June 2, 2005 – Young people ages 14-18 who are blind or have visual disabilities are invited to participate in the second annual “Quest for Success” summer camp at Camp Tuhsmeheta near Greenville July 17-22, 2005.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) and Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) are sponsoring the week-long summer camp, which provides opportunities for blind and visually impaired youth to enhance their independent living skills, explore career options, and socialize with their peers. 

Campers will learn to cook simple foods using adaptive devices and techniques, and they’ll also enjoy traditional summer camp activities such as water sports, campfires, hikes, crafts, team and individual games, and a dance.

“By offering Quest for Success again this year, we’re providing quality learning opportunities for blind youth,” said MCB Director Patrick Cannon.  “This is an excellent example of what we can do through collaboration.”

All Quest for Success classes will be taught by professional MCB staff. Recreational activities will be led by Camp Tuhsmeheta staff, who are experienced in working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  Many of the classroom teachers and camp counselors themselves are blind or visually impaired. 

For more information, current clients of the Michigan Commission for the Blind should contact their MCB counselor.  All others should call Sherry Gordon of MCB at 269-337-3276.

Since the 1970s, Camp Tuhsmeheta has been operated specifically as a camp for young people who are blind or visually impaired.  Owned by the Michigan Department of Education, the camp is operated by Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind, a nonprofit organization formed in 1994 to provide outdoor education and recreation for blind and visually impaired children.  The camp’s operating costs are funded with private donations.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind provides opportunities for individuals who are blind to achieve independence and/or employment.  The commission’s five-member policy board, appointed by the governor, oversees programs throughout Michigan that annually serve an average of more than 4,500 state residents who are blind or have vision impairments.  Visit the MCB Web site at  www.michigan.gov/mcb or call MCB toll-free at 1-800-292-4200 (voice) or 1-888-864-1212 (TTY).

The Michigan Commission for the Blind is part of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), which is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.  For more information about DLEG, visit the department’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dleg.