Camp Lake Carlos for Visually Impaired Students

Last week Jake and I attended Camp Lake Carlos for Visually Impaired Students in Alexandria, MN. This was one of the best experiences I've had with Jake thus far. I can't even put into words how amazing it was for both Jake and myself. It was put together by the vision teachers in our region. 

Parents, students, vision teachers and paraprofessionals were welcome. An instructor from the North Dakota School for The Blind was there to teach life skills to the kids. The kids were taught personal hygiene, how to make their beds, money management and cooking. Not only did Jake learn a lot but so did I. They taught us tips to help our kids. So many things that I would have never thought of. 

It was not only fun but it was also educational. Who would have thought that learning how to cut a banana without cutting yourself or making a peanut butter sandwich would be so fun. I realized through this experience, that I do everything for Jake when I should be teaching him to do things for himself. It was an eye opening experience. We got home and Jake wanted to make his own lunch. 

Group Picture of all the kids

 Jake making his name tag in braille, making a key chain for his personal hygiene kit and then packing his personal hygiene kit.

Jake making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cutting a banana and learning how to make his bed. 

 In between sessions Jake and I went off to explore the camp. It was a beautiful fall day and having this quality time with Jake is priceless. These are memories we will cherish forever. 

Each child was given a wallet and 15 dollars. They were shown how to fold money and where to put it in their wallets so that they can tell what bill it is. They also taught them how to figure out tax and tip when paying for a meal. After the money management session we all piled into a school bus where we headed to a sit down dinner so the kids could  use the skills they just learned.

Below is a picture Jake and his friend Ava on the bus ride. Jake actually knows Ava from another group we are involved it. He was super happy to see a familiar face. 

After dinner we headed back to camp for a dance and game night. The band let all the kids play with their instruments. 

All the games were tactile and had braille so all the kids could play 

Jake and his new friend Brady along with Brady's Mom Melissa. 

The last day of camp the kids got together in the woods to work on team building and listening skills. The kids did so awesome. I am in awe of these kids.

Jake, Brady and Jake's Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Kevin hanging out.  

 Jake on the way home. Let's just say, he was a little beat. 

This has been one of the best summers. We've done so many awesome things and made so many fun memories.