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Enchanted Hills Camp

LightHouse News

Hoby Wedler’s Formula for a Successful Chemistry Camp

Last month University of California, Davis graduate student Hoby Wedler led Chemistry Camp at Enchanted Hills for the fourth year in a row. Wedler, who is blind, is studying chemistry and was among 14 people celebrated in 2012 at the White House as part of the President’s Champion of Change program honoring leading the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for people with disabilities. Hoby was kind enough to write a summary of this year’s session.

Chemistry Camp is a very exciting time for everyone involved. When I came to the LightHouse with the idea of hosting a chemistry camp at Enchanted Hills, I had no idea how much fun it would be for everyone involved. This year’s session was an incredible learning environment for campers, mentors, instructors, volunteers, and everyone else who played a part in it. What I love about Chemistry Camp is the metamorphosis the students go through. They come in timid about doing chemistry and leave excited to study whatever they want, regardless of their blindness. It is invigorating, enlightening, and refreshing for me each year we do a Chemistry Camp to observe how much the students change.

This year we had nine exceptional campers and six terrific mentors. Six of our campers came from Northern California, one came from Texas, one from Chicago, and one from Southern Mexico – a diverse group that was very intelligent and receptive to everything we did.

It was a full weekend. The session started on Friday with a campfire where the group shared why they were at camp. Each person took a turn to speak which helped everyone get to know each other and led to great post-campfire conversation. Saturday was full of chemistry, philosophy talk, cooking, and inspirational speaking for our chemistry campers. Joseph Retherford, a mentor and student from UC Davis, gave an enlightening and insightful keynote address about losing his sight and learning how to be a successful blind person. Sunday morning our students awoke at 5:00 a.m. for an early morning hike to Enchanted Hills’ lower chapel where we gave out awards for completing camp. We then hiked the hill to breakfast, and listened to lectures by UC Davis professionals who use chemistry in their everyday careers and by NASA scientists who study organic matter in meteorites. Students heard about organic natural products, computational organic chemistry, and olive oil tasting. The day was finished off with a magic show put on by the UC Davis Chemistry Club and a tactile tour of objects from space as old as five billion years. This year’s Chemistry Camp inspired us all to reach for the stars and turn our dreams into realities.

You can hear more about Hoby and Chemistry Camp in Amy Standen’s 2011 report, broadcast on NPR or read the transcript.

Students Jack Veliquette and Therese Wales

 

LightHouse News

Team LightHouse Rides to Glory at Cycle for Sight

Thanks to everyone who rode or supported Enchanted Hills Camp through Cycle for Sight 2014. Over 2000 people rode for Enchanted Hills Camp and the California Veterans “Pathway Home Project.” We had a tremendous turnout of Team LightHouse participants this year with over 70 riders including twenty tandem teams. The weather was perfect, mild and fresh from the previous day’s rain.

Tony Fletcher rides tandem with stoker Sean Corritore
Camp Director Tony Fletcher said, “It was great to see Cycle for Sight first-timers train and complete the ride and then share their desire to return next year and even increase the distance of their ride. Blind and low vision people who do the ride learn that cycling is a viable medium not only for exercise but for social engagement.”

Marlene Dunaway’s First Cycle for Sight
70-something year-old Marlene Dunaway, who lives in Davis, California, signed up for the 25-mile ride and raised over $1000.00 in support of her ride. She is one of our first-timers and offers this unique perspective:

“Before I lost my vision, I never rode for speed, distance or competition. I would enjoy a leisurely ride to the park and around the neighborhood on a warm sunny day. After I lost vision I rode a few times on a tandem with my mobility instructor but this did not prepare me for how much I would enjoy the Cycle for Sight ride.

With the help of Tony Fletcher and North Coast North Coast Services Coordinator Ali Lee I connected with an experienced tandem captain Mark Walshand had my first experience as a blind stoker. Mark used to be a single bicycle racer and has ridden in hundreds of events. He is dedicated to cycling but had taken a break before getting back into it for Cycle for Sight. Now he is more enthusiastic than ever. Working with Mark catapulted me into the cycling world. I was exposed to a new vocabulary and wonderful tales of hazardous trips, near misses, mechanical failures and repair successes, and other related bike topics.

