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EHC Online Holiday Concert is This Thursday, 12/15

EHC Online Holiday Concert is This Thursday, 12/15

For the third year in a row, friends and supporters of Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC) wish to show their appreciation for the LightHouse community by hosting a free virtual EHC Alumni holiday concert. Musicians who have attended camp sessions, music camp or been a camp counselor or volunteer will join LightHouse and EHC staffers to celebrate the spirit of EHC past, present and future.
 
This year’s performers are Hanna Clemenson, Christina Daniels, Derek Dittmar, Shane Dittmar, Rachael Grider, Ellie Kneer, Jackie Nguyen Mariana Sandoval and Masceo Williams.
 
Camp Director, Tony Fletcher says, “When we enter the cold and dark days of late fall and prepare for winter, many of the alumni of EHC truly look forward to any opportunities for us to gather and celebrate one of our favorite locations on earth. One of the special gatherings is the Virtual Holiday Concert. All the performers have deep connections to EHC as staff members, and for many, as former campers. This is a show built around gratitude. This year we focus on saying thank you to the many generous donors that supported Giving Tuesday for the LightHouse’s Little Learners Program that uses Enchanted Hills for a family camp weekend.
 
“We hope listeners will enjoy not only the music, but also the chance to hear and see the performers that have been their counselors and area leaders at EHC over the years.”
 
What: EHC Virtual Alumni Holiday Concert
When: Thursday, December 15, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Pacific
Where: Enchanted Hills Camp Facebook page, no Facebook account is necessary to view the live-streamed concert
 
We can’t wait to share holiday music with you on the 15th!

LightHouse Community Services Programs to Hold Weekend Retreat at EHC

LightHouse Community Services Programs to Hold Weekend Retreat at EHC

Three retreats are being held simultaneously at Enchanted Hills Camp the weekend of November 11 through 13. 

Sensing the Seasons: EHC’s Fall Nature Retreat

 
Our always popular Sensing the Seasons Nature Education retreat returns. This session is open to blind and low vision high school students and recent high school graduates. This time around, we’ll focus on how fall effects the plants, animals, and landscape of the camp and how we sense these changes.  From our taste, to smell and even how things feel, fall brings many changes to camp. You’ll learn not only how to sense the changes, but also why they happen.
 
Cost: $50 for transportation. Thanks to the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services for providing additional funding for this program.
 
To RSVP, contact Jamey Gump at youth@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7372 no later than November 4.
 

Youth Employment Services Weekend Workshop: Accessing Advocacy

 
Youth Employment Services, or YES, is our program for transition-aged youth to learn skills needed for employment and post-secondary education. This program is for blind and low vision students between the ages of 16 and 22.
 
Daisy Soto, Youth Services Coordinator, describes the retreat: “YES students will spend the weekend hearing from blind and low vision mentors and professionals regarding advocacy in college and the workplace. They will learn about blindness advocacy organizations and get a chance to put their skills to use during interactive activities designed to increase their confidence with many of the new situations we will discuss.”
 
To learn more and RSVP: Please contact Daisy Soto at DSoto@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7328 no later than November 4. Please note: You will need a Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) authorization or alternate funding source to attend this program.

Weekend Writers’ Workshop Retreat

 
Are you a blind or low vision adult who loves to write? Then why not share your weekend and your story with other storytellers. Write about a challenge you’ve faced and how facing that challenge transformed you. Discover your own determination and confidence. People who are confident in themselves are better equipped to help others. 
 
Cost: $200 for the weekend. Thanks to the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services for providing additional funding for this program.
 
RSVP to Sabrina Bolus at SBolus@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7607 no later than November 4.
 

Transportation for all three programs

Round-trip transportation to EHC will be provided from the Ed Roberts Campus at 3075 Adeline St. in Berkeley. The shuttle to EHC departs at 1:00 pm on November 11 and returns to Ed Roberts Campus at 1:00 pm on November 13.
 
As a bonus for the weekend: There will be time for attendees of all three programs to mix and mingle with each other. We look forward to having you join us at EHC this November.

EHC Camp Counselor, Hannah, Shares Her Summer Highlights

EHC Camp Counselor, Hannah, Shares Her Summer Highlights

Since its opening in the 1950’s, Enchanted Hills Camp has been a home away from home for generations of campers. Nestled in a forest of majestic redwoods, EHC is a place where blind, low vision, Deafblind, and disabled campers can learn, grow, and explore the world around them in an inclusive, friendly, and encouraging environment.

This past summer, first-time EHC counselor Hannah Clemenson, had the opportunity to be part of this special community and shared her wonderful experience with LightHouse.

