Fine
Arts Appreciation CampISVI Educational Staff–The ISVI educators who worked with campers in the Fine Arts Appreciation Camp during the Day Sessions were: Denise Kerhlikar, Anna Bergschneider, Jana Zulauf and Sandy Lyons.
Summer Camp - 2006
Provided below is a detailed description of this year's summer camp experience as well as photos of campers involved in various activities throughout the week.
Sunday, June 19 - Camp Arrival Day
Following the registration and check-in process, campers were escorted to their
dormitory, Unit 2 for Technology, Fine Arts and Living Independently campers and
Unit 18 for Young Explorers campers, so they could unpack and get settled in to
their rooms. A cookout was held on the west side of the ISVI dining hall with
hotdogs and all the usual side dishes. Campers then had an opportunity to visit
with one another, make new friends and renew previous acquaintances from prior
summer camps.
Older Three Camps
Shortly after dinner, campers from the
older three camps were escorted by staff to Unit 2 where a dance was held in the
basement recreational area that was D.J.'ed by an ISVI educator. Campers were
able to request songs throughout the evening with kareoke being available for
campers to have a chance to sing during the last hour or so of the dance.
Young Explorers Campers
After returning to their dormitory, campers briefly discussed camp rules, met
staff and share information about themselves, and outlined the week’s
activities. Then the campers enjoyed playing Bingo in the Teen Center. Reading
and Braille skills were practiced while socializing and getting acquainted. Each
camper was able to choose their prizes from a variety of items.
The campers then decorated foam door knob hangers for their dorm rooms. The day ended with bathing and snacks before lights out at 9:00 p.m.
Daily Sessions
Fine
Arts Appreciation Camp
ISVI Educational Staff–The ISVI educators who worked
with campers in the Fine Arts Appreciation Camp during the Day Sessions were:
Denise Kerhlikar, Anna Bergschneider, Jana Zulauf and Sandy Lyons.
This year Fine Arts Camp was all about the folks!!! We studied folk tales, folk songs and folk art!!!
The music portion started with playing xylophones and learning the words and tunes for our play that would be performed during the parents’ program on the last day of camp. We then had fun square dancing, promenading and "doe-si-doeing." Your children can now "honor their partners" and "honor their corners." The campers became quite proficient at the art of African drumming. Each day we practiced the songs that would be used in our play.
The drama portion introduced the campers to the art of storytelling. They heard some stories from the master of all storytellers-Anansi the spider and Brer Rabbit. They studied storytelling from the Native American point of view and even told a few whoppers of their own. The campers enjoyed learning and performing the drama exercises from our local playwright, Ken Bradbury. During the drama sessions they learned and auditioned for parts in our play.
In the art portion of our Fine Arts Camp we discussed that folk art is art created by everyday people, or by people who were not formally trained in art, and how it had a primitive look. Folk art was often weaving, carving wood or metalworks, as well as paintings. The campers painted objects such as dishes, jars and wove wire baskets. They also created masks of the characters for our play production, and painted the backdrop of a village for the production.
The culmination of all our sessions was performing the Congo folk tale "Look Behind As Well As Before". The play included a narrator, an ant, a frog, a snake, a fowl and a cat. Some of the campers were the xylophone players while others portrayed field workers, characters representing "fire," "water" and "drought." Performing the play for their parents was the perfect way to end a week studying the fine arts!!
Living
Independently Camp
ISVI Educational Staff–The ISVI educators who worked
with the campers in the Living Independently Camp during the Day Sessions were:
Victoria Mullis and Karen Kelahan.
There were nine students in the Living Independent Camp. Each day the campers were involved in various activities including food preparation, organizational skills, communication skills, adult daily living, and college awareness. An assortment of adaptations for all of these areas were discussed and explored.
The campers worked on collages that reflected each
days’ activities. They developed group journal writings which were used to
prepare for the final program. The campers also had experience with housekeeping
skills such as laundering clothing, washing/drying dishes, cleaning counters and
tables. They did some simple cooking which involved using the oven, coffee maker
and Hot Shot. The group prepared Chex Mix, chocolate-chocolate-chip cookies, and
butter pecan cookies. Each camper took turns measuring ingredients, mixing
ingredients, and rolling cookie dough.
