Camp Spark
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 between three and six days and generally take place at rented facilities at universities or retreat centers.
Through summer and winter sessions, campers learn how to swim, snowshoe through the mountains, develop friendships, and gain the skills and resources to help them achieve success in all areas of life.
What is that Spark?
It is building community, learning life skills, developing self-esteem, gaining independence, conquering new goals, and creating memories for a lifetime.
10+ Sporting Events
Through Camp Spark, our campers participate in a variety of sports throughout the year.
7 Different Sessions
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.
No Cost to Campers
NWABA works tirelessly with program partners, corporate sponsors, and individual supporters to ensure the cost is $0.00 for our campers and families.
About Camp Spark
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.
Eligibility
Be able to have fun and SMILE!
- Must be legally blind or be receiving vision services.
- Meet individual eligibility and independence requirements, for the session(s) you want to attend. – See Camp Spark schedule for details.
- Demonstrate the necessary physical activity requirements for the session(s) you’d like to attend.
- Display behaviors that allow them to function in a group setting that does not affect other group members (no bullying, biting, kicking, fleeing or aggressive behaviors toward others).
- Display medical needs conducive to a camp environment. Determination will be made at the discretion of camp medical staff prior to acceptance.
Ready To Sign Up?
If you have additional questions or need more information about Camp Spark, please contact:
Kirsten French –
Co-Camp Director/Programs Manager, Camp Spark & Sports Adaptations
360.859.3116
kfrench@nwaba.org
Matt Coelho –
Co-Camp Director/Programs Coordinator, Camp Spark & Sports Adaptations
360.726.5899
mcoelho@nwaba.org
Thank You!
Special thank you to our program partners for paving the way for Camp Spark 2024.
Camp Staff & Volunteer Info
Our counselors, specialists and volunteers are vital elements to ensure we offer a truly life-changing experience for our campers.
Sports Outreach
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.