June 17 – Arrival Day
The Technology for Today campers' evening activities on Sunday began after registration with an informal cook out on the lawn at ISVI. The campers then met briefly in the dormitory to discuss camp rules, meet staff, share information about themselves and outline the week’s activities. They then had an opportunity to unpack and get their belongings put away for the week.

At 8:00 that evening, a "mixer" dance was held for campers in the lower level of the Unit 2 dormitory where campers from the older three 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, Technology Camp and Living Independently Camp. The D.J. for the dance was one of ISVI's educators.

Meals & Breaks
Breakfast each day was from 7:15 until 8:00 served in ISVI's Dining Hall. Educators met the campers at breakfast each morning to escorted campers to the classroom areas for the daily sessions that ran Monday through Thursday from 8:00 until 3:30. A mid-morning and afternoon break was provided in ISVI's Snack Bar where healthy snacks were provided. Each day campers were escorted to the Dining Hall for each meal with lunch being served between 11:15 and 1:15. Dinner each evening was scheduled from 5:00 until 6:00.

ISVI Educational Staff–Technology for Today Camp
The ISVI educators who worked with your child in Technology for Today Camp during the Day Sessions were: Shirley Hainds, Steve Radliff and Dan Thompson. The educators who directed the evening activities for the campers from Fine Arts, Technology and Living Independently Camps were Martha Hauck, Megan McGuire, Stephanie Provence and Pat Wright.

Daily Sessions
Computerized Information Processing
Campers covered terminology that is used when utilizing computers and the related functions of the "hot keys." Various games were provided to help campers remember the wide array of terms. Additionally, quizzes were given each day in order to review this information and to let campers know which ones they needed to review further.

Campers learned the related "hot keys" for the information processing programs of Corel "WordPerfect" and Microsoft "Word" and then used those commands in completing different activities while using each of these programs. Fun quizzes were given each day so campers could review these useful "hot keys."

Campers were shown and given opportunities to utilize the "hot key" commands for the GroupWise E-mail Program used here at ISVI. Afterwards, the campers would actually e-mail the instructor and other campers within the Technology Camp. This was really a popular activity for each camper. Campers would eagerly check their e-mail each day to see if they had any messages. Each day the educator would have a new e-mail waiting in the campers' e-mail inbox for them with an "assignment" so they would then have an opportunity to write an e-mail back to the educator sending an e-mail with an attachment.

Campers worked on activity sheets while using the computer to see how much they knew about spacing rules, grammar rules in keyboarding, special characters on the keyboard, and number functions of the computer.

Folders that contained all the material that was covered during the week of camp were created and given to the campers at the end of the day on Friday so they could pack it with their other items to take home on Saturday. For Information Processing the folder contained the "hot key" commands for WordPerfect, computer terminology, "hot key" commands for GroupWise, several worksheets which would help them with using the correct usage of number keys, special character keys, and the function keys. Certificates were also given to each camper who had completed the summer camp experience in technology.

Campers shared their experiences, their ideas, and their opinions about many topics and put those thoughts into paragraph form. In completing this task, campers used WordPerfect and Microsoft Word to create documents, and formatted the selections by using the "hot keys" that had been covered throughout the week. The paragraphs were not meant to be right or wrong responses but was an activity whereby the campers had to format their responses in written form and had to justify their answers; giving reasons for their beliefs. Examples of this type of assignments were: Year Round School–Good or Bad; Cell Phones Allowed in Class–Yes or No.

At the end of the week, campers received prizes for the number of correct responses they received on their quizzes and projects. Campers really enjoyed this activity and worked hard to make sure they got as many points as possible. The points were represented by stickers which were placed on poster board for all three sessions of the camp. Each of the groups were very competitive with these activities.

Computerized Engraving
Campers were exposed to a computer-controlled industrial engraver. This equipment directs the machine to automatically cut Braille cells, symbols, various fonts and shapes. Campers made several projects as the experienced how various academics are applied in the real world. Campers could selected several items that they wanted the opportunity to manufacture during the week. These projects were such things as a name plaque, brailled signature card–known as a typo-scope, dog/cat ID tags and a personal card.

