Braille Monitor April 2007

NFB Camp: It's More Than Child's Play

by Carla McQuillan

Programs and Activities: During convention week children six weeks through ten years of age are invited to join in the fun and festivities of NFB Camp. NFB Camp offers more than just childcare; it is an opportunity for our blind and sighted children to meet and develop lifelong friendships. Our activity schedule is filled with games, crafts, and special performances designed to entertain, educate, and delight. If you are interested in this year�s program, please complete and return the registration form provided at the end of this article. Preregistration with payment on or before June 15, 2007, is required for staffing purposes. Space is limited, so get your registration in early.

About the Staff: NFB Camp is organized and supervised by Carla McQuillan, the executive director of Main Street Montessori Association, operating three schools, parent education courses, and a teacher-training program. Carla is the mother of two children and a longtime leader in the National Federation of the Blind.

Alison McQuillan�camp worker and teacher since 1998�will be our activities director again this year. Over the years we have recruited professional childcare workers from the local community to staff NFB Camp. Recently we have determined that recruiting from our Federation families results in workers with a constructive philosophy and healthy attitudes about our blind children. Carla and Alison will be supervising camp workers and all related activities.

Activities and Special Events: The children are divided into groups according to age: infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. Each room is equipped with a variety of age-appropriate toys, games, and books. Daily art projects will be prepared by Corrine Vieville, a member of the Oregon affiliate. In addition school-age children will have the opportunity to sign up for half-day trips to local area attractions. Some of the planned events include walks to Centennial Olympic Park to play in the fountain and a trip to the Coca-Cola Museum. Dates, times, additional fees, and sign-ups for field trips will be included in the registration packet. Space for special events is limited to enrolled NFB Campers only, on a first-come, first-served basis. On the final day of NFB Camp we will conduct a big toy sale�brand new toys at bargain prices.

Banquet Night: NFB Camp will be open during general convention sessions, division and committee meeting day, and the evening of the banquet. Plenty of teens are always available to babysit during evening and luncheon meetings. We will have a list of babysitters at the NFB Camp table at convention.

Please use the NFB Camp registration form.

NFB Camp Schedule

NFB Camp will be open during general convention sessions, division and committee meeting day, and the evening of the banquet. Times listed are the opening and closing times of NFB Camp. Children are not accepted earlier than the times listed, and a late fee of $10 will be assessed for all late pick-ups. NFB Camp provides morning and afternoon snacks. You are responsible to provide lunch for your children every day.

Date Hours

Saturday, June 30          8:30 a.m.�5:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 1              Camp is closed
Monday, July 2             8:30 a.m. � 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 3             9:30 a.m.�12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.�5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 4         8:30 a.m.�12:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 5            8:30 a.m.�12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.�5:30 p.m.
Banquet                        6:30 p.m.�30 minutes after closing
Friday, July 8                 8:30 a.m.�12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.�5:30 p.m.

These times may vary, depending on the timing of the actual convention sessions. NFB Camp will open thirty minutes before the beginning gavel and close thirty minutes after sessions recess.

NFB Camp Registration Form
Completed form and fees must be received on or before June 15, 2007.

Parent�s Name ____________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________

City _______________ State___________ Zip______ Phone _______________

Child(ren)�s Name(s)
________________________________Age______ Date of Birth___________

________________________________Age______ Date of Birth___________

Include description of any disabilities/allergies we should know about: _________

________________________________________________________________

Who, other than parents, is allowed to pick up your child(ren)? ______________

________________________________________________________________

Per Week: $90 first child, $60 siblings No. of Children______ $_________
(Does not include banquet)

Per Day: $20 per child per day No. of Days_____x $20 per child $_________
(Does not include banquet)

Banquet: $15 per child No. of Children ______ $_________

Total Due $_________

We understand that NFB Camp is being provided as a service by the NFB to make our convention more enjoyable for both parents and children. We will pick up children immediately following sessions. We understand that if our child(ren) does not follow the rules or if for any reason staff are unable to care for our child(ren), further access to childcare will be denied.

Parent�s Signature ___________________________________________ Date ______________

Make checks payable to NFB Camp. Return form to NFB Camp, 5005 Main Street, Springfield, Oregon 97478; phone (541) 726-6924.

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