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Youth

LightHouse News

Learn About the National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

Every year, the National Federation of the blind, NFB, gives out 30 scholarships annually to deserving college students from across the country. One of them could be you!

Join the San Francisco chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of California, NFBC, for free food, good friends and valuable information on how you can win free money.

When: Saturday, February 15 2014, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse for the Blind | 214 Van Ness Avenue | San Francisco, CA

The chair of the scholarship committee Patti Gregory-Chang will speak about how the program works and what you need to be in the top 30 spots. Also hear from a past scholarship Winner who will share with everyone tricks and tips that will help you make your application even stronger.

For more information, please contact Darion Smith, NFBC San Francisco chapter president, at (415) 215-9809 or dsmithnfb@gmail.com.

LightHouse News

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoe Adventure with the LightHouse Youth Program

It’s that time of year – days are getting shorter and the air is getting colder as winter fast approaches.  For some folks it’s the perfect time to bundle up next to a roaring fire with a soothing cup of hot chocolate and purring cat. For more intrepid souls, like the LightHouse Youth Program participants, winter means FUN! Cool, exciting, adventurous fun, as in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Tahoe Donner Cross-Country Ski Resort in Truckee near beautiful Lake Tahoe.

When: March 21, 6:00 p.m. through March 22, 9:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at Ed Roberts Campus, see below for remainder of itinerary

If you are a blind or low vision youth, please join us for this awesome trip to the snow.  We will gather at the Ed Roberts Campus at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2014 and hit the road by 6:30 p.m. We will spend Friday night in Folsom California.

Female participants will stay overnight at the home of former LightHouse Board member Margie Donovan, and male participants will stay overnight at the home of RC Upham, a long-time volunteer at EHC. Early Saturday morning we’ll head to the Tahoe Donner Cross-Country Center in Truckee, CA, where we’ll meet up with our Sierra Regional Ski for Light Guides and begin our cross-country skiing (or snowshoeing) adventure.

After a day of trekking through the snow on Saturday, we’ll load up our bus and head back to the Ed Roberts Campus. Traffic permitting, we should be back by 9:00 p.m.

All participants must register and submit payment no later than February 15th.

Who: Low Vision and Blind Youth (ages 13 – 24)
What: Overnight snowshoe or cross-country skiing trip
When: 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2014 through 9:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014
Where: Truckee, California
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver form, if they have not done so for a previous outing.
Cost: $60.00 per person includes ski pass, rentals, food, lodging and transportation

RSVP: by February 15, space is limited to 12 participants. Please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694-7372 for more information or to RSVP for this event.

 

LightHouse News

Our Funniest Valentine’s Day Dance Ever – For Youth Ages 13 to 24

An artfully drawn image of a red heart

Whether you’re a romantic at heart, or just want to have a blast hanging with your BFFs as you dance the night away, come join us for what promises to be a fun and festive evening.

Bring a friend, sweetheart or special someone to share in Valentine’s Day themed food, sweets, music, games and memorable moments. There will also be a very special guest appearance by Cupid himself. The party begins at 5:00 p.m. and will wrap up at 8:00 p.m. Valentine’s Day themed attire is strongly encouraged.

For more information or to RSVP please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372, or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org. Please RSVP by February 10, 2014.

Who: Low Vision or Blind Youth and a Guest (Ages 13 – 24)
What: Valentine’s Day Dance
When: Saturday, February 15, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse San Francisco Headquarters
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver form, if they have not done so for a previous outing.
Food: Provided by LightHouse. Please include information about any food allergies when you RSVP.
RSVP: Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694-7372.

LightHouse News

Grassroots Goalball

LightHouse Youth Program and United States Association of Blind Athletes presents Grassroots Goalball!

We’re pleased to announce the formation of an organized LightHouse Youth Goalball program and team. The team(s) will meet weekly to practice and play the incredibly fun game of Goalball. In addition to organized practices, participants will have the opportunity to put their new skills to the test in regional Goalball demonstrations and competitions.

For those unfamiliar with Goalball, it is a Paralympic sport played by athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Developed after WWII as a way to keep blinded veterans physically active, it has become the premiere team game for blind athletes. Goalball is a fast paced, physically challenging, strategic and exciting game played competitively by men and women from around the world.

In Goalball, two teams of three players face each other across a court that is nine meters wide and 18 meters long. The object of the game is to roll a basketball-sized ball with bells inside over the opponents’ goal line. Your opponents listen for the oncoming ball and attempt to block it with their bodies. Once they are able to stop the ball and take control of it, they become the offensive team. More information about the game of Goalball can be found on the USABA website at www.usaba.org.