Organizational skills were discussed and demonstrated. Social and safety skills
for home and community were discussed at various times and practiced throughout
camp. Steps for college entrance were thoroughly explained and all questions
were answered. Self-advocacy was also discussed in great detail and the
importance of such was stressed and practiced while here at camp.
The campers went on a field trip this year. The campers went to U.S. Bank where banking, loans, checking and saving were discussed and questions were answered. They toured Lincoln Land Community College, asking questions about college admission and the benefits of a community college over attending a four year university. There was a guest speaker from the Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living. The campers were given information about what the Jacksonville Area Council for Independent Living (J.A.C.I.L.) and the sister agencies can do for the campers.
Summer camp was a wonderful experience. This group of campers shared their ideas, answered questions and were eager to learn and experience all that was offered. They were a pleasure to work with as well as a great group of campers. We all had lots of fun!!
Technology
for Today Camp
ISVI Educational Staff–The ISVI educators who worked
with campers in the Technology for Today Camp during - the Day Sessions were:
Steve Radliff, Shirley Hainds and Dan Thompson.
--Engraving
Campers were exposed to a computer that controls industrial equipment while
manufacturing a product. The program directs equipment to machine Braille,
symbols, various fonts, and also cuts out shapes.
Safety was our priority as power equipment and hand tools were used or demonstrated during manufacturing.
We explored material science, and industrial technology
language. Math skills were necessary and were reinforced as campers applied many
words and numbers with spacial and linear meanings
(3-dimensional).
The campers and I had fun as we each learned from and about each other in this camp’s relaxed educational atmosphere.
--Word Processing, Digital Cameras
Students covered lots of terminology which we hear when using computers as
well as the functionality of those parts. Quizzes were given each day to review
this information. Games were also provided to help the students remember all
these terms.
Students went over the "hot keys" of Word Perfect and Microsoft Word and then used those commands in completing different activities while in the Word Perfect and Microsoft Word programs. Again, quizzes were given each day to work on these "hot keys."
Students went over the "hot key" commands for the Group Wise Program (the e-mail program used at ISVI) and then they actually e-mailed the instructor and other students in the Technology Camp. This was really a popular activity of each camper. They would eagerly check their e-mails each day to see if they had any messages. Each day the educator would have one waiting for them with an "assignment" so that they would then have an opportunity to write an e-mail back to the teacher.
Most students worked with the digital camera and experimented with lighting, focus etc. to make sure that they were able to get both individual pictures as well as group shots. Time was limited with all the other activities so we were not able to actually get the pictures on the computer and cropped to make pictures available for campers. Campers got to view the pictures from the camera and we talked about the process of getting pictures placed in the e-mail and in printing out pictures on special paper.
Campers worked on games 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.
Small booklets (or folders) that contained all the material that we had covered during the week of camp were created by two of their educators and presented to the students on Saturday during the program. For Word Processing it contained the "hot key" commands for Word Perfect, Computer Terminology, "hot key" commands for Group Wise, several worksheets which would help them with using the correct usage of number keys, special character keys, and the function keys. Certificates were also created and given to each camper who 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. Campers used Word Perfect and Microsoft Word to create documents, and format the selections by using our "hot keys" that had been covered all week. The paragraphs were not meant to be right or wrong responses but were used as formatting exercises where their responses were provided in written form with campers justifying their answers; giving reasons for their beliefs.
At the end of the camp, campers received prizes for the number of correct responses they received on their quizzes and projects. The campers really got into this activity and worked hard to make sure they got all the points possible. The points were represented by stickers which were placed on poster board for all three sessions of the camp.
--Braille
‘N Speak, Screen Readers, Magnification and the Internet
Campers discussed and used three programs
from Premier Assistive Technology including the "Ultimate Talking Dictionary",
"Text-to-Audio", "Talking Checkbook" and first exposure to the American Printing
House’s Bookport.
The "Ultimate Talking dictionary" has 250,000 words and is a storage software for a wide range of historical information.
The "Text-to-Audio" Program allows the user to translate a text document into mp3 or wave audio formats. Such a sound file can then be played on a CD-player, Bookport or other mobile audio device.
The American Printing House’s Bookport can now hold up to four gigabytes of text and/or audio information and record personal notes/lectures.