How did you hear about Enchanted Hills Camp?

The first time I went to Enchanted Hills Camp was when I was 17. I was there for the NFB NABS [National Federation of the Blind National Association of Blind Students] Pacific Seminar in 2019. I was only there for three days, and I was really only there for NFB stuff. I didn’t really get to interact with the camp much as Enchanted Hills, it was just kind of a venue. But I already loved it! I loved the quiet and got the feeling that it was a really welcoming environment. I knew I wanted to go back. I live in the Bay Area now and am a student at the University of San Francisco, and I read the weekly LightHouse newsletter. When I saw they were looking for workers this summer at EHC I thought, “Oh cool! Maybe I’ll do that!” I reached out to Tony Fletcher, and in April I got the confirmation that I would be working at EHC this summer. I was so excited!

Which EHC sessions did you work as a camp counselor?

I worked the Adult Camp, Adults with Developmental Disabilities, then we had to take a break due to the COVID-19 virus. When we returned to EHC I worked Music Camp and the last Family Camp session of the summer.

What was your first impression?

When I first got there it was a little nerve-wrecking. Most of the camp staff had been going there for 4-5, some even 7 or 8 years already. Everyone was very familiar and running around the camp, and I thought, “This is really new to me.” Everyone already knew each other, some even went to high school together, and they would talk about memories and stories from the past. I thought, “Oh, I’ll never fit in here.” But by the second day of Staff Week, I was already hanging out with people, talking a lot, and opening up quicker than I normally do. It was just so great. We continued to bond and by the end of Staff Week I’d already known I had made some really close friends, and that only continued throughout the rest of the summer.

What are your favorite Enchanted Hills Camp moments from this summer?

I really loved working the Adults with Developmental Disabilities session. It was really challenging. I was assigned to a cabin with a camper who is non-verbal, and other campers with severe organizational and mobility challenges. I had never previously worked with members of this population before, but it was so, so fun once I got the hang of it! It was a very humanizing experience working with people so different from me. I loved making coffee for everyone in the morning. The wide array of conversations you can have with people at this session was wild! The scope of human experience there is so awe-inspiring. Even though we were all on different wavelengths, we’re all also visually impaired and dealing with that. I can connect with them on the blindness level and learn so much from their unique thought processes. The non-verbal camper I worked with could only very marginally communicate with other people, but once she sat behind the piano she was playing and smiling and singing every lyric perfectly. It was amazing! She and I bonded over music because I am a musician too. If she was ever feeling stressed, I would start to sing to her, and she would sing with me, and it would calm her down.

I also really loved Family Camp. I liked talking to the parents, especially the ones who were concerned about how their blind child will experience life in the future, what high school and college will be like for them. I was able to share my own experiences and the kids would tell us theirs. It felt so good to really celebrate the kids. We’re all blind, we all deal with it differently, but we’re also all here at EHC, honoring and celebrating our blindness. It felt really good to share that experience with these families.

If given the opportunity, would you work at EHC again?

Absolutely, yes! I am definitely coming back in the future. I really want to work the Youth and Teen camps next year – especially the Youth Camp! This summer has been such a wonderful experience. I would love to continue to stay as involved with the EHC and LightHouse community as I can.

If you would like to learn more about Enchanted Hills Camp or donate to our Building Blind Ambition campaign to directly benefit EHC, you may visit the Enchanted Hills Camp website.

Join the 2022-23 EHC and Youth Program Council

Join the 2022-23 EHC and Youth Program Council

At the LightHouse, we take great pride in having a strong community filled with many wonderful people. To help us provide the best programs for our community, we seek guidance from our EHC and Youth Program Council to help us shape programs and activities that youth who are blind or have low vision need and want. In addition to viable feedback, the Youth Council will provide additional leadership opportunities and trainings throughout the year. For additional information about the duties and responsibilities of a Youth Council Member and how to apply, see details below:

What are the benefits of serving as a member of the EHC and Youth Program Council?

  • Organizationally recognized and documented volunteer hours for council meetings, trainings, and leadership roles
  • Opportunities to practice skills in public speaking, leadership, and team management
  • Learn the goals and objectives of program design for LightHouse Youth Programs and Enchanted Hills Camp
  • Earn LightHouse swag pack (items will be determined and distributed at the end of the service year)

What are we asking of the members of the EHC and Youth Program Council?

