We have compiled a comprehensive list of summer opportunities in Michigan for students who are blind or low vision (BLV). Some events are free, while others have registration fees. We hope your student can participate in one or more of these programs!
Products, services, and programs noted below are included for information only, and their inclusion should not be interpreted as a recommendation of the Michigan Department of Education Resource for Blind/Low Vision.
JUNE
Teen Orientation and Mobility Program
Dates: June 8-14, 2025
This Leader Dogs for the Blind program provides orientation and mobility (O&M) training for teens who have completed a year of high school and education for a supporter (typically a family member) to learn more about blindness, the skills used by their loved one, and how to help with O&M goals. Instruction can cover basic and advanced cane skills, as well as guide dog readiness.
Cooking and Serving Camp
Dates: June 15-20, 2025
This Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) event is for campers ages 10–17. Learn to cook exciting new foods and do a service project to help our community!
Outdoor Adventure Camp
Dates: June 22-25, 2025
Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) is offering a camp for students, ages 12-17, who are blind/low vision. Campers will experience many adventures at this three-night camp. Participants will have an opportunity to hike, practice archery, play sports, scale the climbing tower, swim, fish, create art, and enjoy campfires. Campers will also have the option to set up and stay in their own individual tents for a night.
Discovery Camp
Dates: June 22–27, 2025
This OUB program for campers ages 7–17 will offer activities on topics from architecture to zoology. Also available as a day camp.
College Prep Program
Dates: June 23 – August 15, 2025
This BSBP program is for individuals who are starting to prepare for college, whether they are a high school student or have already graduated. This is a pre-college opportunity to live in the dorms, take a transferrable college course, and complete a work experience over the summer. While attending Western Michigan University, participants will be guided by student mentors and professionals to prepare them for the future and help them become familiar with various resources and skills in a college setting, such as self-advocacy, orientation and mobility, accommodations, and more.
Raising Expectations, Accessing Life (REAL)
Dates: June 27-29, 2025
This National Federation of the Blind of Michigan program will occur at the Courtyard Detroit Dearborn. NFBMI REAL is a developmental program that works with children and students who are BLV holistically to support their growth and exploration of topics and opportunities that raise expectations of themselves, their families, and their educational community.
Bicycle Camp
Dates: June 30 – July 3, 2025
This OUB program is for campers ages 7–17. Arrive Monday morning and leave Thursday afternoon – four days of great biking experiences and self-defense classes! Also available as a day camp.
JULY
Lions Bear Lake Camp Open House
Date: July 12, 2025
This is a family-friendly event in which attendees will tour the camp and meet Lions Bear Lake Camp staff.
Visually Impaired and Blind Camp
Dates: July 13-19, 2025
This overnight camp is open to youth, ages 6–16, who are BLV. Activities include trail hikes, low ropes, climbing tower and zipline, team-building games, group bonding, bonfires, swimming, camp food, songs, crafts, and so much more.
Teen Orientation and Mobility Program
Dates: July 13-19, 2025
This Leader Dogs for the Blind program provides orientation and mobility (O&M) training for teens who have completed a year of high school and education for a supporter (typically a family member) to learn more about blindness, the skills used by their loved one, and how to help with O&M goals. Instruction can cover basic and advanced cane skills, as well as guide dog readiness.
Cooking and Jamming Camp
Dates: July 6–11, 2025
This OUB camp is for students ages 7–17. Cooking, music, and more! Exciting times in the world of food and art, or food as art!
Adventure Trip
Dates: July 15–24, 2025
This OUB program is for students ages 12–17. Participants will kayak to an island in Lake Superior and camp there for one night, weather permitting, while kayaking and exploring the area around Grand Island and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Alternative activities will be available for those who are not quite ready for the entire paddling experience, including waterfall hunting and hiking in the beautiful Pictured Rocks area. Accepting adventurous 11-year-olds!
Top Chef: Independent Living Skills Camp
Dates: July 17-19, 2025
The Michigan Department of Education Resource for Blind/Low Vision will offer a camp for middle and high school students, ages 11-17, who are BLV. We will be creating sweet bread, paninis, pastries, veggie pizza, shepherd’s pie, and a Mediterranean couscous bowl! Learn how to cut and peel veggies, grill a sandwich, brown meat, and prepare fun food fit for serving guests! Families are invited to join us on Saturday night to enjoy dinner with their Top Chefs before heading home!
Water Wonders
Date: July 26-27, 2025
Camp T is offering a camp for students, ages 6-11, who are BLV. We will explore all the wonderful things we can do with water, including swimming, boating, fishing, and exciting water games. We will also spend some time in Camp T’s new Sassafras Science and Nature Center, participating in fun science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities involving water and the fascinating creatures who live there.
AUGUST
Teen Orientation and Mobility Program
Dates: August 10-16, 2025
This Leader Dogs for the Blind program provides orientation and mobility (O&M) training for teens who have completed a year of high school and education for a supporter (typically a family member) to learn more about blindness, the skills used by their loved one, and how to help with O&M goals. Instruction can cover basic and advanced cane skills, as well as guide dog readiness.