Representatives from Freedom Scientific demonstrated the PacMate- electronic note-takers, the Sara Stand Alone Scanner, Magic Screen Magnification, Street Talk GPS and Voice Commander.
The Pac Mate is just like a laptop without a screen. Campers were shown how to enter/save data, move around on the Internet via a prepared file within the unit, control the unit via "Voice Commander", use a Braille display for access to the PacMate and move information between the desktop and PacMate.
The Sara Stand Alone Scanner is mainly used by individuals wishing to scan personal communications/mail and not to access a complete computer system.
Magic Magnification enables a computer user to manipulate the monitor for best view comfort. It also comes with a speech feature to allow the user to rely more on synthesized speech when experiencing eye strain.
Street Talk GPS allows the user to become familiar with their surroundings and independently travel through the community. The software will allow for creating a virtual route from within one’s home to learn the location of nearby businesses before venturing out. It will also inform a user regarding their progress while traveling.
A Presenter from the National Federation of the Blind’s News Line and the State NFB President demonstrated a hand held Kurzweil Scanning Device.
Campers reviewed information presented up to this point. They next had a full emersion into the APH’S Bookport. Campers then were exposed to problem solving with Windows XP and audio editing.
Campers continued audio editing and selecting data/audio for creating personalized compact discs. Campers finished out the week with a visit to the campus recording studio and made some personalized audio tracks.
Young
Explorers Camp
ISVI Educational Staff–The ISVI educators who worked with the campers in
Young Explorers Camp during the Day Sessions were: Cindy Miller, Serena Preston,
Pat Langdon and Darla Chambers.
This year the Young Explorers enjoyed a variety of activities centered around the theme "Summer Safari." Campers enjoyed learning about the rain forest, jungle animals and other jungle trivia during "Tribal Council." The campers went on five daily expeditions including cooking, better known as "Safari Snacks," arts & crafts, better known as "Art Adventure," and music and dance, better known as "Jungle Jive." The campers also took a daily expedition to Trail Tales, the Watering Hole or swimming, as well as an Outdoor Expedition.
During Safari Snacks the campers made a Snake Cake, Safari Mix, Nile River Juice, Snake Skin Sticks and decorated animal cookies. The campers enjoyed these snacks each afternoon after visiting the watering hole.
In Art Adventures the campers made a snake to decorate the hallway jungle, rain sticks, jungle animal puppets, and worked on their memory albums.
Jungle Jive activities included preparing music, lyrics
and movements for the program on Saturday. The rain sticks the campers made in
Art Adventures were incorporated into the presentation. Our Junior Ambassador,
Jovan Benson, gave the campers rhythm lessons on an African drum. Finally on
Friday, we made costumes for the final
production and practiced in the auditorium.
Each day began with Tribal Council where the campers reviewed the camp rules and daily schedule as well as learned jungle trivia for a Quiz Bowl on Saturday. Each day, Kings and Queens were announced and prizes were received.
During Trail Tales the campers watched "George of the Jungle." "Tarzan and Jane," and "Jungle Book."
The Outdoor Expedition included a Jungle Obstacle Course, a Jungle Concentration Game, Jungle Water Games and Water Balloon contests.
The teachers had a great week with all of the campers and are hopeful they will have the opportunity to working with them again next summer.
Evening Organized Recreational Activities
The ISVI educators who directed the evening activities for the campers in the Fine Arts Appreciation Camp, Technology for Today Camp and the Living Independently Camp were Joyce Schmidt, Barbara Strang and Patricia Wright.
For Monday through Wednesday evening recreational activities campers from the three camps for older campers were divided into three groups that rotated through three evening activities during the week. Each group had 15 to 16 campers and at least two adults and a Jr. Ambassador. Young Explorers campers took part in separate evening recreational activities.
Horseback
Riding
The Horse back riding was once again a HUGE success. Only three of the
campers chose not to ride on the horses, but they did stand nearby and touch the
pony in the yard. Ms. Cosentino explained to the campers the types of horses she
had, where they came from and what their likes and dislikes were. She answered
any and all questions the campers had and put everyone at ease
about being outdoors and how to enjoy the animals. Several o f the campers
recalled their experience from last year and even remembered the name of the
horse they rode in 2005.
