here at ISVI's Summer Camp! All campers had a great time making new friends, learning new skills, and experiencing summer camp. We are hopeful your child will choose to join us again next summer! We wish you and your child a pleasant remainder of the summer months. |
EDUCATION
RESIDENTIAL LIFE OUTREACH RESOURCES |
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