VISIONS VCB - Vacation Camp for the Blind

VCB is a therapeutic recreation and vision rehabilitation program for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.
email: VCB@visionsvcb.org.

Programs Funded in part by New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and the New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped.

WHAT IS VCB?
VCB is owned and operated by VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a not-for-profit social service and vision rehabilitation agency serving blind youth, adults, elders and blind children with their parents.

Located on 35 acres in Rockland County, New York, VCB was incorporated in 1926.
VCB has grown to be one of the largest and most comprehensive residential respite, recreation and rehabilitation facilities of its kind in the United States. Each year, VCB serves nearly 600 people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired and their families.

The unique guide rail system and adapted facilities and equipment enable participants to independently access a wide variety of activities.

WHAT DOES VCB OFFER?
Vision Rehabilitation, Vocational and Educational Programs: Braille classes, computers with large print and voice output, support groups, discussions, mobility lessons, cooking classes, personal and home management training, large print and Braille books, Speakers bureau on topics of interest for people with vision loss, pre-vocational and work experience training.

Sports: Swimming, pedal boating, baseball, shuffleboard, bowling, tandem bikes, bocce, goal ball, fitness.

Arts: Crafts, pottery, drama, music, dance.

Entertainment: Guest performances, talent shows, sing-alongs, narrated movies.

Special Features: A private five acre lake, a ramped heated swimming pool, self guided nature trail, gym, library, recreation lounges, children's playgrounds, adapted computer center, rehabilitation training kitchen, concession stand operated by blind youth, family services.

WHAT ARE VCB'S SPECIAL PROGRAMS?
Youth
Pre vocational training programs enable blind or partially sighted young adults age 14 and older to explore careers and enter the world of work.

Active, Independent Adults
VCB's general session offers education, vision rehabilitation and therapeutic recreation programs for blind adults age 18 years and over.

Employment and Technology Institutes: a new program offered for blind youth and adults, entering, re-entering or advancing in the workplace.

Seniors
VCB's specially designed facility allows older adults freedom of movement and independence. Guide rails border every path and ramps lead to dormitories. For added safety, bathrooms are equipped with hand rails.

Families
Child care, group activities and specialized programs are available for blind and sighted children who attend with their parents. Grandparents who have guardianship or custody of their grandchildren are welcome to attend. Blind children and children with multiple disabilities may be served through sponsorship from NYS Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped or NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Parents (guardians) must attend with their children.

Special Needs
VCB provides respite for families caring for adults age 18 and older who have developmental disabilities in addition to their vision impairment, including: hearing impairments, physical impairments, and mental retardation.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Who can attend?
Any adult, 18+ years of age, with a severe vision problem, is welcome regardless of race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. Participants must be independent in personal care or may bring an attendant (if space is available). Families with children (where at least one family member is blind or visually impaired) are especially welcome.

Participants at VCB are not supervised by staff throughout their stay (except during our session geared to adults with developmental disabilities). Independent blind adults must be able to make appropriate decisions regarding choice of activities, acquaintances and their personal health and safety.

How long are the sessions?
Special youth programs are scheduled throughout the year.

VCB offers 4-12 day summer sessions and 3-4 day weekend retreats throughout the year.

Special sessions are available for individuals who are blind and physically or developmentally disabled who require additional assistance.

Accommodations
Participants reside in coed dormitories, primarily in double rooms with some single rooms available. Bathrooms are shared and are accessible in some cases to wheelchair users. Porches and lounges offer cozy spots to relax and enjoy each other's company.

Families enjoy VCB's family unit which includes: cottages, a toy filled playroom, two outdoor playgrounds, an adult lounge and laundry facilities. (There is no air conditioning in the dorms).

Medical Services
Nurses are available to administer medications and attend to emergency situations at camp. A nearby doctor is on call.

What does it cost?
VCB is free. Participant voluntary contributions are welcomed. Most campers contribute $11 per day which is equivalent to food costs at home OR $132 for a 12 day stay at VCB. Although the actual per person per day cost is $100.00, participants pay what they can afford. Participants may be eligible for scholarships from a variety of supporters.

Meals & Snacks
Participants eat tasty, nutritious meals family style. Counselors assist with serving each table where needed. Individual kosher meals, as well as a substitute food table and salad bar are available. Snacks are served at the evening program. A canteen concession stand operated by blind young adults sells snack foods and soft drinks throughout the day.

Rental Opportunities
VCB’s spacious, accessible setting is available for rental by not-for-profit groups throughout the year.

VCB 2007 – 2008 SCHEDULE
VCB Weekend Getaways:

October 19 – 21, 2007	3 days	“October Fest”	Open to All
November 9 - 12, 2007	4 days	“Fall Festival”	Open to All
January 18 - 21, 2008	4 days	“Winter Fun”	Open to All
February 15 – 18, 2008	4 days	“Warm & Cozy”	Open to All
Mar. 14 – Mar. 16, 2008	3 days	March into Spring”	Special Needs
April 18 – 20, 2008	3 days	“Walk-a-thon Fun”	Open to All
June 6 – 8, 2008	3 days	“Lion’s Work Day”	OMRDD Respite

Please click here for a printable version of the VCB weekend schedule.

Please click here for a printable version of the 2008 Staff Camp Dates.