The campers introduced themselves each evening and stated what town they were from for those who were their helpers. Some nights we had team "pass the hoop" or "sack races". This year’s activities also included making bracelets, key rings and dream catchers as an option for all of the campers. An added activity one evening was shooting at a target with a bow and arrows. A good time was had by all and many look forward to riding their "favorite" again next year.
ISVI Swimming Pool
The campers participated in pool activities from 6:15-8:30 p.m. When all the
campers arrived at the pool's edge, pool safety and sanitation rules were
reviewed.
After the campers had a chance to adjust to the water, an exciting game of "Water Olympics" took place. Campers were divided into groups where they competed in various games/races for points. The different events were: water balloon toss, ice bag relay, noodle race, duck race, free-style relay race, beach ball toss, collecting diving sticks, body board race, and who could hold their breath under water the longest. Certificates for First, Second, Third and Fourth places were awarded. Tootsie Rolls were also shared. Fun, exercise, good sportsmanship and teamwork were demonstrated by all. After the exciting games, cool down and free swim were enjoyed.
Bowling
After dinner, the students and ISVI summer camp
educators and staff loaded into vans or a bus for the trip to the King Pin Lanes
in Springfield, Illinois. The ride there was filled with talking, joking, and
sometimes Spanish. Upon arrival, the students requested their bowling shoes,
selected their ball, and chose their lane. The student’s names/initials were
entered into the electronic score board, and the games began!
The students helped each other with the equipment and with bowling tips. Each time someone bowled there was anticipated excitement. When a strike or spare was scored, the cheers rose, the students jumped and did high fives! There was lots of cheering and joy because there were lots of strikes and spares! Each student competed with himself and demonstrated great sportsmanship!
Everyone had fun and received a copy of their bowling scores. Happily, we returned to the dorms for snacks.
Young Explorers-Evening Organized
Recreational Activities
The educators who directed the evening activities for
the Young Explorers campers were Kathy Turner and Joni Frisch.
Each day at the end of the Day Sessions, campers returned to the dorm at 3:30. They were given the choice of participating in outdoor activities including playing on the playground, or enjoying bubbles, sidewalk chalk, hoola hoops, giant frisbee and balls. The indoor activities, available during the same time, were crafts, games, large building blocks, cars and trucks, play dough, shave cream and other tactile experiences. Before the evening meal, campers met to discuss the evening activities.
On Monday evening, the Young Explorers rode the school bus to Springfield to bowl. Gutter guards and ball ramps were provided as adaptations. Bowlers were verbally updated on their bowling progress throughout the game, with emphasis placed not on winning but on having fun.
Craft Night was the Tuesday activity. The Young Explorers were divided into three groups, rotating between stations of crafts. The crafts that were completed: decorated paper-mache boxes, personalized cotton tote bags, and foam bracelets. Puff paint, shells, foam decorations, silk flowers, toy cars, rubber snakes and lizards added a tactile element to the crafts.
Wednesday evening found the campers watching "Wallace and Gromet" on the big screen t.v. in the air conditioned teen center. They munched on popcorn and soda, while enjoying the time to talk and expand new friendships.
Hot-Air Balloon Experience
On Thursday evening all 61 campers realized the
slogan, "Flying high at
ISVI" became a reality by experiencing a real hot-air balloon.
Each camper had the opportunity to get inside the basket of a hot-air balloon that was affectionately named, "Oh Baby," by the owner! The initial plans were for each camper to be able to take a tethered hot-air balloon ride approximately 40 to 60 feet in the air.
Unfortunately,
the weather that evening did not cooperate with light rain and variable winds in
the immediate area. With safety uppermost in the minds of the owner/pilot and
the camp supervisors, it was determined that it would not be feasible for the
basket to leave the ground.
So the balloon was inflated and each camper did have a chance to get inside the basket to feel the balloon pull the basket from side to side, to hear the loud roar of the propane burner overhead and to feel the heat as the balloon was being repeatedly fired. All the campers appeared to thoroughly enjoy this experience as it was a "first" for many!
Friday Field Trips
Young Explorers
The week’s recreation activities concluded with a
field trip to the Scoville Zoo in Decatur. Raised, animal reliefs on the outside
walls of the zoo added an unexpected tactile experience to the trip.
