[Nyabs] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] BLIND Inc. Buddy Program

[Kathryn Carroll]

See below.


Warm Greetings from BLIND, Incorporated

It is once again time to start planning for our 2012 Buddy program.
This three-week summer fun and learning program is for children ages 9 
to 13.
The dates for 2012 are July 13 through August 4, 2012.

[] The Buddy Program offers an opportunity for blind children to make 
friends and have fun in a positive and secure setting as well as to 
learn and practice alternative techniques of blindness while building 
self-confidence.

[] The training in alternative techniques includes instruction in 
reading and writing Braille, basic cane travel, cooking skills, and 
introductions to independent living skills and industrial arts.  
Students may learn to pour liquids, carry a food tray, do laundry, 
follow a recipe, and much more.  Self-confidence and problem solving 
skills are gained through building and painting projects such as their 
own birdhouses and nightstands.  Students also participate in "talk 
time," where they discuss important issues about blindness with blind 
peers and instructors.  This time gives the students a chance to discuss 
their feelings about blindness, their frustrations with uncomfortable 
situations, and suggestions for overcoming problems caused by blindness.
[]
In addition, students participate in many exciting activities in the 
Twin Cities area, such as visits to Build a Bear work shop, Wild 
Mountain Water Park, and horseback riding.  These activities allow 
students to develop their socialization skills.  Activities are well 
supervised and mentoring for the children is provided by active blind 
role models.  Lifelong friendships begin during this brief summer 
experience.

During these entire out-of-the- classroom activities during the Buddy 
Program, one of our goals is to teach our students the alternative 
techniques of blindness and gain the self-confidence that would allow 
them to return home and actively participate in even more fun activities 
with their sighted friends.

[] Activities are excellent opportunities to teach and reinforce a wide 
variety of alternative techniques, as they apply to real life, and this 
learning experience is usually most effective when there is a lot of fun 
involved.

If you have questions please call 612-872-0100 (ext. 251), toll-free 
800-597-9558, or email cguggisberg at blindinc.org 
<mailto:cguggisberg at blindinc.org> .  You may complete an application by 
visiting our website at www.blindinc.org <http://www.blindinc.org/>

Sincerely,

Charlene Guggisberg
Coordinator for Youth and Special programs



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