  • Attend and participate in our monthly EHC and Youth Program Council meetings
  • Provide feedback, new ideas or make LightHouse aware of other activities that other blind and low vision youth might enjoy or benefit from
  • Support LightHouse and EHC programs by volunteering 10 hours of your time during Youth Programs in one of the below roles:
    • Direct program support
    • Recruitment and speaking engagements
    • Promotional support (photos, stories, social media posts)
  • Take part in rotating leadership roles during the council monthly meetings including chairperson and notetaker
  • Attend LightHouse trainings
    • Volunteer Orientation (if you have not done so in the past)
    • LightHouse public Board of Directors meeting (next one on November 3)

How does one become an EHC and Youth Program Council member?

  • To qualify you must be:
    • A student who is blind or has low vision
    • Between the ages of 16 and 25
    • Has previously participated in a LightHouse or EHC program
  • To apply send an email no later than August 31 to youth@LightHouse-sf.org with the following:
    • Cover letter or a statement of interest, addressing why you wish to be a member of the EHC and Youth Program Council
    • Contact information for one of the following references:
      • Teacher, TVI, or O&M specialist
      • LightHouse Staff member, YES Academy Summer Mentor, or EHC Camp Counselor
      • A former or current member of EHC and Youth Program Council

If you have any questions about the EHC and LightHouse Youth Program Council, please email youth@LightHouse-sf.org

Camper Jane Reflects on Adult Camp at EHC

Camper Jane Reflects on Adult Camp at EHC

Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC) kicked off the first six weeks of summer with four fun-filled camp sessions for our youngest and eldest campers. We opened our cabin doors in early June to our first bunch of campers at Deafblind Camp. Our LightHouse Little Learners and their families made their EHC debut the following weekend and began what is sure to be a new summer tradition. We were delighted to welcome back our campers 21 and older for the first Adult Camp session since the summer of 2019.  First-time campers and longtime friends made the most of their time in our enchanted redwood retreat: hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, crafting, creating, playing, and laughing. We look forward to hosting more campers in August.

Ever since EHC was founded by Rose Resnick (blind activist, educator, and leader) in 1950, LightHouse has been proud to provide a happy and blind-positive environment where blind and low vision people of all ages can grow, explore, and connect – with nature, with each other, with themselves – but the true magic of Enchanted Hills Camp is our campers and the value each and every one of them brings to EHC. Camper Jane reflected on her time at camp this summer:

One Tap at a Time

Thank you, Rose Resnick, for your visionary spirit. You aimed beyond boundaries. You forged pathways of lifelines and lifetime connections.

You and I met back in the 1970s. You, the persistent, passionate, and sincere woman who wrote and delivered her 60-second advocacy speeches on behalf of the blind every few months on KGO-TV, Channel 7 in San Francisco. Me, the Assistant Director of Community Affairs handled the “Speak Freely” community messages. Your name was memorable, as was your demeanor: gentle, kind, and articulate. I laugh to myself now as I realize how routinely we had always prepared hand- written cue cards for each guest to read and deliver their messages. And, of course, now I realize your hands were reading braille notes!

Fast forward to today, nearly 50 years later. I’m basking in the afterglow of experiencing Enchanted Hills Camp 2022… the magnitude and magnificence of sincere love, care, compassion, kindness, support, and camaraderie.

Here are a few of my lasting impressions….
—Priceless. Seen and acknowledged as an asset. Not a liability.
—Poetry Workshop poem: Same. Same. You. Me.
—Beyond imagination. The wholly huge support of our young counselors. Not a moment to fear, knowing their gentle voices, guiding, and helping hands, and support were always nearby.
—According to the accordion, and tunes of Venus and Mars life abounds with upright and downright jamming music, spontaneity, twilight zones, and picnics!
—Wouldn’t it be wonderful to greet morning light as birds do… bursting into perfect pitch and song? Greeting the new day with sounds of joy and delight! I’m afraid of what’s ahead…
—Been too long since I’ve freely laughed and smiled and clapped hands, stomped my feet, hooted and hollered, listened to live music and simply shared comfort and joy with others!
— “Something” in the way Dylan and Hanna harmonize and “wOOooooOO!” Believing in HOW. NOW.
—First time holding a bow and arrow. It won’t be the last. New revelation: it’s a meditative art. Focus. Hold deep breath. Extend reach. Let go.
—At the chapel, outside finds inside. One strike on Bill’s meditative bowl. Maddie makes it sing. With mallet, she traces the rim again and again.
—Thanks, Brent. You illuminated life’s orientation beyond South, West, North, East. Adding upwards to Sky, downwards to earth, and hands covering our hearts completing the connection to ourselves.
—Rose knew. Rose knows. No one could be finer than Tony as the guiding heart, mind, body, and soul of Enchanted Hills Camp.

We don’t walk alone. We hold our heads high. We’re less afraid of the dark. We walk on with the tap of our white canes, guide dogs, human guides and enchanted hearts and souls graced by nature with Rose.

