Every summer, families and educators across Michigan look for opportunities to help students who are blind or low vision (BLV) continue growing, exploring, and building confidence. Michigan’s statewide summer programs are designed with exactly those goals in mind—offering hands-on learning, accessible recreation, and meaningful social connections in supportive environments. Programs give students an opportunity to strengthen important skills, try new activities, develop greater independence, and foster career-readiness skills. Together, these summer experiences help students discover what’s possible both in and out of the classroom.
In Greenville, Camp Tuhsmeheta will host summer programs in late June through the end of August. Come explore the beautiful, wooded, 300-acre camp and test your skills at the Outdoor Adventure Camp. You won’t want to miss the excitement! Show off your artistic creations at Fine Arts Camp and revel in the memories of days gone by at the Camp T Alumni Picnic. For more information, visit Camp Tuhsmeheta Events, call 616-835-9059, or email [email protected].
At Camp Optimist in Grand Rapids, Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind will offer multiple camps from mid-June through the end of July. Join them for Cooking and Serving Camp, Discovery Science – Your Senses Camp, Family Day, Mini Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Camp, an Adventure Trip to kayak the Mississippi River, Bicycle Camp, and Arts Camp. Contact OUB 989-255-2430 or [email protected].
In Lapeer, Lions Bear Lake Camp will offer a Blind and Visually Impaired Family Camp over the July 4 weekend, followed by a Blind and Visually Impaired Youth Camp. The youth camp is available for ages 6-16 and offers camping, challenge courses, a zipline, arts and crafts, and more. For more information, contact Lions Bear Lake Camp at 810-245-0726 or [email protected].
Leader Dogs for the Blind will host a camp for students ages 16-17. Attendees will explore and connect with peers. Teen Camp will take place June 21–27, 2026. They will also offer Teen Orientation and Mobility. For more information, call 888-777-5332 and ask to speak with a client services representative.
The National Federation of the Blind will host its Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning® (NFB BELL) Academy July 26–30 at Camp Tushmeheta. This program helps children who are BLV enhance their braille skills and independence. For more information, contact Donna Posont at 313-220-8140 or [email protected].
In Grand Rapids, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will host Summer in the City, a seven-week program running June 22 – August 14 that is focused on work readiness training, independent living skills, and orientation and mobility skills. The Summer in the City model will include virtual meetings, a student-led life skills project, and a work intensive at Biz Town. Students must be connected with the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons to qualify for the program. Email [email protected] for more information.
The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) offers several programs for students ages 14 and older, including:
- Pathways to Possibilities, a two-day introduction to blindness training skills, adaptive techniques, and available services.
- Post-Secondary Assessment, a two-week evaluation of students’ readiness for college through assessments in technology, mobility, academics, and daily living skills.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine (STEMM) Camp, a five-day program that provides hands-on experiences in 3D printing, astronomy, chemistry, and engineering, and includes CPR and first aid certification with partners such as NASA and Western Michigan University.
- Workplace Readiness Training, offering up to six weeks of intensive instruction in independent living, employment skills, and assistive technology with full-day classes and structured activities.
- Practice Adulting, a two-week program focused on employment preparedness, financial literacy, self-advocacy, and daily living skills through paid work experiences, simulations, and classroom instruction.
Whether you are ready to learn more about braille, practice your independent living skills, test your climbing skills, show off your artwork, or develop your career readiness skills, there is something for you. Plus, summer is an ideal time to make and reconnect with friends around the state. Michigan has so much to offer, and we encourage you to join in the adventures!