[nfbmi-talk] 2013 California Chemistry Camp

[Larry Posont]

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan
20812 Ann Arbor Trail
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127

January 28, 2013

Dear Michigan Federationists:

Hoby Wedler has asked me to distribute this announcement about a
program supported by our California Affiliate.

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Announcing the 2013 California Chemistry Camp for Blind and Visually
Impaired High School Students!



                Would you like to learn how blind people tackle the
very visual subject of organic chemistry successfully? Do you
have a general love for science? Do you want to learn how you can do
chemistry as a blind person just as successfully as your
sighted peers? Do you want to apply the chemistry you learned to food
such as olive oil? Are you interested in how blind
professionals use science in their careers every day? Then the 2013
California Chemistry Camp is for you!



Come join Accessible Science for an Educational, exciting, and
Fun-Filled weekend of science education! The 2013 California
Chemistry Camp  is made possible through our partnership with the
National Federation of the Blind of California and with additional
contributions from the University of California, Davis chemistry
department, and the Lighthouse for the Blind of San Francisco.



When: Friday, May 3, 2013 through Sunday, May 5, 2013.

Where: Enchanted Hills Camp near Napa, California.

Who: Up to fifteen blind high school students ages 14-18 will be
selected to participate.

Cost: There is no cost to apply for the program.

Accessible Science is a 501(c)(3) organization with the purpose of
providing accessible educational opportunities. While programming
is provided at no cost to participants, everyone is encouraged to make
a tax deductible donation to support current and future
programs of Accessible Science. Only through the generosity of our
supporters can we provide our programs at no cost.



                During this exciting and busy 3-day experience,
students will get to learn how blind and visually impaired people
use  chemistry in their careers, they will explore techniques used by
blind people to make chemistry accessible, they will perform
hands-on accessible chemistry experiments, they will apply the
chemistry they learned to some basic cooking and olive oil chemistry,
see the chemistry they learned turned into action with an exhilarating
magic show, and talk with blind and sighted scientists who
use science as a mainstay of their careers. The students will also be
able to participate in recreational activities. Exciting
evening activities are planned. Note that students need not only love
science to apply. This will be a learning experience for
everyone!



Throughout the weekend, students will have quality time to socialize
amongst each other and with blind mentors and instructors.

                Students will be put into groups of three and each
group of three will work with a blind mentor. The blind mentor
will act as a role model for the students during the course of the
weekend and do everything with the students. The students will
perform all activities with their mentors. Each group (three students
and mentor) will most likely share a sleeping area. Other
blind and sighted instructors and volunteers will also be present for
the duration of the camp.

                Transportation will be provided to Enchanted Hills
Camp from pick-up points in the San Francisco bay area and at
pick-up points in Sacramento. Transportation will leave the pick-up
points in both the bay area and Sacramento around 2 PM on
Friday, May 3 and will be dropped off at the same points at about 4 PM
on Sunday, May 5. Adults affiliated with the chemistry camp
will wait at pick-up points until all children are accounted for by
their parents or legal guardians. Parents are also more than
welcome to provide their child with transportation directly to the
camp if they wish. If parents drive their children, they should
plan to arrive at the camp near Napa, California around 3 PM on Friday
and be back at the camp to pick up their children at around 2
PM on Sunday.

                The application is attached. There are two parts, one
to be filled out by the student and one to be filled out by
the parent or guardian. Please fill out both sections completely and
email to Angela Fowler at fowlers at syix.com.

Note that this is a preliminary application. If applicants are
selected to move on in the process, the student and/or parent or
legal guardian may be interviewed via telephone. Once a student has
been accepted to participate, they will be notified by email or
phone.

Once students are accepted, the parents or legal guardian of the
student will be sent several permission release and safety forms to
be signed and returned in the pre-addressed envelope which will be
included in the packet.
Logistical specifics of the camp such as transportation, dietary
allergies, a more precise schedule, and health concerns will be
discussed at this time.
Note that if we do not receive all permission forms signed by the
parent or legal guardian of a student by the time of the camp, the
student will NOT be able to participate in the camp.



                We hope to see you this spring at Enchanted Hills!

If you have any questions, contact

Angela Fowler

Director of planning, Accessible Science

Email: fowlers at syix.com

Phone: 530-902-0987