Tag Archive

Enchanted Hills Camp

George Wurtzel Profiled in Braille Monitor
LightHouse News

George Wurtzel Profiled in Braille Monitor

“Except for those times when I didn’t want to work, I’ve had a job since I was thirteen years old, either working for myself or working for someone else. This is because I’ve developed a skillset that suits me well, and I’ve learned how to sell my skillset to people. When you run your own business, it’s like having a job interview every week because you have to go out and sell yourself, whether it’s to a company or a potential customer. You get a guy who wants to build five or six confectionary stores, and you want to build all of his cabinetry for him. You have to go out and convince him that you can build the product the way he wants it, give him the quality that he wants, and do it in the timeframe that he wants. You know, he looks at you as a blind person and says, ‘I don’t know how the guy gets across the street, so can he do all this stuff for me?’”

–Fred Wurtzel, A Hands-On Guy Doing Hands-On Work in the Information Age, Braille Monitor, May 2016

Enchanted Hills Camp Construction Manager George Wurtzel, who is also a highly regarded artist, was recently profiled by his brother, former NFB President Fred Wurtzel, in this article published by the Braille Monitor. You can read the entire article here.

Blindness Teachers and Educators Gather at Enchanted Hills for Biggest Providers Weekend Ever
LightHouse News

Blindness Teachers and Educators Gather at Enchanted Hills for Biggest Providers Weekend Ever

O&M instructors, Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Blindness agency representatives and independent contractors in the blindness field all came together in late May to network and learn at Enchanted Hills Retreat. Highlights included an overview of tactile map projects that included a tactile map-driven scavenger hunt; a session led by LightHouse staff on how to best to collaborate with the Department of Rehabilitation; and our featured presenter, Christian Erfurt, CEO of Be My Eyes, an app that connects blind people with volunteer describers from around the world via live video chat.

Camp Director Tony Fletcher said, “It was extremely enjoyable meeting such a variety of participants but especially to see the number of first timers at EHC. We don’t want camp to be a secret. We want students and professionals to know about our camp and our programs and I think we accomplished that goal at this year’s Providers Weekend. I witnessed professional relationships forming and an impressive connectivity.”

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills News: Scholarships Available for our Family Camp Sessions This Summer

The wonder of Enchanted Hills is available for the whole family. These camp sessions are offered to families with children ages 17 and under who are blind or who have low vision, as well as to parents who are blind or have low vision with children ages 17 and under. Camp activities include swimming, horseback riding, crafts, games, nature studies, parent discussion groups, and evening activities such as the family talent show.

Family Camp I: June 9 – 12, 2016
Family Camp II: July 7 – 10, 2016
(Cabins are now full for Family Camp II. Lodge housing is still available for families of 2-3.)
Family Camp III: August 11 – 14, 2016

You may qualify for a special scholarship for Family Camp. The sessions are for immediate family members only. Please contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org for more information.

LightHouse News

Spaces Filling up Fast for Horse, Music and Woodworking Special Camp Sessions

Our special STEM, woodworking and horse camp sessions return to Enchanted Hills Camp for another summer. Read on for details on each session.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) for Youth
This year Enchanted Hills Camp is again offering a special STEM program within our Youth Session at Enchanted Hills. The STEM program will run from July 13 to 16 and will provide students ages 11 to 15 or are blind or have low vision with an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience in Science, Engineering and Technology and Math. More than education and fun, though, all participants will work with real-life blind scientists, chemists and engineers who will leave an unforgettable impression that adult science success is possible with little or no vision.

During the class, students will take part in hands-on, accessible and innovative activities including computing, rocket building, plant biology and chemistry. Students will also have the opportunity to take a field trip to the Exploratorium in San Francisco for some special hands on instruction by Exploratorium scientists.

Parents and guardians who wish to register their children for the STEM program can do so on a supplemental section which is included with the Youth Session application.

Who: Youth ages 11 to 15
When: Wednesday, July 13 through Saturday, July 16
Cost: $60 Session Fee (free for those attending the youth session)

To find out more about this session, contact Camp Director Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319, for an application or with any questions.

