Blind Camp
The best part about blind camp
By Annalisa DiLeonardo, Assistant Director, Enchanted Hills Camp
I’ve been attending Enchanted Hills Camp for nine summers now, seven as part of the staff. I have low vision, but prior to my first summer attending EHC, I’d never really met another person with low vision, except one gentleman in high school.
I owe a lot to EHC for making me into who I am today. In the sighted community I sometimes feel like a fish out of water. At Enchanted Hills I’m with people just like me. Everyone deals with the same challenges and we can share our stories, tips and tricks. We don’t have to worry about what people think of us.
Each summer, I make a point of taking a step back mentally when we all gather at the campfire together. This year I did my thinking during the dance competition campers have come to enjoy every year. While I could sing many praises to EHC and take many pages to tell you about the great things there, what really blows my mind is how we all come from so many different walks of life but are connected at camp through this one special thing – our blindness. For example, at this year’s Teen Camp session, campers and staff came from parts of the world as diverse as Australia, China and Poland, plus all over the USA. It was so amazing to see the dining hall filled with at least 100 people who are all immersed in the world of blindness in their own special way.
Yes, there are cultural differences between us, but that doesn’t matter at EHC. Language barriers don’t seem to matter either – we all come together to enjoy each other and the wonderful activities camp has to offer. We all “get” each other. This is truly the best part about Enchanted Hills Camp.
As our community knows, in a single afternoon in October 2017, half of Enchanted Hills burned to the ground or experienced fire and smoke damage. You can help us rebuild Enchanted Hills Camp better than ever. Thank you for your support!
Enchanted Hills Camp Overview
Enchanted Hills Camp and Retreat serves blind children, teens, adults, DeafBlind, seniors, as well as families of the blind.
Since 1950, Enchanted Hills has provided meaningful opportunities for recreation in a fun, challenging, and accessible environment. Founded by Rose Resnick, a blind woman from New York who recognized the vital need for a recreational facility where blind children could explore, thrive, and gain confidence, Enchanted Hills became the first camp of its kind on the West Coast. Owned and managed by the LightHouse, Enchanted Hills retains its original spirit while benefiting from ongoing structural improvements. Today, it serves blind children, teens, adults, DeafBlind individuals, seniors, and families of the blind. Our summer camp offerings include Youth Camps, Teen Camps, Family Camps, and Adult Camps.
The summer camp experience at Enchanted Hills provides countless opportunities for enjoyment, learning, and personal growth. From exploring trails in the woods to showcasing talents in the Talent Show, campers enjoy a mix of structured activities and free exploration. Activities include recreational options like basketball, bowling, archery, and goalball, as well as enriching programs such as theater games, music workshops, and yoga. The aquatics program features swimming in our pool and boating or fishing on our serene lake, while the equestrian program offers horseback riding and animal care. For art enthusiasts, we provide drawing, painting, sculpture, and other tactile art forms, while outdoor lovers get to play in our 311 acres of wilderness through nature hikes, lessons, and crafts. For details about our 2025 summer camp sessions, please visit our 2025 Session Page.
In addition to traditional camp sessions, Enchanted Hills hosts specialized camps and programs throughout the year, offering opportunities for campers to focus on learning new skills or enjoying favorite hobbies while connecting with blind and low vision peers and mentors. These specialized sessions include Music Camp, DeafBlind Camp, Woodworking Camps, Writers’ Retreats, Leadership Development Programs, and Science and Nature Camps for teens. The selection of specialized programs may vary each year, ensuring fresh opportunities for campers to explore and grow.
Beyond our camp offerings, Enchanted Hills is an ideal venue for corporate retreats, private gatherings, and meetings for fellow nonprofits or civic-minded organizations. If you’re interested in renting Enchanted Hills for your event or retreat, learn more [here] or contact us at events@old.lighthouse-sf.org.
Visit this page for Songs and stories of EHC.