EHC is the Place to Be for the Littlest Ones: A Recap

EHC is the Place to Be for the Littlest Ones: A Recap

Photo Caption 1: A Little Learner seated in a wheelchair makes lemonade by pressing a lever to squeeze lemon juice with the help of her older sister and teacher Jeri Hart.

Photo Caption 2:  A Little Learner plays in the wading pool with her sister as their mom cools her feet. The girls wear matching flowered swim shirts and all have the biggest joyful smiles.

Photo Caption 3: A Little Learner wearing pink glasses sits cross legged between her parents in a paddle boat as they enjoy a boat ride on the lake.  All wear blue life-jackets and smile, and dad is making a peace sign.

Photo Caption 4: Twin Little Learners wearing sunglasses get a lakeside fishing lesson from EHC staffer Jamey Gump. The sister holds the fishing pole and the brother looks on, waiting for his turn.

Photos by Emmalaine Berry Photography

Editor’s Note: LightHouse Little Learners Camp ran from Friday, June 10 – Sunday, June 12

By Pam Chapin, Little Learners Program Director

“Good Morning, lake!” exclaimed the happy toddler as she followed the path to the Dining Hall for breakfast at Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC). One hand explored the lakeside fence, and the other clutched the stuffed bunny that would spend the weekend at her side when our Little Learners and their families headed up Mt. Veeder in Napa to experience the magic of camp among the redwoods. As the weekend unfolded, there were so many memorable moments as families relaxed together, shared new experiences, and built lasting relationships. There was a sense of community, of belonging, and as one parent stated, it was “transformational”.

Families arrived on Friday, settled into their cabins, and gathered together for a welcome reception. As parents relaxed and chatted, toddlers and siblings made lemonade and had snacks. When a red flag warning due to the Napa winds changed our plans for gathering around the campfire, families happily gathered lakeside instead for songs and silly fun with the camp counselors. We learned about the rich history of EHC and its founder Rose Resnick, the efforts to rebuild and preserve the landscape after the 2017 fires, and the vision for expanding camp into a year-round retreat.

Saturday was brimming with activity as families explored camp, went paddle boating and fishing, and gathered around the cool wading pools where splashes and giggles could be heard. Everyone explored at their own pace and toddlers could be seen resting among dog guides. Children touched the natural textures of moss, lavender, and dried orange slices and made them into a suncatcher collage or viewed them on a lightbox. Birdfeeders were made from pine cones, sunflower butter and birdseed. Children emerged from the art room wearing golden paper crowns. Our friends from California Deafblind Services brought a tie dye activity to share, and soon there were colorful patterns on bandanas, shirts, onesies, and even socks blowing in the breeze to dry.

Families gathered for meals between activities, and at dinner children frosted cupcakes they had baked that afternoon. The day culminated in a talent show that included such festivities as singing, ukulele playing, a somersault, pompom shaking, dancing the Macarena, and a drum circle.

Heading down the hill on Sunday, listening to the rustle of the redwoods, our hearts were full. We can’t wait for next time!

Aquatics Program Area Leader

Position:                     Aquatics Program Area Leader

Reports to:                 Camp Director

Classification:            Non-Exempt

WC Class:                 

General Description:

The aquatics program area leader is responsible for preparing and implementing safe, fun, and appropriate programs for the blind and visually impaired children and adults. He/she will coordinate and oversee all camp aquatics activities.

Examples of Activities include:

  • Swimming
  • Aqua aerobics
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • All camp swims
  • Other

Qualifications:

  • 18 years of age
  • Some college preferred
  • Lifeguard certified
  • Minimum of one year in and educational setting
  • Experience working with persons who are blind/visually impaired or disabled preferred
  • Experience supervising support staff preferred
  • Knowledge of the rehabilitation process for persons who are disabled preferred
  • Current First Aid and CPR certifications
  • Knowledge of Braille and/or sign language preferred

Examples of Duties:

  • Plan, direct, and supervise a safe and fun waterfront program
    • Supervise classes and activities in aquatics areas
    • Schedule a minimum of three classes for each session
    • Schedule teaching assistants from available counselors and volunteers
    • Evaluate the success of the aquatics programs and activities
  • Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety procedures
    • Train staff in their responsibilities in the aquatics areas
    • Ensure campers and staff follow safety procedures
  • Manage the physical facilities and equipment in the aquatics program areas
    • Set up aquatics areas
    • Teach and monitor proper use of equipment
    • Conduct a daily check of the area and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair
    • Ensure that the aquatics program area equipment and supplies are inventoried and steps are taken to replace them in a timely manner
  • Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning and leading those as assigned
  • Participate as a member of the camp staff team to deliver and supervise evening programs, special events, overnights, and other all-camp functions
  • Assist with camper placements in classes and with living assignments when necessary
  • Evaluate volunteers, counselors in training (CIT), and counselors throughout the summer
  • Act as a camp counselor when necessary
  • Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings
  • Other duties as assigned

