A Loss of Sight, Never A Loss of Vision!
Children with visual impairments have been shown to have lower levels of health-related physical fitness than their peers. Camp Abilities Tucson strives to support enjoyment, independence, and self-determination through sport and physical activity.
Beep Baseball
A coach gives instruction in batting off a tee.
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Beep Baseball is a sport for athletes who are blind or visually impaired. To score, the offense has to reach a base before one of the 6 outfielders retrieve the ball. Camp Abilities Tucson instructs athletes in hitting, base running, and fielding, as well as general techniques and strategies of the game.
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An athlete runs to the base with her arms outstretched.
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Swimming
Athletes receive instruction from their coaches in the pool.
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Every day at camp, we jump in the pool to cool off, relax, and develop our swim skills. At Camp Abilities Tucson, we train all our athletes, from beginner swimmers to advanced swimmers. Our goal is to help athletes build endurance while also developing their stroke skills. |
Strength Training
An athlete and coach use resistance bands during a lesson.
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Strength training is a lifetime physical activity that contributes to success in other sports, as well as muscular strength and endurance. Athletes learn proper form to deadlift a bar, throw medicine balls, perform squats, and use other types of fitness equipment. |
A coach and athlete feel a weight bar during instruction.
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Blind Soccer
A coach sets up an auditory ball for an athlete to kick.
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Blind soccer is played with five players per team, including a sighted goalie. In this game, all participants except the goalies must wear eye shades. The goalies may also help with giving simple and direct instructions to their teammates on the field.
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An athlete and coach practice attacking and defending the ball.
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Goalball
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Goalball is a sport designed for blind athletes. The sport is played 3v3 on a court marked out with taped rope and a goal at each end. The objective of the game is to roll an auditory 12-inch ball across the 18 meter court past the opposing team. The opposing team uses their bodies to block the ball and roll it back attempting to score. Goalball encourages athletes to use their orientation and sensory efficiency skills, as well as work as a team.
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An athlete winds up to throw a goalball.
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Horseback Riding
A coach gives instruction to an athlete who is shooting a bow and arrow.
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Camp Abilities Tucson takes a trip to the ranch during camp, due to the generous support of the Foreseeable Future Foundation. At the ranch, we go for a trail ride, and have also participated in archery, shooting (bb guns), horse care, and leatherworking.
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An athlete on horseback holds up his hand in the "I love you" sign.
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Golf
An athlete works on driving the ball while a coach gives feedback.
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Camp Abilities Tucson takes an annual trip to the First Tee of Tucson. Golf at camp includes instruction in driving, putting, and chipping techniques, as well as general knowledge of the game.
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A coach teaches an athlete how to put a tee in the ground.
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Hiking
Athletes walk on campus with the All Terrain Cane.
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Coaches and athletes pose at the top of Tumamoc.
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Athletics
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At camp, we participate in aspects of athletics including running and field events. Running events include learning to use a guide runner during both track and cross-country. During the throwing activities at camp, athletes have exposure to shot put and discus. For more information about guide running, check out Guide Running: A Primer for Educators and Coaches, an article written by our leadership team.
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Tandem Biking
A pilot and stoker ride around the track on a tandem bike.
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Some years at camp, tandem cycling is a daily sport at camp. At Camp Abilities Tucson, we coach athletes on how to be a "stoker", the rider on the back of a tandem bike, and work as a team with their pilot. We offer a variety of racing style and developmental tandem bikes.
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Basketball
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While not a traditional blind sport, basketball is often played in PE class, at recess, and in the community. Some years at camp, we teach elements of basketball including shooting, dribbling, passing, defense, and game play using auditory balls and hoops. |
Athletes and coaches play in a basketball game.
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Team Building
Being an athlete is about more than just playing sports; it is about working as a team. At Camp Abilities Tucson, athletes and coaches learn to be members of a team to play, compete, and work towards a common goal.
Coaches and athletes cheer on their teams during Color Wars
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Coaches and athletes form a conga line while the Accordion Club of Tucson plays.
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Athletes high five after a game of beep baseball.
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