NFB Camp: It’s More Than Child’s Play

NFB Camp: It’s More Than Child’s Play

Braille Monitor
April 2009

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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, 2009, 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. In recent years we have determined that recruiting from our Federation families results in workers with proper philosophy and 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. In addition, school-aged children will have the opportunity to sign up for half-day trips to local area attractions. Some of the planned events include excursions to the River Walk to play in the park and a large group trip to Bouncin’ Kids. 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 to reserve your child’s space.

Division Day Field Trip, Bouncin’ Kids
On Sunday afternoon, July 5, children ages five to ten are invited to experience Bouncin’ Kids. This gymnasium-like facility features dozens of inflatable structures for sliding, bouncing, and general romping. The $25 fee includes transportation, a camp t-shirt, admission, and an ice cream treat. In addition to the extra staff available at the facility, we will be bringing some of our own staff to supervise the event. Because we are limited on space, our regular NFB Camp attendees will have priority for participation on this field trip. All registration will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so get your paperwork in early.
NFB Camp Registration Form
For children six weeks through ten years
Completed form and fees must be received on or before June 15, 2009.
Parent’s Name ____________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
City ____________________________ State____________________ Zip__________
Home Phone __________________________ Cell Phone __________________________
Child(ren)’s Name(s)
________________________________ Age______ Date of Birth___________
________________________________ Age______ Date of Birth___________
________________________________ Age______ Date of Birth___________
Include description of any disabilities or allergies we should know about: _________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Who, other than parents, is allowed to pick up your child(ren)? ______________

________________________________________________________________
Per Week: $80 first child, $60 siblings No. of children______ $_________
(Does not include banquet)
Per Day: $20 per child per day No. of days_____ x $20/child $_________
(Does not include banquet)
Banquet: $15 per childNo. of children ______ $_________
Total due $_________
We understand that NFB Camp is being provided as a service 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 does not follow the rules or if for any reason staff is unable to care for our child, 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; (541) 726-6924.
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 NFB Camp Hours
Friday, July 3 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 4 Camp is closed
Sunday, July 5 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Monday, July 6 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 7 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 8 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
You are required to provide lunch for your child each day. 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.

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