The first time I rode 25 miles my butt felt like it was a giant rock which I could barely move. Luckily my legs fared a whole lot better. As I developed my stamina, I began enjoying the wind on my face, the smell of the cows munching hay, the sound of roosters and dogs barking at the sheep or cars passing by. I loved the movement and speed, the wind and sun, and the feeling of freedom while I rode. I also loved participating actively [as a stoker] while chatting with my partner. Riding gave me a new feeling of independence and greater contact with the outside natural world. I began to feel the joy of cycling.Marlene Dunaway

After the Cycle for Sight ride I felt parts of my body I had never felt before but the supportive comments and authentic joy felt for me by my friends made it all worthwhile. Since the ride I have increased my distance to around 35 miles and don’t know how far I will go from here but as I zoom around a corner, glide quickly on a downhill area or pump like crazy on an uphill climb, I know I don’t want to stop.

Hats off to the Rotary Club of Napa who did a fantastic job organizing the event and making it easy for all of us to have a great day. I’m open to another cycling adventure and I’ll probably hop on and see where it
takes me and I definitely plan on riding
in next year’s Cycle for Sight event.

Team LightHouse Riders Featured in Napa Valley Register
North Coast North Coast Services Coordinator Ali Lee Ali Lee and blind camper Kaitlyn Westbrook are featured in the main photo of this Napa Valley Register article and Sergio Lopez and Rachel Grider are quoted.

 

 

 

 

 

LightHouse News

Providers Weekend Exceeds Expectations

For nearly 20 years the LightHouse has hosted a three-day gathering of professionals in our community, including new TVI’s (teachers of the visually impaired), O&M (Orientation & Mobility) Instructors, Program Managers and Adaptive Technology manufacturers for an engaging program of presentations mixed with opportunities for informal discussion, connection and friendship building.

This year’s goal was to bring in new blood and we succeeded far beyond our expectations with over 75% new attendees, mixing with committed returning participants. Within the relaxed setting of beautiful Enchanted Hills, old and new participants talked about the challenges of working in our field, bringing fresh perspectives and fresh questions to the table. People came from all over California and their differing viewpoints and allied with a number of different school systems.

In addition to fascinating presentations by blind journalist, poet and technologist Deborah Kendrick and solo, blind and intrepid traveler Dr. Zachary Shore, we offered wonderful meals, gentle exercise and nature strolls, swimming and an outdoor movie about blind youth.

“Just wanted to thank you again for the amazing weekend. Great people, amazing place and inspiring speakers – very grateful to have been able to take part. Thanks for everything.”
-Jennifer Hirsh, TVI/O&M, Monterey County Office of ED

Highlights

In a much-appreciated session called “What the Blindness Field Isn’t Talking About”, California Department of Rehabilitation Director Joe Xavier led a unique Town Hall-type discussion which encouraged the fruitful exchange of ideas and helped providers feel they were heard more clearly by the Department of Rehab.

LightHouse Board President Josh Miele and Director of Access to Information Services Greg Kehret excited the audience with news about our new and ready to distribute Talking Tactile maps: maps of all the Bay Area BART station that “talk” thanks to Smartpen technology. This was followed by a hands-on demonstration as treasure seekers used tactile maps and Smartpens to find bottles of wine.

Wine connoisseur Hoby Wedler, a graduate student in chemistry at U.C. Davis, led a blind wine tasting, taking the group through the process of how to understand the nuances of various fine Napa wines. His background in chemistry helped frame the discussion and he offered suggestions on pairing food and wine while making the link between chemistry and wine making.

Thanks to all who attended. It was gratifying to witness the passion of those who have been at it for many years along with the refreshing input from those newer to the game, including some folks our longer-time professionals had mentored. There was a general sense of joy, camaraderie and bonding based on shared experiences, shared successes and dealing with challenges. The response and enthusiasm for the event has us looking forward to doing it again soon.

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Retreat – A Family Place

At the end of the summer when camp sessions end, the LightHouse rents out the facilities of Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind as a retreat. Every dollar raised by rental groups goes right back into Enchanted Hills, supporting our transformational camp programs which are free for blind and low vision children.

Since Enchanted Hills was developed for kids, it’s a great setting for family reunions, church groups or any group with youngsters. We’ve got a pool, an easy nature trail, pet goats and a playground. The meals at Enchanted Hills Retreat are homemade and hearty, and we can accommodate the dietary needs of your group. Our cuisine is delicious and family friendly.

And while most people think of wine tasting when they think of Napa, there are great activities for kids in the area. At the Petrified Forest in Calistoga you can learn how an ancient Redwood Forest was turned into rock. A trip to Safari West is like a mini trip to Africa with a safari jeep tour where you can see antelope, zebra, wildebeest and dozens of other animals roaming the foothills. Kids and adults alike are fascinated by the Old Faithful Geyser of California, which erupts as regularly as its more famous cousin in Wyoming.

And some of the Napa’s wineries are especially kid friendly. Try Castello di Amorosa, where they have a big castle complete with a dungeon for exploring. Children drink juice while adults sip the fermented kind. Sterling Vineyards is also a good option, with a tram ride to the top of the hill affording grand views of the

Sonoma Speedway, a kayak on the Napa River, a trip to the Jelly Belly Factory or Six Flags Discovery kingdom are all within a half an hour’s drive.

Join the fun. Reserve Enchanted Hills for your family reunion, church group or corporate off-site with 30 to 120 attendees. Call (415) 694-7310 or go to www.enchantedhillsretreat.com.

Old Faithful Geyser of California

LightHouse News

Coming in June – The World is your Oyster with our Next Changing Vision Changing Life Training Retreat in Napa

Still openings for the upcoming June Retreat!

Since we began offering it in June of 2013, 58 students have come to Enchanted Hills in Napa for the Changing Vision Changing Life Retreat which offers basic training and connection to others who are either jump starting or refreshing their skills. Don’t miss this opportunity. If you are 55 and older you can join us for this special Retreat at no cost to you.

The next Retreat will be held June 8 through 13 and we do have a few spaces open. You will be introduced to a myriad of skills from braille and cane travel to computer technology. June is a gorgeous month in Napa and a perfect place to start or continue learning.

For more information contact Rehabilitation Counselor Debbie Bacon at dbacon@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7357.

Janis Silva and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist Terry Wedler, practice cane travel on EHC’s “Cardiac Hill” at our March Training Retreat

LightHouse News

You can Still Sign Up for Enchanted Hills Camp Sessions

1 Commenton You can Still Sign Up for Enchanted Hills Camp Sessions

We still have room for young blind and visually impaired campers in our Youth and Teen sessions. We also have space left in our Family Camp, Adult and Adult Special Needs sessions.

This summer we’ll offer the most loved traditional camp activities, such as hiking, swimming, boating, nature programs, arts and crafts and more. Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in some newly designed team building and low rope activities taught by a specialized instructor hired specifically to run the program. And for the first time we now have an outdoor stage to host musical performances, talent shows and presentations. The newly designed Redwood Theatre is not to be missed.

Sign up online or for a hard copy of the application, please contact Taccarra Burrell at ehc@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

Happy youth campers from last year pose with staff

 

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Retreat: an Oasis for the Wine Connoisseur

We’ve investigated the human history of the area, the flora and fauna of the mountain, and some of the most common finds of a Mt. Veeder mushroom hunter. In the 4th part of our series examining what makes Enchanted Hills Retreat so enticing, we are explore what the area is best known for: its wines.

Viniculture began on the mountain as early as the 1860’s. Mt. Veeder is a one-of-a-kind appellation because its wine production is severely limited by nature. These constraints lead to low yields but very deep flavors. Mt. Veeder has:

•The longest growing season and the lowest yields of the Napa Valley.
•Situated above the fog, with extremely steep slopes, the area has shallow topsoil and minimal water retention. This results in tiny berries, with intense flavor concentration yet soft tannins.
•Due to the rugged conditions, virtually all vineyard work must be done by hand.
•It is the only hillside appellation in Napa Valley that benefits from the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay.

Over 30 vineyards are located on Mt. Veeder – most are quite small production. Some of the labels to look for are O’Shaughnessy, Mt. Veeder Winery, Marketta, Renteria, Robert Craig, Y Rousseau and Yates Family Vineyards. The only one with a tasting room that is open to the public is the Hess Collection. Like most of the mountain’s wineries, Hess is best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. A leader in sustainable practices, the Hess Collection adheres to founder Donald Hess’ philosophy: “Nurture the land; return what you take.” In addition to award-winning wines they have an impressive and extensive private contemporary Art Museum. Many of the mountains other wineries can be visited for tasting and tours by appointment. Learn more about the appellation and its winemakers.

Get your family, friends, coworkers or other group together to bond and taste some of the famous wines of Mt. Veeder. To reserve Enchanted Hills Retreat for your gathering of 30 to 120, please call (415) 694-7310 or go to www.enchantedhillsretreat.com. Cheers!

Mt. Veeder Winery Label

LightHouse News

Thank You 4-H Club!

Enchanted Hills Camp was the fortunate beneficiary of a full day of volunteer labor by the Las Posadas 4-H Club of Napa County. More than twenty club members, utilizing three wood splitters, a chainsaw and a couple of trucks, cut and stacked mounds of wood for our upcoming summer campfire season. The 4-H’ers reconstructed an overgrown path connecting the Nature Trail with the Archery and cleared under the Nature Trail Bridge.

Many thanks to this dedicated crew of young men and women! We look forward to having the 4-H Club return next year for their annual community service work day.

4H Club at EHCMembers of the Las Posadas 4-H Club Pose Proudly at Enchanted Hills Camp

4H Club at EHC

4H Club at EHC

LightHouse News

The Freedom of Riding

Jacob and his dog Gibson hanging out on a couch
Fourteen-and-a-half year old Jacob Obeso of San Leandro is stoked to be a stoker for his second Cycle for Sight ride, a signature fundraiser benefiting Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind where he has participated as a camper for several summers. This Saturday, Jacob and his dad Robert will be pedaling 25 miles along the scenic roads of Napa as one of 40 tandems and 2500 cyclists.

Jacob’s mother Martha told us that tandem cycling was one of the very few things her son could do when he began to lose his vision. She said, “He couldn’t do a lot of sports and athletics but we got him to ride bikes. He liked it. I kept looking for things he could do and I found Cycle for Sight. The first year, my kids and I rode 15 miles. Jacob was really psyched to have so much support from the family. This year he’ll be riding 25 miles with my husband, no hesitation on Jacob’s part. Bike riding is a sense of freedom for him.”

Jacob is a freshman in high school. He has been attending Enchanted Hills Camp for a handful of summers now and, like so many blind campers before him, has benefited greatly from the transformative camp experience. Martha says, “Camp has completely changed Jacob’s attitude. He found other kids that he could relate to and now he is far more comfortable with his visual impairment. He loves EHC. The counselors are just fantastic and many are great blind role models.”

His love for camp and his need to feel free while biking are two reasons why Jacob and his family are riding this Saturday in Cycle for Sight. The Obeso family is hard at work raising money to help blind youth of all ages experience the magic of Enchanted Hills Camp. For 64 summers, Enchanted Hills has been a place where blind children and adults learn, grow and discover a new sense of self-confidence and freedom.

You can help Jacob and his family raise money for Enchanted Hills Camp by going to our
donation page and selecting Cycle for Sight as your giving designation. Be sure to put Jacob’s name in the “in honor of” field.

For more information about Cycle for Sight or Enchanted Hills Camp, contact Tony Fletcher at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or call 415-694-7319.

Ride on!