When programs for students who are blind/low vision (BLV) or deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) are not in session, Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) welcomes K–12, education-based youth groups to enjoy its natural beauty and programming opportunities. Opening the camp to external groups allows more students to benefit from Camp T’s educational environment. To host these outside groups, Camp T’s staff works closely with group leaders to ensure a smooth and well-planned visit.
Planning for an external group starts in advance with on-site visits, phone calls, and emails. Each group is required to submit a schedule ahead of time to confirm their stay. Day and overnight visits are available, and groups have the option to rent lodges, explore wooded trails, and enjoy access to outdoor spaces. While visiting groups are responsible for planning, preparing, and supervising their own programming, Camp T staff are available on-site to greet them, assist when needed, and lead high-adventure activities such as the climbing tower, archery, and the challenge course. These activities are offered at an additional cost and must be led by certified staff. Meal service can also be arranged through Greenville Public Schools, Camp T’s food service partner.
Over the years, a variety of groups have visited Camp T. For example, scout troops have worked toward badges and practiced wilderness skills, while other groups have explored how individuals with different abilities adapt to participate in recreation. Some visiting groups focus on outdoor recreation skills while others simply focus on team building and developing a sense of community within their group.
Several school programs serving students who are BLV or DHH have also planned their own visits. These visits often focus on independent living skills, such as cooking and gardening, as well as recreation skills such as archery, and goalball. For many students, these group experiences serve as their introduction to Camp T—and they often return on a regular basis.
A recent example of a successful group visit took place earlier this month, when Kent Intermediate School District (ISD) brought a group of students to Camp T for the day. Students navigated the challenge course, scaled the climbing tower, fished off the dock, canoed the lake, and enjoyed s’mores by the campfire. Goalball was a highlight, and a few students asked to take a photo with goalball Paralympian and Camp T Consultant Tyler Merren. Fishing was also popular, as it was many students’ first time. Students explored the slippery skin of the fish they caught and had lots of questions about curious turtles at the dock.
Throughout the day, Camp T staff noticed strong leadership skills in action, especially on the challenge course. It was a fantastic day, and Camp T staff looks forward to seeing many of the students again at summer events.
Visiting Groups
BLV Groups
- Birding by Ear and Beyond
- Gratiot-Isabella Regional Educational Service District (Mr. Daryl’s Summer School Group)
- Bureau of Services for Blind Persons First Stay Away Program and Project Transition Outdoor Program (Project TOP)
- Kent Intermediate School District (ISD)
- Ottawa ISD
- Western Michigan University
DHH Groups
- Camp Chris Williams
- Allegan Area Educational Service Agency
- Ottawa Area ISD
- Michigan School Professionals for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Michigan Hands & Voices
- 4-H Clubs
Youth Education Groups
- Girl Scouts
- Scouts of America
- Soaring Above Teen Center
- East Grand Rapids School District
- North Godwin Elementary
- Flat River Academy
- Highlands Middle School
Youth Education Training/Tours
- Camp Greenwood
- Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education
- Michigan Association for Outdoor and Environmental Education
About Camp T
Camp T is operated by the Michigan Department of Education Resource for Blind Low Vision (RBLV) and Resource for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (RDHH). The camp is located on Flannigan Lake at the western edge of the Morgan Mills chain of lakes in Greenville. Its primary focus is to serve students who are BLV and/or DHH.