 

Woodworking with George Wurtzel

Student Amy Liu works with wood during a session at Enchanted Hills

 Join expert carpenter George Wurtzel for a week long workshop designed for transition aged campers that are beginners and intermediate woodworkers.

This class will cover wood turning, hand tool work and an introduction to power tools. We’ll learn how to measure accurately without sight, using click rules, gauge blocks, Vernier calipers and talking tape measures. We’ll talk about wood types and construction techniques and learn when to glue, when to nail and when to use screws. We’ll also touch on finishing techniques.

Who: Youth ages 16 through 24
When: Monday, August 1 through Sunday, August 7, 2016
Cost: $300.00
Class is limited to 12 participants, so sign up now

To sign up for this special workshop, contact Camp Director Tony Fletcher at tfletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319 for an application or with any questions.

Horse Camp with Diane Starin

Join us again for Horse Camp. Participants will have a chance to learn from avid horseback rider and wrangler, Diane Starin. Starin, who is blind, has owned, ridden, taught and cared for horses for more than 30 years. She has an Associates of Science degree in agricultural business, a Certificate in Horse Husbandry and is a certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

This camp session is for blind or visually impaired riders, ages 16 through 24. It is geared for those that have ridden before, but not a lot. Starin has a wealth of knowledge about the proper care of horses, and students will have a truly unique chance to learn from a blind professional how it’s done with little or no sight.

Diane told us, “Horses have been my passion since I was about two and I have wanted to teach a horse camp for as long as I can remember. This is especially important to me, because blind people don’t have as much of a chance to ride and handle horses.”

Who: Youth ages 16 through 24
When: Monday, August 1 through Sunday, August 7, 2016
Cost for each camper is $300.
Space is limited to six participants, so sign up while spaces are available. We expect this session to be very popular.

A separate application is available for this session. Campers must have independent mobility skills.

Objectives for Horse Camp:

  • Teach safety
  • Teach grooming
  • Teach tacking up
  • Teach good care and maintenance
  • Expand each camper’s knowledge of different kinds of equipment and their different applications
  • Riding and lessons as time and skill level allows

To find out more about this session, contact Camp Director Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319 for an application or with any questions.

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Retreat in Spring – Spend an Enchanted April, May or June in the Heart of Napa

Spring in Enchanted Hills. One of the many paths through the grounds – this one surrounded by verdant green grass, vivid yellow flowers and graced by one of the local goats who help us with brush clearance.Did you know that Enchanted Hills, our historic camp for the blind and visually impaired located on Mt. Veeder in Napa, also accepts reservations for retreats, getaways and events of all sorts?

A stay at Enchanted Hills Retreat will make you and your group feel renewed and the clean air and babbling springs will make you feel refreshed. Your retreat sojourn also supports the unique programs of Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. This summer these offerings include our annual Music Academy for young aspiring musicians, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) camp for budding blind scientists, horse camp for blind horse aficionados and hands-on wood working in our new Arts Barn.

To reserve Enchanted Hills for your get-together of 30 to 120, please call (415) 694-7310 or go to enchantedhillsretreat.com.

LightHouse News

Join the Most Spirited and Beautiful Bike Ride this Spring

Part of last year’s Team LightHouse, in black or neon-green team t-shirts, pose after the ride.Last Chance to Sign Up for Cycle for Sight, our annual cycling fundraiser to support Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind

Ride with Us: Join Team LightHouse

Ride solo or on a tandem.  Ride 15, 25, or 50 miles.  Ride as a beginner or a pro! All are welcome to join Team LightHouse for a fun day of cycling and fundraising. Together we will support the programs of Enchanted Hills Camp.

What: Enjoy the beauty of Napa and the challenge of a 15, 25 or 50 mile bike ride with 2,000 other cyclists. Then finish up with great music, wine, food and partying.

When: Saturday, April 16

Where: The ride starts and finishes at Justin Siena High School, 4026 Maher Street, Napa, CA 94558, where the Wine and Music Festival will be in full swing! During the festival enjoy wine tasting from Napa Valley wineries, beer tasting from local microbreweries and local cuisine from Napa Valley restaurants, all while listening and dancing to the sounds of “Pride and Joy”.