VCB Summer Sessions 2008

ORIENTATION & STAFF TRAINING
Wed., June 18 - Wed., July 2

VISIONS Admin. Staff go to VCB June 18, 2008

Staff Needing O&M begin training on June 23, 2008

All Counselors begin training on June 24, 2008
(Tuesday, July 1, 2008 - All Staff Day Off from 5pm 6/30/08 to 5pm 7/1/08)

2008 SESSION DATES

Wednesday, July 2 - Sunday, July 6
Session A "Summer Blast" - 5 Days
Adults with Special Needs / OMRDD

Wednesday, July 9 - Sunday, July 20
Session B "Lazy Hazy Days" - 12 Days
Adults/Blind Parents with Families

Thursday, July 24 - Tuesday, July 29
Session C "Building Your Future, '08"
Independent Blind Adults
VISIONS Employment & Technology

Friday, August 1 - Thursday, August 7
Session D "Rehab & Rec" 7 Days
Blind, multi-disabled children w/ families (CBVH funded)

Sunday, August 10 - Saturday, August 16
Session E "Rehab & Rec" 7 Days
Blind, multi-disabled children w/ families (CBVH funded)

CAMP CLOSING
Saturday, August 16 -6:00 PM Program & Support Staff Depart
Sunday, August 17 - 10:00 AM Supervisors Depart

TENTATIVE:
MDA Staff will arrive at VCB on Monday, the 18th of August.
MDA kids will arrive on Tuesday, the 19th.
VCB Admin. Staff off as of Sunday, the 24th.

Lions/Volunteer
Work Days:
Saturday, October 20, 2007 – 10AM - 4PM
Saturday, June 7, 2008 – 10AM - 4PM

VCB Lions/Volunteer Recognition Family Day:
Sunday, August 3, 2008 – 11AM - 4:30 PM

Session A “Summer Blast” - 5 Days
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 – Sunday, July 6, 2008
Adults with Special Needs / OMRDD

Session B “Lazy Hazy Days” - 12 Days
Wednesday, July 9, 2008 – Sunday, July 20, 2008
Adults/Blind Parents with Families
OMRDD Respite

Session C “Building Your Future, 2008” - VISIONS Employment and Technology Institute – 5 days
Thursday, July 24, 2008 – Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Independent Blind Adults

Session D “Rehab & Rec” 7 Days
Friday, August 1, 2008 – Thursday, August 7, 2008
Blind, multidisabled children w/ families / CBVH

Session E “Rehab & Rec” 7 Days
Sunday, August 10, 2008 – Saturday, August 16, 2008
Blind, multidisabled children w/ families / CBVH

Work at VCB and Make a Difference This Summer!

Valuable practical experience with memories that last a lifetime!
All positions include room and board. Salaries listed below are for a full eight week summer season. Part-time positions are also available. No previous experience working with blind people is required. We provide training and professional supervision. Internships and cooperative education arrangements are available.

Available Summer Jobs and Internships:
1. Supervisor - Social work, teaching, recreation, camp or related experience is required. A Masters in social work, education, rehabilitation or recreation therapy are preferred. Supervisory or management experience a must. Spouses and children welcome. (24+ years). Salary is from $3,000 to $5,000+ depending on experience.

2. Nurse - Requires N.Y.S. R.N. Certification, Standard 1st Aid and CPR. Salary negotiable (Hourly wage, Part-time and Per Diem).

3. Dining Hall Manager - experience in food service delivery and supervision of dining hall and kitchen support staff (24+ years). Salary $3,000 +

4. Program Specialist / Artists in Residence - for Arts (Crafts, Music, Dance), Fitness (Sports, Waterfront), and Education (Computers, Nature) Rehabilitation and O&M. Qualifications include: experience in teaching special populations, and expertise in one or more program area. Supervisory experience is a plus. (21+ yrs). Salary negotiable (Full/Part time, or Per Diem).

5. Counselors – (Program Staff) Outgoing, warm, committed and interested in working with people of all ages who are blind. Leadership skills, maturity, enthusiasm, creativity and motivation a must. Counselors will also assist with the care of staff children on a rotating basis. (18+ yrs.). Salary range beginning at $1,000+.

6. Lifeguard - Must have current LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION, C.P.R. FOR THE PROFESSIONAL RESCUER, and STANDARD FIRST AID. Mature, responsible, and energetic. (18+ yrs). Salary negotiable (Full time/Per Diem/Hourly).

7. Driver - Must be 24+ years of age with van driving experience. Driving record is checked. Experience driving in New York City a plus. Salary negotiable (Full/Part time) $10 per hour.

8. Support Staff - Dining Hall, maintenance and housekeeping. Mature, Responsible and Energetic. Salary $1,000+ depending on experience. Ability to work as part of the team. Assignments include serving and clean up of meals, cleaning domitories, program areas and bathrooms, assisting with program activities. Must be flexible. (18+ years).
● Hours are long and work is strenuous.
● All staff must authorize a criminal background check.
● For application and additional information, contact:

VISIONS/VCB
500 Greenwich Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10013
1-212-625-1616
toll free 1-888-245-8333
e-mail: info@visionsvcb.org

VISIONS VCB is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Reasonable accommodations are made for people with disabilities.

The qualities we look for in applicants include: emotional maturity, initiative, sensitivity to others needs, commitment to offer service to others, creativity, and an ability to work as part of a diverse staff team under constructive supervision. The experience you gather at VISIONS VCB will remain with you throughout your professional and personal life.