Lions of Illinois Foundation

Camp Helen Keller

for Blind/Low Vision & Deaf/HoH Adults

The LIF Camp Helen Keller Program is open to adults age 18 & older
who are Blind/Low vision and/or who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing.

(Please read the eligibility requirements listed later on this page.)

This camp is reminiscent of an old-time summer camp where friends gathered to share good times and enjoy summer activities. Camp Helen Keller is an active program of exciting activities with an emphasis on nature, summer sports, and relaxed socialization. Adults are invited to enjoy swimming, fishing, horse back rides, movies, music, nature walks, cookouts over an open fire, team sports, boat rides, board games & cards. Camp Helen Keller is FREE to all attendees.

To be Eligible Applicants Must Be:

1). At least 18 years old or older;

2). Either blind or have low vision (with best correction of 20/70) and/or be deaf or hard of hearing;

3). Campers must be completely independent in all personal/hygiene care. One-to-one care is NOT provided by LIF Camp Helen Keller Staff;

4). Independently ambulatory around the campsite and activity areas.

5). Cognitively capable of understanding, following, and retaining instruction and information from staff.

For Camp Helen Keller Purposes:

Blind or Low Vision campers
are described as a person with a visual acuity within the range of total blindness & 20/70 vision in both eyes after best correction.

Deaf or Hard of hearing campers
are described as a person having an auditory loss which requires daily usage of communication alternatives such as sign language, lip reading, or hearing device such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

SSP ATTENDANCE is recommended for Helen Keller Campers who rely on family, friends, or facility staff to assist them in their daily living or if needed for visual guidance or communication. In lieu of an SSP, a camper may use a friend or relative, 18 years or older, who can perform the needed communication, personal care, and/or visual guidance of a camper that an SSP would provide. Camp Staff does not provide 1:1 personal care ( Example: Staff will not dress, feed, bathe, or toilet a camper). Informational background on the accompanying SSP must be provided with the application to attend Camp Helen Keller.

Daily Schedule of Events:

Many creative, and spontaneous, ideas will be presented to campers by Staff. Campers always have a choice; by this we mean that if your feel you do not wish to participate in any activity with the group due to physical or other personal limitations, the camper may decide to participate in an alternative event or just watch and cheer your friends. Typically, campers will be presented daily with a choice of activities to enjoy. These schedules are posted in large print and Braille and are read to campers whenever needed for clarity. Some events are dependent on time or availability of equipment and services, such as pool times or horse riding. Of course full participation is urged.

Lodging & Facility Services

Helen Keller Campers stay in newly renovated, air-conditioned cabins with access to modern showers and bathroom. Campers do need to bring bedding or a sleeping bag, and a pillow, for their bunk bed. Upper bunks are only given to those physically capable of the climb. Sleeping rooms vary in size and are not air-conditioned, however are usually quite comfortable with the use of open windows and fans. Camp Staff sleep near-by for added security. Campers are assigned to rooms by the Camp Director based on age, ability, and gender. Their are no accommodations for co-ed or "couples" rooms.

Meals are prepared by the dietary staff of YMCA Camp Duncan. Most meals are served buffet style so campers can make their own choices. Selections vary daily but always offer a tasty well-balanced array of fruit, vegetables, and main entrees. Meals are monitored and prepared separately for special needs, such as low-sodium, or low cholesterol regimens.

Cook-outs - What would a camp experience be without a cookout? Sometime during the week campers will gather to enjoy the campfire for a down-home meal and sing-a-longs, music, and just good company.

Facility services at YMCA Camp Duncan include:
an indoor accessible pool house, fishing dock and fishing equipment for catch & release, pontoon boat rides, archery field, craft room, basketball courts, tennis courts, canoes, volleyball, beeper-ball, walking trails, and much more. Many activities occur outside on the rolling acreage that is surrounded by wooded landscapes.

Horse riding is provided at Camp Helen Keller for all participants willing to ride. Each horse ride is accompanied by trained staff to assure safety. All riders are required to wear helmets and safety gear for personal protection. A riding form from the horse stable is required to ride. The Riding Consent does ask for both the guardian (if you have a guardian)and the camper's signature.

Evenings at Camp Helen Keller takes on a relaxed attitude with time for conversation under the stars, or perhaps a game of cards. The camp is well equipped with tactile games, large print cards, and plenty of choices. Some nights quality movies will be shown which are descriptive and captioned for more enjoyment. Music is an important part of the camp environment, whether it be someone playing piano, CD's, or singing. One very special event is the Talent Show, which offers campers and Staff, the opportunity to grab center stage and share your talents with friends.

Camp Helen Keller Staff:

All activities at Camp Helen Keller are guided by Camp Staff who have been hired and trained by Camp Manitowa of Benton, Illinois.
Camp Staff are at least 18 years old & have received training how to provide safe & friendly guidance to Blind/Low vision or Deaf/Hard of hearing adults in camp activities. Each has had a back-ground check. All staff can perform basic first aid, but for additional safety, a Nurse will be available at all times. Medications are maintained by the Nurse who also will oversee the scheduled dosages of prescribed medication for campers.

Personal Accommodations:

Guide and/or Assistance dogs are welcome at Camp Helen Keller. However, the owner of the animal must be able to provide all care, feeding, toileting, and supervision of that service dog. If the behavior of the animal is aggressive or inappropriate for the other camp attendees, or the owner is neglectful of the necessary care, the animal will be asked to leave the campgrounds,accompanied by the owner.

SSP or Assistants are the employ of the specific camper(s) as registration information provides. All wages of the SSP/help person are the sole responsibility of the attending camper. SSP/help persons are expected to follow all camp guidelines and directions from appropriate staff. Said SSP/help person will attend all functions with camper.

SSP/Assistants attend camp free of charge, the same as the camper. However, each must submit the $15.00 store account with their application form.

Questions?

For questions or further information please contact:
Alan Wilson, Camp Lions Registrar at:

1-815-756-5633 ext. 231 V

1-800-933-3937 V/TTY

1-815-748-9087 Fax

adwilson@LIFnd.net