How: Go to www.cycle4sight.com for route information, start times and to register. Be sure to write in “Team LightHouse” when you sign up.

Ride for Us: Raise Funds for Camp
By asking friends, neighbors, coworkers and family to support their ride, team members have been raising vital funds for Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. Members who raise $300 or more receive a free stay the evening before the ride at Enchanted Hills including meals. There’s also a prize for the person who raises the most contributions. Here is a letter for you to personalize and begin fundraising for Enchanted Hills Camp now.  Check in with us at the LightHouse booth for your team t-shirt, raffle tickets and good cheer!

Can’t Ride with Us? You can still Support the Team
Show your support to an individual rider or the whole Team. Go to old.lighthouse-sf.org/donate and choose Cycle for Sight as your designation. Thank you for supporting Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind.

LightHouse News

Are You a Musician who is Blind or Has Low Vision?

Lead instructor Bill McCann and Jenna Baylis work with adaptive software for composition during Blind Music Academy.Fine-tune your craft this summer at Music Academy at Enchanted Hills Camp in Napa, California.

Do you sing or play an instrument? Train with some of our nation’s best instructors at Music Academy at Enchanted Hills Camp. The LightHouse is partnering with Dancing Dots, the world’s leading provider of accessible music technology for the blind, to bring our summertime Music Academy back to the redwoods. The Academy is open to young, motivated musicians who are blind or low vision who are 16 to 24 years old.

Where: Enchanted Hills Camp, Napa and the LightHouse Headquarters, San Francisco
When: August 1 through August 10, 2016
Cost for the week, all-inclusive: $300
(If the registration fee is a barrier, let us know; some scholarships will be available.)

Bill McCann, President and Founder of Dancing Dots, blind himself, will lead a team of four blind instructors and technicians to teach the latest and greatest techniques for blind and low vision students.

To sign up: contact Taccarra Burrell at 451-694-7310 or ehc@old.lighthouse-sf.org or go to: http://lighthousesf.org/programs/enchanted-hills/

LightHouse News

Tickets Going Fast for the VIBES2: Just for Fun! Fundraiser to Support LightHouse Music Academy

Armando's logoEnjoy good food, live music and entertainment by blind performers, plus a fabulous raffle and auction at Joyce Cid’s VIBES2: Just for Fun! Event. (VIBES stands for Visually Impaired and Blind Entertainment Sunday.)

When: Sunday, April 3, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Armando’s, 707 Marina Vista, Martinez CA 94553, (925) 228-6985

Come hungry – Roxx on Main will be providing food for purchase.

All proceeds to benefit Music Academy at Enchanted Hills Camp. Purchase tickets to VIBES.

To donate raffle and auction items, contact Joyce Cid at (925) 372-7632 or Tosha Davis at (925) 818-1687. To learn more about the event, please contact Megara Vogl at (415) 694-7335 or mvogl@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

About Music Academy
Music Academy at Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind is a 10-day summer workshop for serious blind musicians to take their music to the next level, meet other blind musicians, learn to read, write and record music accessibly, and how to be a success in the field of music.

Read more about Music Academy.

Music Academy draws young motivated blind and musicians with low vision from around the nation. Donate to support Music Academy.

Joyce Cid

LightHouse News

Changing Vision Changing Life, Immersion Training – Plan for your April in Napa or your Summer in San Francisco

Students and instructors from the January class gather for a group photo in front of the fireplace at Enchanted Hills RetreatFor more than three years now, the LightHouse has developed our six-day Changing Vision Changing Life (CVCL) immersion training program at Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa. Each CVCL session brings together up to 14 adult students of all ages, from Northern California and the Central Valley, who are either new to low vision or blindness, or have had a significant change in vision and have requested additional training.

We’re excited to announce that come June, we will add a very special new venue for training – our newly constructed headquarters at 1155 Market Street in San Francisco. But no matter the site, Napa or San Francisco, the outcome is the same, to provide you with a myriad of options, information, basic training and support to get you started on the journey of living your life the way you want and maintaining your independence.

