Junior Blind of America's Summer Festival Inspires Learning Through Experience

Junior Blind of America today hosted its annual Camp Bloomfield Summer Festival, which featured a variety of fun and interactive activities intended to educate, enhance awareness and increase sensitivity toward those who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled blind. The event was held at Camp Bloomfield, Junior Blind of America's unique 40-acre residential camp in the hills of Malibu, California that provides life-changing recreational experiences for campers of all ages who are blind, visually impaired or are multi-disabled blind.

Since 1953, Junior Blind of America has been one of the leading providers of programs, services and expertise for those living with blindness and visual impairments. Every year, Junior Blind of America provides services to nearly 8,000 individuals and their families through six nationally recognized programs that offer innovative and individualized methods of education, recreation, training and rehabilitation. The Camp Bloomfield Summer Festival is one of the organization's signature events, offering visitors a unique opportunity to gain a first hand understanding of what it is like to be blind or visually impaired by sharing actual experiences.

"The Summer Festival was created as a one-of-a-kind event where our campers who are blind or visually impaired, family, friends and the community can come together and learn about each other through interactive, educational and fun activities," said Miki Jordan, president and CEO of Junior Blind of America. "The determination and independence the campers demonstrate is truly inspiring. We are thrilled to share this with the public and welcome everyone to Camp Bloomfield."

The action-packed day included opportunities for visitors to play and compete alongside campers who are blind or visually impaired in a variety of exciting and educational events, including:

* The Blindness Discovery Area -- A series of interactive exhibits and activities, including guide dog and white cane demonstrations, blindness technology presentations, tactile/stimulation exercises, vision altering simulations, arts and crafts, face-painting and more.

* Captain Carl's Marine Life Exhibit -- Visitors were able to pick up and touch different types of marine life while listening to children's ocean expert character, Captain Carl, discuss them.

* Summer Games ... with a Twist! -- Blindfolded visitors competed alongside campers and their sighted buddies in picnic games, including: archery, three-legged race, freeze dance, hula-hoop contest, water bucket relay and much more.

ABOUT JUNIOR BLIND OF AMERICA

Since 1953, Junior Blind of America has remained deeply committed to helping blind and visually impaired people of all ages achieve independence. Each year, Junior Blind of America provides services to thousands of individuals and their families through six nationally recognized programs that offer innovative and individualized methods of education, recreation, training and rehabilitation. These life-changing programs are designed to empower infants, children, teens and adults to reach their highest level of potential, independence and self-esteem. To learn more, please visit http://www.juniorblind.org.