If you would like more information, or to RSVP for this exciting new program, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator for the LightHouse at (415) 694-7372, or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org. Enrollment is open to both male and female athletes. No experience necessary.

Who: Blind and Low Vision Youth 18 years-old and under
What: Goalball
When: Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (We will meet for a pizza dinner after each practice)
Season: Monday, January 27th – Thursday, May 15th
Where: LightHouse Industries located at 14690 Washington Ave, San Leandro, CA 94578
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program application and waiver form.
RSVP: Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694-7372.

LightHouse News

Knock Down Those Pins With the New LightHouse Blind Bowlers League

The LightHouse is putting together a Blind Bowlers League that will begin play in January 2014 and we invite blind and low vision individuals of all ages and experience to join us.

Our goal is to form four teams comprised of 3-4 bowlers. Individuals and self-formed teams are encouraged to apply. Each team shall have no more than (1) sighted person. However, that person will be required to wear a sleep shade (occluded) throughout play. Self-formed teams are encouraged to submit a predetermined team name.

League play will initially take place every Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Albany Bowl, which is located just three short blocks from the El Cerrito Plaza BART station. The cost is $10.00 per person per week. This fee covers bowling shoe rental and unlimited bowling for three hours. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Albany Bowl.

Once league play commences, a structured tournament schedule will be established and distributed. Lane bumpers are optional. A handicap will be determined for those choosing to utilize lane bumpers.

Spare no time, and strike it big by signing up today! For more information, or to sign up, please contact Molly Irish at mpearson@lighthouse-sf.org or 415-694-7320.

LightHouse News

Fun Times with the LightHouse Youth Program

Halloween Costume Party and Social
In preparation for Halloween the LightHouse Youth gathered for a night of frightful fun and games, ingenious costumes, mummified hotdogs, a Halloween-themed piñata, and enough candy to satisfy even the most die-hard trick-or-treaters. Attendees monster-mashed and boo-gied the night away to some of their favorite Halloween tunes.

Old Ships of San Francisco
On a beautiful autumn afternoon a group of Blind Youth gathered at the Hyde Street Pier to explore the Old Ships at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. The LightHouse kids spent the day engaged in hands-on exploration of 100 year-old ships. While some “piloted” the ship’s wheel on deck, others explored every nooYoung Gabe ringing the deck bell aboard the Balclutha, letting others know he is ready to set sailk, cranny, and secret hiding place below deck.

Fredrick, in best Mafia dress suit and hat, makes the winning prediction in our candy guessing game

LightHouse News

LightHouse Youth Program presents: White Elephant Gift Party

Have you ever received a gift you neither wanted nor had any use for? Well, here’s your opportunity to unload that cringe-worthy dust collector in a fun and humorous way. Come join the LightHouse Youth Program as we celebrate the holidays with our 1st Annual White Elephant Party.

For those unfamiliar, a White Elephant Party is a fun holiday gift giving party where participants bring humorous and inexpensive gifts to exchange. White Elephant gifts are usually tacky, gaudy, inexpensive and of course, silly. The funnier and more absurd, the better! The best part of the game is “stealing” gifts from other participants (this “Grinch-like” aspect is explained below).

If you would like more information, or to RSVP for this event, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372 or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org. Please RSVP by December 18th.

Who: Low Vision or Blind Aged Youth (Ages 13 – 24)
What: White Elephant Gift Exchange
When: Saturday, December 21st from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: LightHouse Headquarters @ 214 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
Waiver: Each participant must submit a LightHouse Youth Program waiver form, if they have not done so for a previous outing.
Food: A festive feast will be provided for those guests that RSVP. Please include any food allergies when you RSVP.
Gift Requirements: Each participant must bring a gift valued at no more than $10.00. Gifts should be tasteful and non-offensive, however, the more outrageous and/or funny the gift, the more fun.
RSVP: Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org or (415) 694-7372. Please RSVP by December 17th.

Game Rules:

    1. Each participant must bring a wrapped gift that does not exceed $10.00, and place it with other gifts on a designated table.
    2. Pass around a hat with numbered pieces of paper (one number for each gift), and have each guest draw a number to determine order.
    3. The person who draws “1” gets first pick from the pile, making sure to describe the gift to other participants.
    4. Once opened, the person who draws number “2” starts the second round. They can either choose to “steal” the first person’s gift or open an unwrapped gift from the pile.
    5. Once number “2” has gone the person who drew “3” repeats the same process of choosing an opened or unopened gift.
    6. Gifts can be exchanged 3 times per round, and gifts cannot be stolen back from the person who stole from you.
    7. Game continues in this fashion until all gifts have been opened.
LightHouse News

Highlights of October’s Youth Excursions

Ethan Fung, Sean McGee and Anthony Dalli holding the perfect pumpkin

The Great Pumpkin Search at Clancy Pumpkin Patch
The Lighthouse Youth program scoured the Clancy Pumpkin Patch in their quest for the Great Pumpkin. Although the Great Pumpkin was nowhere to be found, 17 blind and low vision youth had a blast searching high and low, through hay tunnels, in and around trackers, in hopes of finding the perfect pumpkin.  After a day of Hayrides and pumpkin pursuits, the group traveled back to the LightHouse for a fun afternoon of pumpkin carving and Halloween treats.