Campers listened to auditory information about animals by utilizing "Zoo Keys."
Hands on experiences with goats and a Shetland pony, while viewing llamas,
chickens, and rabbits, were available in the Petting Zoo.
A train ride throughout the grounds provided additional information about the
animals and the workings of a zoo. The campers also enjoyed the Endangered
Species carousel ride and a visit to the zoo gift shop.
Whether they were learning how to eat a snow cone, budgeting their money to make
purchases in the gift shop, or just laughing with new friends, everyone enjoyed
their day at the zoo. The Young Explorers finished the day with a meal at
McDonald’s.
Technology, Living Independently, Fine
Arts Appreciation Camps
Each year at I.S.V.I.’s Summer Camp, a recreational
field trip is planned for the last full day of camp. So on Friday afternoon
staff and campers from Living Independently, Technology for Today and Fine Arts
Appreciation camps loaded up on the ISVI school bus and two vans and headed to
Grafton, Illinois to the water park known as Raging Rivers. The water park at
Grafton is located along the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
The campers and staff enjoyed the many attractions that the park had available for guests. Whether they were braving the waves of the wave pool, enjoying the thrill of the water slides, or just relaxing in the lazy river, everyone was having a good time exploring the park and experiencing its many attractions. Mother Nature showed us her mercy as the temperatures and humidity were lower than usual for the month of June. However, it was still nice to be able to keep cool while enjoying all that Raging Rivers has to offer!!
After spending a few hours at the water park, the campers and staff loaded up the bus to go out for a much needed dinner. The Finn Inn in Grafton was the destination. Everyone was seated in the restaurant where fish and other sea life were swimming in the aquariums in the walls. There is nothing quite like eating dinner with a huge tortoise staring at you. Whether steak, chicken, or seafood was served on your plate, it was sure to be good. Everyone enjoyed the good food and the relaxing atmosphere before loading up again and heading back to Jacksonville.
Dormitories, Meals & Snacks
Young Explorers
Campers stayed on the first floor of the dormitory known as "Unit 18." The
girls used the rooms at the north end of the hall while the boys used the rooms
on the south end. There is a living room and kitchen area at each end of the
hall where televisions, couches, chairs, stove, microwave, sink, etc. are
available. Campers either had a single roommate or a room to themselves.
Each of the three daily meals was served in the Dining Hall located in the center of the campus. 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.
Dinner was scheduled from 5:00-6:00. When all the Young Explores were finished, they returned to the dorm to prepare for the evening recreational activity. After the evening recreational activity the campers were offered a snack (popcorn, crackers, fruit snacks, cookies, etc.) and fruit punch, milk, or water to drink. Bathing and teeth brushing were supervised by the adult staff and assistance given if needed. Lights out for the campers was at 9:00.
Older Three Camps
Campers stayed in the dormitory known as "Unit 2" that
is set up with a central core area having four "pods" that branch off from the
core. Two pods were for the girls and two pods were for the boys. Each pod has a
central area consisting of a living room and a kitchen area. Eight study areas
and bedrooms then branch off the central area of the pod. Campers had a single
roommate or a room to themselves.
Each of the three daily meals was served in the dining hall located in the center of campus. Campers went through the food line cafeteria style and then were assisted to locate a table where they could sit where and with whom they chose. Meals were planned and organized by ISVI’s dietary manager.
Each evening from 8:30 to 9:30, campers were able to go to ISVI's snack bar each evening where games such as air hockey, pool, arcade games, etc. are available to play at no charge. Campers could purchase snacks and soft drinks from vending machines. Other snacks that were prepared by ISVI's dining hall staff were also available each evening in the dormitories. Campers had "lights out" each night at 10:00.
Closing Program–Last Day of Camp
At 11:00 Saturday morning, parents arrived to pick up their camper. A program was prepared in ISVI's Joshua Rhoads Auditorium by each of the four camps. Each camp took part in the program to give the parents and families an overview of what each camp did throughout the week. Afterwards, a light lunch was provided in the dining hall before campers and families had to get back on the road to travel home.
Sixty-one campers came from all across Illinois for this one-week summer camp experience at ISVI. By all indications, campers enjoyed making new friends, had some new and first-time experiences, had lots of fun and met other young people who also were blind or visually impaired.