Camp Spark is a comprehensive residential sports camp program for youth and young adults, ages 8 to 21, who are blind and visually impaired. Camp sessions last three or six days and generally take place at rented facilities at universities, or retreat centers. Through summer and winter sessions, campers learn how to swim for the first time, snowshoe through the mountains, develop friendships, and gain the skills and resources to help them achieve success in all areas of life.
It is building community, learning life skills, developing self-esteem, gaining independence, conquering new goals, and creating memories for a lifetime.
Through Camp Spark, our campers participate in a variety of sports throughout the year.
We are hosting seven sessions of Camp Spark annually for campers of all abilities in Washington and Oregon. Campers from Montana and Idaho should contact us about registering.
NWABA works tirelessly with program partners, corporate sponsors, and individual supporters to ensure the cost is $0.00 for our campers and families.
Camp Spark was rebranded in 2019 to become one of our core programs. Since 2016, camp is a unique opportunity for our campers to develop independence and life skills through sports and physical activities that are fully accessible. For many of our campers, this is the first time that they are meeting someone else with a visual impairment like theirs. Campers develop skills that will impact them for a lifetime and are provided with resources that will extend the benefits of camp when they go back to their homes and communities.
Be able to have fun and SMILE!
“Camp has taught me an abundance of skills including teamwork, self-advocacy and independence. Over the last few summers, Camp has helped me become much more comfortable around my disability by providing a space for my peers and me to share our experiences and create friendships. I have made quite a few friends over the years and have managed to stay connected with many of them during the school year; not just one week in the summer. Camp has given me something to look forward to every year.”
If you have additional questions or need more information about Camp Spark, please contact:
Kirsten French –Co-Camp Director/Programs Manager, Camp Spark & Sports Adaptations360.859.3116[email protected]
Matt Coelho –Co-Camp Director/Programs Specialist, Camp Spark & Sports Adaptations360.726.5899[email protected]
Special thank you to our program partners for paving the way for Camp Spark 2023.
Oregon Blind and Visually Impaired Student Fund
Washington Department Services for the Blind
Our counselors, specialists and volunteers are vital elements to ensure we offer a truly life-changing experience for our campers.
NWABA provides sport and physical activity to individuals of all ages and abilities with visual impairments in various sports activities such as tandem biking, kayaking or skiing.