Safety and work behaviors were a high priority throughout the week as power equipment and hand tools were used or demonstrated during the manufacturing segments of each session. Several manufacturing skills were introduced as campers worked with the material science of plastics, woods and metals. Campers were allowed to be independently creative in their design of their projects.

Campers explored the industrial language of mathematics as they applied word meanings with numbers, spatial and linear meanings with3-dimensional terms, and how the computer interprets the three planes of X, Y and Z.

The campers appeared to have fun while working with other campers–learning from each other and about each other during the relaxed educational atmosphere this camp so easily provides.

Assistive Devices–Hardware & Software
During this week campers experienced hands-on activities regarding the Trekker, some popular new note takers for the visually impaired, wireless technology, the newest version of Kurzweil Scanning software, online e-book searches, moving text and audio files from a desktop computer to a note taker, the newest in low-vision technology from the manufacturer–Freedom Scientific, the KNFB Reader, and audio production.

On Monday campers used the Trekker GPS (global positioning System) along with Maestro PDA to explore their hometowns from within the classroom. Utilizing GPS technology, campers learned various routes from ISVI to surrounding businesses as well as routes created by the instructor.

Mr. Josh Dugan, one of ISVI"s mobility instructors, joined the session allowing campers to have access to three additional Trekkers so campers could practice using these higher-tech mobility devices while traveling through the surrounding neighborhood with both the mobility instructor and the assistive tech. educator.

In the second half of each session, campers learned about and utilized the Icon Note Taker manufactured by Levelstar. This was in preparation for the "coffee-shop trip" on Tuesday for accessing wireless technology.

On Tuesday each of the assistive technology sessions was held at the downtown establishment known as "The Three Legged Dog" coffee shop. Campers used the Levelstar's "Icon Note Taker" along with Freedom Scientific's PacMate to access and download files from Bookshare.org, American Foundation for the Blind, ISVI’S web page, as well as checked out the "Any Day in History" web site. Some campers checked out their local town newspaper web sites as well. This proved to be a very rewarding day for all the campers.

Wednesday sessions introduced campers to the additional features of the Icon and PacMate including e-mailing, the music player, the library/bookshelf, Victor Reader, the address book and calendar/planner.

Additionally campers discussed and carried out activities of moving text and sound files from a desktop computer to a note taker such as the PacMate and Icon.

On Thursday campers explored and used the Kurzweil scanning software, the "Looky"–a handheld closed-circuit television and KNFB–a handheld scanner. An independent assistive technology salesman, came in as a guest speaker and demonstrated each of these devices for the campers as well as giving each camper an opportunity to utilize each device. He also answered several questions regarding assistive technology companies and products that he sells.

Campers also practiced using the Kurzweil scanning software, moved entire e-books both text and audio files from the desktop computers to a note taker. During the second half of this session, campers also examined some audio production programs that included "Sound Forge", "Sornar Four" and "Cool Edit."

During the final day of classroom activities, campers worked on using audio-production software, learned how to perform some tweaking to the operating system–Windows to make the computer a bit more user friendly when the user is utilizing adaptive software, practiced again using the Kurzweil scanning software and ended each session with several adaptive computerized games that can be run from a compact disc without installing on to the computer. Campers were instructed in how this practice reduces the potential for corrupt files entering the user's computer or unintentionally making changes in the registry settings of a computer that could alter the performance of the computer system.

Each camper was given a packet of materials containing software demos and catalogs from Maxi Aids Independent Living, Ai-Squared (ZoomText), Window-Eyes 6.0, Jaws For Windows 8.1, Duxbury Embossing Software, Levelstar (Icon), Humanware and Kurzweil Educational Software. All software CD's are demonstration software so users should understand that it will run on the average of 60 days before re-installing would be necessary. Additionally, with most demo versions of software, not all features are fully functional as would be with the full version that can be purchased.