The CVCL curriculum, presented in four or five sessions per day, includes: ways to read printed materials; understanding how lighting, contrast and magnification can help you every day; techniques for organizing and labeling in your home or office; best methods for taking notes; basic cooking skills; traveling and moving safely and confidently in your home and in the community and understanding how accessible computers and other high and low tech equipment can enhance your life.

Evening discussions focus inwards, from conversations about holding yourself accountable on you journey, to self-advocacy, to questions about how friends, family and partners can understand/support you and your path. Sometimes the process is planned, other times it becomes very organic. Every person and every group of students is different and we individualize much of the experience depending on your own aspirations.

Gaining understanding of what is available to you, getting hands-on with new skills and developing renewed confidence with changing vision is the overall theme of the week. While the experience is different for everyone, the act of coming together with other adults, both students and teachers, who are blind or have low vision, to learn or relearn skills, and to get back into the stream of life, remains a pivotal part of the week-long experience.

At both sites, students will live in comfortable shared accommodations (minimum two to a room), are provided three meals a day and have transportation access to Napa from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Rafael and Eureka. If you are blind or have low vision and want attend a CVCL session you must be genuinely interested in learning the skills for moving forward; enjoy learning with a group of peers and must be able and willing to participate full day (from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., every day) of active learning and physical participation (rural mobility in Napa/urban mobility in San Francisco).

Note, there is no cost to attend if you are 55 or older and living in San Francisco, Alameda, Marin, Humboldt or Del Norte counties and limited scholarships are available for persons who are under 55 and not eligible for Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Dates for our upcoming training sessions:

April 10 through 14 at Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa

June 12 through 17 at our new headquarters in San Francisco

July 10 through 15 at our new headquarters in San Francisco (note: all training in Spanish)

July 31 through 5 at our new headquarters in San Francisco

The Changing Vision Changing Life Immersion Training is open to adults who are ready for a jump start or, a recharge as vision has changed. Interested? Contact us in San Francisco, San Rafael or Eureka to find out more our sign up:

LightHouse News

Start your Spring With our Most Beautiful Bicycling Fundraiser Ever!

Cycle for Sight riders on a tandem bicycleCycle for Sight, our annual cycling fundraiser to support Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind, is next month

Ride with Us: Join Team LightHouse
The team is forming right now and excited to ride. Among those enlisted are Margie Donovan, Mike May, Mark Smethers, James Clearey and Chris Downey, to name a few ride veterans.

You don’t have to ride together, but together you’ll support the programs of Enchanted Hills Camp. So be sure to write in “Team LightHouse’ when you register online and Enchanted Hills will get all the credit.

What:  Enjoy the beauty of Napa and the challenge of a 15, 25 or 50 mile bike ride with 2,000 other cyclists.
When: Saturday, April 16
Where: The ride starts and finishes at Justin Siena High School, 4026 Maher Street, Napa, CA 94558, where the Wine and Music Festival will be in full swing! During the festival enjoy wine tasting from Napa Valley wineries, beer tasting from local microbreweries and local cuisine from Napa Valley restaurants, all while listening and dancing to the sounds of “Pride and Joy”.
How: Go to www.cycle4sight.com for route information, start times and to register.

Ride independently or on a tandem
Enchanted Hills Camp Director Tony Fletcher is helping pair pilots and stokers. Contact him at tfletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319.

Ride for Us: Raise Funds for Camp
Team members will raise vital funds for Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind…and get a snazzy t-shirt! Ask your friends, neighbors and family if they will help support our efforts by sponsoring you in the ride. Raise $300 or more and receive a free stay the evening before the ride at Enchanted Hills including meals. There’s also a prize for the person who raises the most contributions. Here is a letter for you to personalize and begin fundraising for Enchanted Hills Camp now.

Can’t Ride with Us? You can still Support the Team
Show your support to an individual rider or the whole Team. Go to old.lighthouse-sf.org/donate and choose Cycle for Sight as your designation. Thank you for supporting Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind.