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LightHouse News

LightHouse Connect: Find Your Fit

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NutriBulletJoin the LightHouse on Thursday, March 31 for a timely workshop on health, fitness and nutrition, for adults who are blind or have low vision.

Americans are constantly striving to stay fit, eat the right foods, lose weight, walk 10,000 steps and stay on top of the latest health trends. How do people who are blind or have low vision keep up with the latest trends when much of it requires technology that seems inaccessible?

The Find Your Fit workshop will consist of a panel of speakers that will share ideas and ways to stay slim and trim and have fun doing it. Get ready to roll up your sleeves to test out accessible blood pressure monitors, step on accessible scales and get your hands on all types of cool tech that will keep your heart healthy, your body happy and help maintain an overall healthier you. In addition, a NutriBullet Pro Hands-on Demonstration will take place after the panel discussion – whip up a nutritional juice for your afternoon!

When: Thursday, March 31, from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters

To RSVP please call Beth Berenson at 415-431-1481 or email at info@old.lighthouse-sf.org. Healthy refreshments will be provided.

LightHouse News

March 12th is Family Fun Night with our Youth Program

The LightHouse Youth Program cordially invites you and your family to join us for a Family Fun Night in March. The evening will include games and competitions that family members of all ages and abilities will enjoy, so you’ll have a blast competing in all sorts of fun and silly challenges. We’ll serve a pot-luck dinner, so bring your favorite family dish to share with everyone!

Gathering blind and sighted family members together is not just a great excuse to throw a party (though we love that). Family Fun Night gives blind and sighted parents and kids a chance to learn from each other and be role models for each other.

Who: Youth who are blind or have low vision and their families
What: Potluck and Family Game Night
When: Saturday March 12, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse, San Francisco Headquarters
Cost: FREE
What to bring: Potluck contribution and lots of energy
Waiver: Each youth participant must fill out and submit a LightHouse Youth Program Application if they have not done so already.

For more information or to RSVP for this event please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372 or by email at jgump@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

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.

LightHouse News

Woodworking Intensive with George Wurtzel

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George Wurtzel teaches student Brian Buhrow how to cut wood.Join expert carpenter George Wurtzel at an encore workshop for both beginners and experienced 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: Adults 21 and older who are eager to learn woodworking
Where: Enchanted Hills Camp
When: Thursday, March 17 through Sunday, March 20, 2016
Cost: $300.00 plus $40.00 for transportation
Class is limited to six 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.

LightHouse News

Calling 16 to 24-Year-Olds – Become a Counselor in Training at Enchanted Hills Camp

Counselors at Enchanted Hills Camp teach young campers to fish.The LightHouse is looking for youth who are blind or have low vision to come to Enchanted Hills this summer for some work experience.

The Enchanted Hills Camp Counselor in Training Program (CIT) focuses on developing blind/low vision leaders in an integrated environment through job exploration and work based learning experiences. Training takes place through discussion, observation and practice under the supervision of the administrative staff at camp. Most importantly a successful applicant will developed a strong work ethic that they can apply to any leadership experience.

This program is designed for blind participants or participants with low vision who are 16-24 old and are serious about improving their leadership skills by learning to work with children and/or adults in a rigorous camp setting. The importance in this training program is the hands on experience CITs will gain by working with campers and with the EHC counseling staff. CITs, upon completion of the Enchanted Hills Camp CIT program, will be better prepared to work with adults, their peers and children of all ages, interests, and abilities. Participants will also walk away with self-advocacy skills, increased social and independent living skills, plus new friendships. We encourage applicants with a variety of previous camping experiences to apply.

CITs are registered as campers and therefore receive no financial compensation. Food, lodging and bus transportation from our pick-up sites are provided at no cost. Space is limited and interviews will be conducted to choose the best possible candidates for the program.

Expectations of CITs

  • Adhere to the policies established in the Staff Handbook
  • Be a positive role-model for campers
  • Communicate blindness-positive philosophy
  • Demonstrate independent travel skills
  • Demonstrate a strong work ethic
  • Develop conflict resolution skills
  • Develop leadership skills
  • Meet daily with supervisor in a group setting for evaluation
  • Provide a safe and healthy environment for campers
  • Read from suggested best practices reading list prior to summer assignment
  • Support the mission of the camp

 CIT Responsibilities

  • Assist counselors and Area Leaders with management of campers
  • Promote Independence
  • Motivate campers to use non-visual techniques
  • Participate in the development of program activities designed specifically for blind campers.
  • Incorporate active participation in camp meals, clean up and other daily functions through fun activities
  • Communicate with staff about problems or issues that arise with campers
  • Adapt all activities so that all campers can participate fully, regardless of their level of vision
  • Work with counselors to resolve disciplinary issues that arise with campers
  • Be active participants and assist staff during specialist, program and group time
  • Assist campers in being successful with games, projects and activities
  • Facilitate independence in camper participation
  • Participate in activities with campers
  • Assist counselors and Area Leaders in enforcing rules and instructions
  • Assist in leading activities during downtime
  • Assist in the set-up and facilitation of camp events such as theme days
  • Serve as escorts for campers needing extra assistance
  • Assume additional, reasonable responsibilities as assigned by the counselors, Area Leaders and administrative team
  • HAVE FUN and BE SAFE

Deadline to Apply is April 1, 2016.

For further information about the Counselor-in-Training Program, please don’t hesitate to contact Tony Fletcher, Enchanted Hills Camp Director at 415-694-7319 or afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

Are You a Vision Instructor or Other Blindness Professional? Come to Provider’s Weekend at Enchanted Hills This May

6 Commentson Are You a Vision Instructor or Other Blindness Professional? Come to Provider’s Weekend at Enchanted Hills This May

Free to first timers!

For over 20 years the LightHouse has hosted Provider’s Weekend, our signature event where teachers, managers, program staff and students entering the blindness field can meet and network throughout a long weekend.

Be sure to reserve May 20 to 22 now for an enlarged and far-ranging Provider’s Weekend at Enchanted Hills Retreat in Napa.

When: May 20–22, 2016
Where: Enchanted Hills Retreat
Cost: $100.00 (free for first-time participants)

May is the perfect month to swim in our heated pool, meet others in the warm evening around the campfire, and wrestle with bigger questions that take a bit more time than available around the office water cooler. You’ll meet service providers working in the field of blindness from all over northern California, in workshops and presentations. You’ll exchange practical ideas and build a network you might not otherwise have. You might even find your next job.

Stay in a lakeside cabin, the lodge or one of our fully accessible cabins next to the dining hall. The cost for the weekend, including all meals, is $100.00. In addition to discussing philosophies, trends and issues we face in providing services for people with visual impairments, you can enjoy boating on Lake Lakoya, trails for hiking and savory meals provided by a wonderful kitchen staff. You’ll learn from your peers, relax in a natural setting with many educational and recreational opportunities. And it’s not unheard of to find a drop or two of Napa wine from the neighborhood, too.

Special Incentive for First Time Attendees!
As a special incentive for first-time attendees of Provider’s Weekend – have the weekend on us. The free retreat is the least we can do to honor those who are helping shape the blindness field across northern California.

So mark your calendars now and reserve space before it’s gone. We expect with the flood of new faces we’ll fill all available cabins well before May.

For information and reservations contact Tony Fletcher at 415-694-7319 or tfletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org.

LightHouse News

Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind 2016 Sessions – Sign Up at Noon on February 1

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Young camper walks with a counselor down a peaceful path surrounded by green trees and a white picket fence at Enchanted Hills Camp.Enchanted Hills Camp Applications are Available Beginning at Noon on February 1
Starting in the spring and on through summer we’ll be offering new and familiar camp programs to educate and delight. We’re bringing back the special sessions you love like Horse Camp, Woodworking Camp and an extended Music Academy. Below is a quick list of this year’s sessions. Click here for details on each session.

Enchanted Hills Camp Sessions for 2016
Chemistry Camp – March 18 to March 20
Cycle for Sight – April 16
Providers Weekend – May 20 to May 22
Family Camp I – June 9 to June 12
Youth Leadership Training – June 13 to 17
Blind Babies Family Camp – June 17 to June 19
Deaf-Blind Camp (Adult) – June 19 to June 24
Adult Session – June 25 to June 30
Adults with Developmental Disability Session – July 1 to July 6
Family Camp II – July 7 to July 10
Youth Session (3rd through 8th grade) – July 11 to July 17
Teen Session (9th through 12th grade) – July 21 to July 30
Horse Camp – August 1 to August 7
Woodworking Camp – August 1 to 7
Music Academy – August 1 to August 10
Family Camp III – August 11 to August 14

LightHouse News

Registration Now Open for the Biggest, Best Bicycle Ride of 2016

Cycle for Sight riders on a tandem bicycleRegistration is now open for the Napa Rotary’s Cycle for Sight 2016 ride which will be held on Saturday, April 16.

Cycle for Sight boasts more than 2,000 riders and provides the single biggest fundraiser for Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind. Don’t be left out. Come join the largest and most fun group of tandem riders in Northern California to have some fun, get some exercise and support EHC’s life-changing programs. Sign up at www.cycle4sight.com to ride as a cyclist for Team LightHouse and enjoy the beauty of scenic Napa and the challenge of a 15, 25 or 50 mile route with 2,000 other cyclists.

Raise pledges for every mile you ride through the Cycle for Sight website or donate directly to support Enchanted Hills.

Be sure to designate “Team LightHouse” when you register.

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 timeless pop/soul of “Pride and Joy”.

Interested in piloting a tandem bike for a blind stoker? Or, are you a blind stoker in need of a pilot? Contact Tony Fletcher via email at afletcher@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7319 to join Team LightHouse today.

LightHouse News

A New Year, a New Surge of Classes at the LightHouse

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Have you made a New Year’s resolution yet? How about resolving to try something new at the LightHouse this year?

Beginning in 2016, LightHouse is launching an array of new classes. These classes will refresh every quarter so you’ll always want to visit us and try something new. Here’s a sampling of what we have to offer, through the end of March. (To stay updated on the most current happenings, call us on our event line at 415-431-1481 or sign up for Beth’s List by emailing Beth at info@old.lighthouse-sf.org.)

Business of Blindness with Mike Cole
Every Wednesday beginning January 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Over a cup of coffee, discuss and debate, converse and philosophize with Mike Cole, former director of the Orientation Center for the Blind, on anything related to blindness. Meet successful blind guest speakers and learn about current happenings in the blindness community.

Movie Club
Every Wednesday beginning January 6 from, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Watch an audio-described film and discuss the its high and low points.

Art with Ruthie
Every Monday starting January 11, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Explore your inner artist with Ruthie and learn new ways to express yourself.

Dental Hygiene Workshop Series
Every Monday starting January 11, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
UCSF Dental School is hosting a series of workshops on dental hygiene and the affects it has on your overall health.

Yoga with Kimberley
Every second Tuesday of the month beginning January 12, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Yoga instructor Kimberly—who is legally blind—provides her students with a playful, core-focused vinyasa, designed to promote strength, flexibility and focus. Her creative sequencing encourages students of all levels to try something new.

For information or to sign-up for these classes, contact Molly Irish at mpearson@old.lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7320.

LightHouse News

LightHouse Students Climb High

Courtney Mazzola climbs ladder into a tree leading to the zip line.In October a group of eight LightHouse students went to the San Francisco State University’s Challenge (Ropes) Course at Fort Miley. The Fort Miley Challenge Course is an outdoor ropes course and zipline program run by Pacific Leadership Institute (PLI) and located at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, at Lands End in San Francisco. They offer a fun, safe and positive environment in which individuals and groups work together to develop confidence, trust, support, communication, cooperation and leadership skills.

LightHouse Community Services Program Coordinator Beth Berenson wanted to challenge the stereotype that blind people can’t do challenge courses and organized the outing. She told us, “Our group of blind students really wanted to challenge themselves physically and they also wanted bragging rights – they wanted to be able to say, ‘I did it!’ There’s an assumption that blind people cannot participate in exciting and sometimes extreme sports, but that’s just not true.”

The highlight of the adventure was riding the zipline. LightHouse students climbed a tree then walked a tightrope to get to the zipline, wearing safety harnesses attached to ropes held by PLI staff ready to belay to safety anyone who needed help. Beth told us, “First you climb, placing your feet on (ladder rungs) secured to a large tree – once you get to the top, you put your feet on markers – in that position you step onto the wire (there are support ropes at your side to hold onto) and walk on the wire until you get to the platform for the zipline which runs along the top of the trees.”

Student Courtney Mazzola described why she participated, “I really wanted to do a zipline and I’ve had issues in the past with other places that wouldn’t let me try it because I’m blind. PLI was great – they had no hesitation working with blind people. You don’t need to have vision to do this, you just need to be able to follow specific, detailed verbal directions.” About the experience, she said, “It was great – part of it was just the sense of overcoming fear, a cross between accomplishment and having conquered, physical mastery. Now that I know how it works I would definitely do it again.”

We are planning another high flying adventure in the Spring, when the weather is good. Interested? Contact Beth Berenson at 415-431-1481 or info@old.lighthouse-sf.org.