Rafting in the Rain
LightHouse Youth Program participants headed out to Lotus, California for a day of rafting on the south fork of the American River. Despite inclement weather, experienced rafters and intrepid first-timers alike still enjoyed an exciting and adventurous day on the river.

Giant Steps Horseback Riding Trip
Lighthouse Youth Program recently took a trip to the Giants Step Therapeutic Riding Center in Petaluma for an enjoyable and educational afternoon of horseback riding. Before mounting their saddles, each blind and low vision youth was taught how to groom and tack their horse.

Karaoke Night
LightHouse Youth Program’s first Karaoke Night was a huge success as future blind and low vision pop stars came out on a Friday night to show off their musical talent. The group enjoyed a festive evening of food, friends, music, and laughter as they crooned, cried, and cringed through a hilarious playlist.Youth Program Participant Katie Austin learning how to get on a horse properlySergio Lopez and Eduardo Mendez duet during Karaoke Night at the LightHouse

Raft full of Youth Program Participants celebrating a successful rapid run

LightHouse News

Joyce Cid, Blind Camper, Throws Fabulous Fundraiser for Enchanted Hills

Last month long time camper and client of Enchanted Hills Camp, Joyce Cid, hosted V.I.B.E.S., another fabulous fundraiser in Martinez. With the help of the Ruby Red Girls, Joyce Cid raised $4,000 for next year’s Enchanted Hills Camp Youth sessions.

Over a decade ago Joyce experienced the magic of Enchanted Hills Camp. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to raise money so that blind youth and adults could experience the magic too. This year was no different. Held at Armando’s, in Martinez, over 50 people spent their afternoon mixing and mingling, bidding on auction items and baskets, enjoying the musical talents of the California School for the Blind All-Star Band and contributing in small and large ways to sending youth to Enchanted Hills Camp this coming summer. The afternoon benefit was to raise money for the youth sessions at camp this summer. Joyce Cid speaks to the crowd at her fundraiser for Enchanted Hills Camp

Many, many thanks to Joyce and the Ruby Red Girls for their dedication and pizazz. They sure know how to put on a party! Click here if you would like to donate to support Enchanted Hills.

LightHouse News

Cable Car Ride and Museum Tour on November 23

1 Commenton Cable Car Ride and Museum Tour on November 23

Join the LightHouse for the Blind Youth Program on our next adventure. We will be traversing some of San Francisco’s most epic hills and unique neighborhoods via Cable Car as we make our way to the historic Cable Car Museum. At the museum, participants will learn about the history of cable cars and how they work. The Cable Car Museum houses an extensive collection of historic cable cars, photographs, mechanical displays and other cable car memorabilia.Powell and Market Cable Car

The Lighthouse Youth Program will meet at the Cable Car turntable located at the Powell and Market Street intersection near the Powell Street Transit Station at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23rd. Once gathered, we will board a Cable Car and travel to the Cable Car Museum located in the historic Cable Car Barn & Powerhouse. After visiting the museum, we’ll return to the Powell Street Transit Station by 4:00 p.m.

For more information or to RSVP for this event, please contact Jamey Gump, Youth Services Coordinator, at (415) 694-7372 or by email at jgump@lighthouse-sf.org.

Who: Blind and Low Vision Youth Ages 8-18
What: Cable Car Ride and Tour of the Cable Car Museum
When:  November 23rd from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Cable Car Ticket Stand above the Powell Street Transit Station
Transportation: We will be using the San Francisco Cable Car system to get from the Powell Street Transit Station to the Cable Car Museum and back.
Cost:  The Cable Car Museum is free. The Cable Car ride is free to participants with a monthly Muni pass.  Participants without a monthly Muni pass will need to bring $12.00 in cash for the Cable Car ride to and from the museum.
Waiver: A LightHouse Liability Waiver Form must be filled out and submitted for each participant, if not done so already.

Space is limited to 10 participants. Please register by November 20th! Snacks provided.

Things to Bring:
Bottle of water
Hat or visor
Cane or other necessary adaptive device
Jacket or hoodie
Signed waiver