A week of sport, friendship, independence, and adventure for youth ages 8 to 15 who are blind or visually impaired.
July 11 through July 17, 2027 | Linfield University | McMinnville, Oregon
Registration is Now Open for 2027Registration Closes April 30, 2027
Camp Spark welcomes youth ages 8 to 15 who are blind or visually impaired to participate in an active, overnight sports camp experience.
Campers must be legally blind or receive vision services and be able to participate safely in a group setting. Because camp includes sports, recreation, activities across a college campus, and overnight stays, NWABA reviews each registration individually to better understand each camper’s strengths, support needs, and readiness for camp.
Submitting a registration does not guarantee acceptance. The Camp Spark team may contact families, educators, or other listed professionals for additional information before confirming participation.
Camp Spark is active, exciting, and full of traditions that make summer camp memorable. Campers spend their days participating in accessible sports, building independence, developing daily living skills, and making friends who share similar experiences. Living on a university campus gives campers opportunities to navigate new environments, gain confidence, and experience life away from home.
Activities may include tandem cycling, track and field, swimming, goalball, fitness, team challenges, evening programs, a talent show, and more. Activities may vary based on weather, facilities, staffing, and camper needs.
Every camper joins one of Camp Spark’s two longstanding teams, the Tumalos or Hozomeens. Throughout the week, teams earn points through participation, teamwork, sportsmanship, and camp spirit while cheering each other on.
Camp days are active, structured, and balanced with time to rest, connect, and have fun.
The week begins with check-in, campus orientation, welcome activities, and lawn games. It wraps up with a culminating sports event, closing ceremonies, lunch, and plenty of goodbyes. Activities, times, and locations may vary based on weather, facilities, staffing, and camper needs.
Camp Spark brings together experienced professionals from across the country, including adapted physical education teachers, blind Paralympians, teachers of students with visual impairments, orientation and mobility specialists, and former campers who return as counselors.
Through accessible instruction, adaptive equipment, and individualized support, our team helps campers develop new skills, build confidence, and grow in independence. NWABA works with families to understand each camper’s needs and determine whether Camp Spark can provide the appropriate support.
Registered nursing support is available throughout Camp Spark. Families must provide complete health and medication information during registration and follow all pre-camp instructions for medication labeling, packaging, and check-in.
All meals and snacks are provided throughout the week. NWABA works with the university dining team to accommodate documented food allergies and dietary needs. Families should include all dietary needs during registration and contact the Camp Spark team if additional planning is needed.
Families will receive final check-in and travel details before camp. Transportation to and from Camp Spark is not provided, and families are responsible for arranging their camper’s travel.
Camper arrival is at 1:00 p.m. on July 11, and departure is at 12:00 p.m. on July 17, 2027. Campers should plan to participate in the full session.
Families are invited to attend the final day’s sports showcase and closing activities. Additional details will be shared with registered families.
Registered families will receive a current packing list and preparation information before camp. Campers should bring comfortable clothing for active days, closed-toe athletic shoes, swimwear, toiletries, sleepwear, weather-appropriate layers, required medications, and any personal accessibility items identified by the Camp Spark team.
Please label personal belongings. Valuable or irreplaceable items should remain at home.
Camp Spark is provided at no cost to campers and families because of the generosity of NWABA donors, foundations, sponsors, and partners. Donations are appreciated but are never required for a camper to participate.
Camp Spark is designed for youth ages 8 to 15 who are blind or have a visual impairment who are receiving vision services, and are ready for an active, overnight group experience. NWABA reviews each registration individually to understand eligibility, health needs, support needs, and readiness for camp.
Applicants from any U.S. state are welcome to apply, with preference given to residents of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. We are not accepting international campers at this time.
Transportation is not provided for Camp Spark. Parents or guardians are responsible for dropping off campers on Sunday, July 11, 2027, at 1:00 p.m. and picking them up on Saturday, July 17, 2027, by 11:00 a.m.
Yes. Camp Spark is a weeklong overnight summer camp held at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon. Campers stay on campus, share meals, and participate in daytime and evening activities.
Use the Register a Camper button on this page to complete the 2027 registration. Please provide complete information so the Camp Spark team can understand your camper and plan for their experience.
No. Submitting a registration begins NWABA’s review process. Space is limited, and the Camp Spark team reviews eligibility, readiness, health information, support needs, and available resources before confirming participation.
If camp reaches capacity, additional eligible campers may be placed on a waitlist. The Camp Spark team will contact families if a space becomes available.
Camp Spark brings together an NWABA Director, counselors, sport specialists, orientation and mobility professionals, nurses, volunteers, and experienced program leaders. Team members receive required training and work together to create a safe, accessible, and encouraging camp environment.
Camp Spark team members complete the screening required for their role, which include an application, interview, reference checks, a voluntary disclosure statement, a criminal background check, and a check of the National Sex Offender Public Website.
Ratios vary based on the number of campers, planned activities, and individual needs. Campers are supported by counselors as well as sport specialists, O&M professionals, nursing staff, program leaders, interns, and volunteers throughout the week.
Yes. Registered nursing support is available during Camp Spark. Families must provide complete health and medication information and follow the medication instructions provided before camp.
Activities use accessible instruction, verbal description, tactile information, adaptive equipment, orientation and mobility support, and individualized teaching strategies. Families should provide detailed information during registration so NWABA can plan appropriately.
Room assignments are made by the Camp Spark team using age, available housing, camper needs, and other relevant information. Final rooming details are provided during the camp preparation process. Families may share relevant considerations during registration.
Activities may include tandem biking, track and field, swimming, goalball, fitness, team building, evening programs, a talent show, and other summer camp traditions. Activities may change based on facilities, weather, staffing, and camper needs.
NWABA works with the university dining team to plan for documented food allergies and dietary needs. Families should include complete information during registration and contact the Camp Spark team if a camper’s needs require additional planning.
Campers may bring phones or other devices for accessibility needs, but we encourage a phone-free week. Phone use is limited to rest hour, and Wi-Fi is not provided. A Camp Spark director’s phone will be available when campers need to call home.
Homesickness is common, especially for first-time campers. Camp Spark team members help campers build connections, stay engaged, and work through the experience. If additional family support is needed, a Camp Spark leader will contact the camper’s parent or guardian.
Yes. Families may send letters or care packages, but timing is important because deliveries to the college campus may be delayed. Mailing instructions and recommended arrival dates will be provided before camp.
To protect the camp routine, families should visit only during scheduled activities or with advance approval. Information about any family showcase or closing activity will be shared with registered families.
No. Family members of current campers may not serve as counselors, volunteers, or other Camp Spark team members during camp. This helps campers build independence, form new relationships, and fully experience being away at camp.
Registered families receive a current packing list before camp. Campers should bring comfortable active clothing, athletic shoes, swimwear, toiletries, sleepwear, weather-appropriate layers, required medications, and identified accessibility items.
Camp Spark documents camper participation, skills, and growth. Families receive letters and formal assessments following camp that may be shared with a TVI, O&M specialist, school team, or IEP/504 team to help continue the camper’s progress.
Contact the Camp Spark team at campspark@nwaba.org.
Complete the 2027 camper registration so our team can learn more about your camper, their strengths, and the support that will help them have a meaningful week.