Brody's enthusiasm for the Michigan Blind Athletic Association (MBAA) Sports Education Camp is obvious when he recalls his favorite moments, highlighting the team building activities and his passion for goalball. Having prior experience with the goalball, Brody values the collaborative spirit and companionship fostered through team-based challenges.

The camp helped Brody understand the importance of teamwork and problem solving. He was able to seamlessly integrate these skills into his day-to-day life, demonstrating the hands-on relevance and long-lasting impact of the program.

With genuine endorsement, Brody encourages others to take the opportunity to attend Sports Education Camp, describing it as "very fun." His recommendation serves as a testament to not only what can be learned in the program, but also the friends you can make and the enjoyment you gain from attending!

From fostering teamwork to honing practical skills, the MBAA Sports Education Camp promises participants a journey of growth, friendship, and diversion. There's no better time to seize the opportunity and begin an unforgettable adventure at Sports Camp! Contact your BSBP counselor to be referred. 

Tue. May 14 – Fri. May 17, 2024

Sports Education Camp, a Michigan Blind Athletic Association (MBAA) facilitated program, will be at Western Michigan University May 14-17. This is a four-day, three-night highly interactive camp experience facilitated by staff in the field of Vision Rehabilitation, certified trainers, and Paralympians!

This opportunity is for BSBP students who are 14-18 years old. Interested in attending? Contact your BSBP counselor to be referred!

Sun. June 23 – Sat. June 29, 2024

This free program combines fun activities with exploring mobility options like guide dog travel, discovering leadership skills, and building friendships with peers facing similar challenges.

Campers receive a free HumanWare GPS to help increase their travel independence. They also are given the opportunity to learn about living and working with a guide dog.

Must be 16 or 17 years old. Apply by Friday, April 5 on the Leader Dogs for the Blind Teen Summer Camp page.

Fri. Aug. 9 – Wed. Aug.14, 2024

Get ready for a weeklong exhilarating deep dive into career exploration and how a Guide Dog fits into your future employment this August! Discover a variety of career options you may not have considered, the value of networking for both work and greater independence, compare mobility possibilities for travel to and from work and while on the job, vocational and employment resources and mentorship, and unique hands-on experiences with dogs. There will be ample time to connect with one another and make new friends and to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

“Careers & Canine Connections” will be held August 9-14, 2024, for transition-age young adults ages 18-24 who are blind or have low vision. The program will be held at the Hull Foundation & Learning Center in Sandy, Oregon which is seven miles from our Oregon Guide Dogs for the Blind’s training campus.

Please visit the Careers & Canine Connections page where you will find the 2024 Participant Application form! The deadline to submit your application has been extended to May 1, 2024. Be sure to apply early as summer programs are popular and fill up quickly.

This week of excitement, learning and personal growth is an innovative collaboration between Guide Dogs for the Blind and APH Career Connect.

The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center (BSBPTC) is excited to provide many opportunities for training and learning in Summer 2024. Programming will take place between June 9, 2024, and August 11, 2024.

The summer programming will be split into three different summer sessions. Within these three summer sessions you can be registered for Workplace Readiness (WR), Post-Secondary Readiness Program (PSRP), Introduction to Workplace Readiness (Intro to WR), or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program. All programs will take place at the BSBPTC where students will reside in single occupancy dorm rooms.

Summer Session 1 

• WR: June 9-28
• PSRP 1: June 16-28

Summer Session 2

• WR: July 7-26 with an integrated 1-week financial literacy component
• PSRP 2: July 7-19
• Intro to WR: July 21-25
• STEM: July 21-26

Summer Session 3

• WR June 28-August 11 with an integrated Culinary component

Learn more about these programs and how to enroll at Michigan.gov/BSBPTC. 

Karyn Hill is a true professional who combines her substantial knowledge gleaned from many years of service and love of counseling to provide outstanding assistance by meeting her clients where they are and helping them fulfill their goals.

Even when Karyn began her journey as a vision loss counselor, she knew she had a passion for students and their individual needs. Despite the fact her work can be challenging, Karyn loves what she does – in essence, her career is dedicated to the potential of others. With the help of BSBP counselors and work-based learning and work readiness training, Karyn honestly believes everyone has the capacity to fulfill their goals and ambitions if they have the necessary tools and support to achieve them.

Amidst numerous success stories, one stands out in Karyn’s line of work—the transformation of a survivor of abuse and depression who found renewed purpose and employment through BSBP's assistance. This experience not only profoundly impacted Karen (she says the case makes her smile every time she thinks of it), but also demonstrated the life-changing impact of her career.

Whether addressing students or new staff, her message remains consistent: prioritize individual voices and needs. For students, it's about empowering them to steer their own course. When starting services, she suggests that students identify and hold onto “their ship” – symbolizing that even though there are numerous adults who make decisions for them, teens and young adults have a voice and are allowed to have dreams, interests and needs.

For staff, it's a reminder to approach their role with empathy and a commitment to serving others. Simply put, Karyn advises, patience, understanding and genuine interest lay the foundation for any good relationship.

Through personalized support, active listening, and unwavering dedication, Karyn Hill continues to make a profound difference in countless lives. Thank you for 25 years of service!

Do you have an awesome BSBP counselor who goes above and beyond to help you (or your child) achieve your goals? Well now you can tell the world about them😊! 

We would love to feature your counselor in one of our upcoming monthly newsletters! Complete your quick and easy nomination at https://forms.gle/i2EkPg72Z6927xEd8.