Physical Aspect:

  • Must be willing to live on camp premises
  • Must be able to lift 70 pounds
  • Ability to enforce safety and emergency procedures
  • Ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity
  • Physical ability to respond appropriately to situation requiring first aid
  • Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness or injury)
  • Possess the endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers

Agency Expectations of Employees:

As employees, we should:

  • Read, understand and adhere to all agency policies and procedures
  • Conduct ourselves in a professional manner on and off the job, knowing that we are representatives of LightHouse
  • Perform all job responsibilities
  • Maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward everyone
  • Communicate regularly and appropriately with our supervisors and colleagues within our own departments
  • Able to effectively communicate orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate efficient time management and the ability to prioritize our assignments
  • Consistently report to work on time and be ready to begin performing our assigned duties and responsibilities
  • Work productively
  • Continue to learn and communicate a blindness-positive philosophy based on current best practices in the field
  • Maintain the confidentiality of campers and staff relating to issues such as health, behaviors, and other situations that may arise
  • Be culturally sensitive

Working Conditions:

LightHouse provides equal opportunity to all, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, or sexual orientation.

All employees at LightHouse are hired for an indefinite and unspecified duration and consequently, no employee is guaranteed employment for a specified length of time. Employment is at the mutual consent of the employee and LightHouse. Accordingly, either the employee or LightHouse can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause (“employment at will”). 

Submitting an Application:

For ease of accessibility, kindly submit your cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no .PDFs please) and employment application (downloads in a Word document) to hr@lighthouse-sf.org, using the job title as your subject line. To fill out the application, please enable editing in the document. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles in lieu of the requested format. Due to time constraints, we apologize for being unable to acknowledge all interest that may be shown in each position. No third-party solicitations, please. We sincerely appreciate your thoughtful consideration during this process.

Want to Help Make EHC the Place to Be this Summer? Come to the EHC Virtual Career Fair, March 12

Want to Help Make EHC the Place to Be this Summer? Come to the EHC Virtual Career Fair, March 12

Have you ever wanted to work or volunteer at Enchanted Hills Camp (EHC)? Are you looking for a summer job where you can learn new skills, soak up the beauty of Napa hills and make lasting memories? Well EHC is looking for people who are blind, have low vision or are sighted to be staff at EHC  this summer to help our campers grow their own potential.  Come to the virtual EHC Career Fair on March 12 from 10:00 am to noon Pacific to learn more!

Here’s what we’re looking for:

EHC Camp Counselors and Area Leaders: Must be 18 and older
EHC Counselors in Training: Students who are blind or have low vision ages 16 to 18
Youth Employment Services (YES) Academy Students: Students who are blind or have low vision ages 16 to 24

At the career fair, you’ll meet camp hiring managers and current and previous campers and staff. You’ll also find out about the range of activities and experiences EHC has in store. You can potentially get hired on the spot or invited back for an additional interview.

Tony Fletcher, Director of EHC says “The virtual career fair is a wonderful chance for potential candidates to explore opportunities at camp this summer”

Learn more about EHC on the LightHouse website.

What: Enchanted Hills Camp Career Fair
When: Saturday March 12 from 10:00 am to noon Pacific
RSVP: by Thursday, March 10. to  Mario Burton at MBurton@lighthouse-sf.org.

Enchanted Hills Camp 2022 Registration is Now Open!

Enchanted Hills Camp 2022 Registration is Now Open!

Hello Enchanted Hills Camp Community,

The LightHouse for the Blind is excited to enter our 72nd year at EHC, and we are proud to once again return to a variety of sessions that will benefit hundreds of campers in our community. The guiding principles of Enchanted Hills Camp is to promote independence, community and have fun. Hopefully you will gain lifelong friendships, and feel the “blind positive” atmosphere that camp strives to create. This is a place where campers have claimed they have had the time of their lives.

Enchanted Hills is an experience that so many look forward to having every year — and though our camp has been closed recently due to COVID-19 restrictions we’ve taken steps to enrich this summer so that all campers will still enjoy the beauty of our location safely and with a supportive staff.

Let’s have the best summer ever!

Tony Fletcher, senior director of Enchanted Hills Camp

View the EHC Summer 2022 Schedule and Register Now