Summer Fun at Camp GDB

Summer 2024 is in full swing, and here at Guide Dogs for the Blind, we were pleased to host our annual weeklong summer camp in late June for teens who are blind or visually impaired. Held at the Hull Foundation and Learning Center in Sandy, Ore. (near GDB's Oregon campus), 15 campers from across the country came to learn about the guide dog lifestyle, as well as to have some summer fun.

"Camp GDB is an opportunity for youth to come and learn what it’s like to live and work with a guide dog and really help them better prepare for the guide dog lifestyle," said Jane Flower, GDB's youth outreach specialist and camp director. "But it’s also just a fun summer camp for the kids to meet other kids that are blind or visually impaired."  

All of the campers had the opportunity to walk with a guide dog, as well as spend time in our veterinary clinic and kennels meeting many canine friends and learning about dog care. In addition, each teen was responsible for looking after a dog during special overnight visits where the campers fed, groomed, walked, and spent time cuddling with their new furry pals. Other camp activities included archery, beep Bocce ball, pool time, and bonfires with singalongs and s'mores.

Campers described their experience as "engaging," "impactful," "fantastic," and "fun!" One camper, 15 year-old Finley Helm from San Antonio, Texas, expanded on her experience.

"I have always wanted to get a guide dog - I've known that since I was very young," Finley said. "I've known it could be super helpful for my independence, and my mobility, and to get around safely." When she learned about Camp GDB, she jumped at the opportunity to attend.

"Walking with a guide dog felt surprisingly natural," she said. "I felt like I had more freedom. It felt really good and really natural." Finley, who uses a white cane for mobility, recognized that walking with a guide dog requires excellent orientation and mobility skills, and the importance of being proficient with a white cane as a precursor to getting a guide dog.

"The O&M skills and the cane skills are super important," she said, "because the dog is able to guide you around things, but you need to know where you are and where you're going and how to get there." She recognizes that getting a guide dog takes preparation and she's committed to putting in the work. "I do think a guide dog is in my future, especially when I’m hoping to go to college and through jobs and careers."

Dogs aside, Finley said the social aspect of camp was one of her favorite parts.

"I've met so many really great people and it's such a great community. I think a lot of us feel super isolated with our disabilities," she said, "and one of the hardest aspects of a visual impairment is the social part because people are kind of wary of it and don’t know how to approach you or treat you. I think everyone here is in the same situation, so it’s a great bonding experience. We’re doing so many activities together, and learning together, and everyone's so supportive. It's so much fun."

She also enjoyed getting to know GDB staff members who are visually impaired and have guide dogs, including Jane with her guide dog Pilaf, and well as GDB's Community Outreach Specialist Jake Koch with his guide dog Forli, and Volunteer Camp Counselor Ava Basso with her guide dog Cheddar.

"I was really surprised seeing the GDB staff, and how they are super open about [living with a visual impairment], and using their canes, and bringing their guide dogs with them," Finley said. "Getting to see that it is possible to be successful and to have a really good career, and to do something that you love, and make a difference in the world with a disability is super inspiring. It's good to see because I know there is hope for me later to do something I love and be successful with a disability."

Finley would highly recommend Camp GDB to other teens who are interested in the guide dog lifestyle. To those considering if it's for them, she has three simple words: "Just do it!"

Check out this video about Camp GDB featuring Finley. To learn more about Camp GDB and other programs for youth, please visit the Youth and Young Adult Programs page of our website.