Lighthouse Summer Camps 2025
The Lighthouse will offer two in-person camps this summer. Both camps start at 2:00 PM on the beginning Sunday and run through noon on the following Sunday. We would love to work with you to develop more capability, more confidence, and expand your community of connection and friends. You will learn, improve and have fun while experiencing beautiful Duluth in the summertime!
Below are the camp descriptions and dates. The preferred application deadline is the date by which we would prefer applications so that we can ensure a spot for you and plan for your particular needs and goals. We will accept applications after that date with no guarantee that we can accommodate you.
Come Sail Away!
Sunday, July 6 - Sunday, July 13
(Preferred application date: Monday, May 26)
Limited to 12 participants
Our transition program manager’s first interaction with someone who was blind was back in 1978 during his freshman year in college. He volunteered to read to someone who was blind and it turned out that person was a sailor preparing for a sailing exam and a solo trip across the Atlantic Ocean! Now 46 years later our manager is part of offering this camp to you. How fun is that?
On Monday through Friday of this camp week, you will learn to sail. You will learn from trained volunteers with Duluth Sailing, in conjunction with the U.S. Blind Sailing Association, and also supported by Lighthouse staff on site. With the Lighthouse participation, you will learn sailing and you will also learn how to apply what you learn to your larger use of O&M and other living skills. Some of the benefits of learning to sail include the following:
Increased awareness of your environment
Improved body awareness
Improved fine motor skills
Increased self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment
Improved teamwork, communication skills and problem solving skills
Social interaction and connection with others
Developing independence, responsibility, and resilience
Having enjoyment and fun!
Let’s be clear: you’re not sailing across Lake Superior. You will be in the calm safety of the Duluth harbor while developing yourself, connecting with others, and having a really neat experience you don’t get every day. The program will be adapted to your comfort level and ability. We want to make sure anyone can take part and have a great week.
When you are not sailing, you will be doing some travel to develop your O&M skills, preparing meals to develop your independent living skills, and learning a bit about the soft-skills of communication, teamwork and problem-solving. You will also spend some time exploring Duluth, Minnesota’s jewel of the north!
Don’t let this camp sail by you. We know at the end of the week you’ll head home and say, “I’m really glad I didn’t miss this camp!”
O&M, TDL & TKD: Oh, My!
Sunday, July 27 – Sunday, August 3
(Preferred application date: Monday, June 2)
Limited to 12 participants
You know O&M is Orientation & Mobility. And TDL is Techniques of Daily Living. And, then there is TKD: Tae Kwon Do, the Korean marital art. This camp will feature a daily Taekwondo class and, at the end of the camp, an optional mini-promotion test. If Taekwondo really isn’t your jam, give it a shot; we’re pretty good at helping make sure you’ll find it fun and fulfilling. Our focus will be on practical self-defense and learning about personal safety that can serve you in your independent living. We will give you a uniform to wear so you really feel in the game.
Classes will be taught by a certified fifth-degree black belt master instructor. The camp will also feature integrating the five tenets of Taekwondo into our week, guidelines that can be used for learning, work and all of life.
All camp sessions in O&M, TDL, technology, self-advocacy, and other areas will use a fun belt-promotion system to help motivate you in your learning throughout the week. Examples of how you might integrate your exploration of Taekwondo include the following:
• O&M travel will lead us to find martial arts schools and the YMCA
• TDL will include exploring a couple of Korean-themed food dishes that everyone can enjoy
• Washing and folding your taekwondo uniform, as well as other clothes.
• Using and improving your technology skills as you integrate learning about Korean culture and society.
• Explore how you might apply the tenets of Taekwondo to successful self-advocacy, college, work and even family.
• Not only learning O&M skills but also learning some Ohm skills (Ohm, as in mediation). That means we’ll explore a bit of science-based mindfulness, relaxation and focus techniques.
• Finally, we plan to connect you with one or more blind martial artists to learn about their martial arts and life experiences.
• You will finish the week feeling happy, more capable, and accomplished!
Come earn your next belts in O&M, TDL and Taekwondo!