Evening Recreational Activities
Each evening, dinner was served in the Dining Hall from 5:00 until 6:00. The evening recreation activities began at 6:00 and ended at 8:30. From 8:30 until 9:30 campers from the older three camps were taken to ISVI's Snack Bar where they could play air hockey, pool, various arcade games, purchase soft drinks, snacks and socialize with one another. At 9:30 campers were escorted to the dormitory to begin showers and preparations for bed with all campers having to be in their rooms by 10:15 and lights out by 10:30 each night.

The campers from the older three camps–Fine Arts, Technology and Living Independently 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
Each evening after dinner, a group of campers and Illinois School of the Visually Impaired (ISVI) summer camp staff loaded into vans or a bus for the trip to the Bowling Inn in Jacksonville, Illinois or the Winchester Bowl in Winchester, Illinois. The ride there was filled with talking, joking, and music. Campers renewed old friendships and made new ones. Upon arrival, the campers requested their bowling shoes and selected their ball.

Each camper's names/initials were entered into the electronic score board, and the games began! Gutter guards and ball ramps were used to assist most of the campers. Campers were eager to help each other with the equipment and gave bowling tips. Each time a camper threw a bowling ball down the lane, other campers would listen with anticipated excitement. When the pins were struck, the cheers of support went out, campers jumped up and down and gave each other "high fives!"

There was lots of cheering because there was numerous strikes and spares! Campers demonstrated great sportsmanship! All of the campers had a great time and received a certificate that included their final bowling scores.

Games
As each group of campers progress through the recreational activities, one evening, they were escorted to the Snack Bar where they had the opportunity to play several different games. Campers played a couple games of Left-Right each night and many games of BINGO for prizes. The campers suggested many variations of how to win at BINGO, and several campers had a chance to do the number calling.

Scavenger Hunt
Each evening's activity group that were scheduled for the Scavenger Hunt were divided into small groups of two to four campers each. Using the entire campus, campers looked for and found riddles as clues that were provided in either enlarged print or Braille that would direct them to the next clue. Some of the stops that the campers found clues to were the pool, gym, athletic track, swings, unit 2-dormitory, dining hall, auditorium, main building, library, orientation & mobility garden, Transitional Living Center, playground area, and unit 18-dormitory.

The campers worked hard to figure out each riddle, and traveled together to their next stop. The various groups of campers travel around the campus while being supervised by the educator in charge of the activity and her assistants. This helped many of the campers learn a great deal about traveling around the ISVI campus, practiced some great mobility skills, and applied some skills in small-group interaction and cooperation through their willingness and need to work together. On Monday the scavenger hunt was rained out so instead, campers made a scrapbook photo album.

Swimming
Campers were escorted to the ISVI pool by the educator and her support staff. The first few minutes was spent going over several safety rules with the campers so that everyone would practice safe water practices. The campers were then divided into two groups and played a number of different games such as Ice Melt, Pass the Football, Noodle Races and Diving for Diving Sticks & Treasures. The games allowed the lifeguard to evaluate campers' swimming skills and abilities. When the games ended, campers were allowed time for free swimming. All campers enjoyed the opportunity to be in the pool for swimming activities with the free-swimming time being their favorite!

Dormitory & Dinner
Campers from the older three camps resided in Unit 2 that is divided into four pods and a common or "core" area in the middle. The girls lived in the Blue and the Green Pods while the boys lived in the Khaki pod. Besides individual bedroom areas, in each pod there is a living room and kitchen area where televisions, couches, chairs, stove, microwave, sink, etc. are available. Campers either had a single roommate or a room to themselves. Healthy snack foods were always available and provided in each pod if campers wanted to have a snack.

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 assisted in locating a table so each could sit where and with whom they would like. Meals were planned and organized by ISVI's dietary manager.

All staff involved in the Technology for Today 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.

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