Lighthouse Summer Camps 2026
Build your skills. Grow your confidence. Connect with others.
Spend a week in beautiful Duluth developing independence while having an unforgettable summer experience.
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.
Each camp is limited to 12 participants, so apply early!
Kickstart Your Future with Taekwondo!
Sunday, June 7 – Sunday, June 14
Preferred application due date: Monday, May 4, 2026
This exciting and fun transition camp combines the energy of the Korean martial art of Taekwondo with the real-world independence skills students need for success in school, work, and independent living.
No prior martial arts experience is needed, just a willingness to try something new. Whether students already love martial arts or are trying something completely new, the camp is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and rewarding. You will feel confident and capable, guaranteed!
The Taekwondo experience includes:
Daily Taekwondo classes led by a certified 5th-degree black belt master instructor.
Optional achievement belt test at the end of the week.
A supportive, accessible environment for all skill levels.
Much more than martial arts:
Taekwondo becomes a framework for building the personal qualities that matter most in life. Throughout the week, you’ll explore the five tenets of Taekwondo and connect them directly to the soft skills needed for success in college, work, and independent living.
Courtesy
Integrity
Self-control
Perseverance
Indomitable spirit
Beyond the Taekwondo sessions, camp will include significant instruction and practice in independence skills:
Orientation & Mobility (O&M): Travel in the community and the use of public transportation to a variety of locations including fitness and recreation settings.
Techniques of Daily Living (TDL): Cooking, laundry, organization, hygiene, and money management.
Assistive Technology (AT): Learn more about your devices and how to use them effectively. You can even explore and learn more about Taekwondo, Korean culture, and related topics while learning about using your devices.
Special opportunities of the camp:
Connect with blind and low vision martial artists about their training, careers, and independence.
Explore more of Duluth with additional adaptive leisure options, such as goalball, sailing, and walking on the Lakewalk or beach by Lake Superior.
Leave the week feeling stronger, more capable, and ready for what’s next!
Charting Your Life Course
Sunday, July 5 – Sunday, July 12
Preferred application due date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Set your direction and take the helm of your future!
This unique camp blends independence training, life planning, soft skills, and a little bit of sailing (optional, though encouraged) into an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
During this camp you will experience a bit of actually learning how to sail in the calm, protected waters of the Duluth harbor with the help of Duluth Sailing, the U.S. Blind Sailing Association, and Lighthouse staff. Sailing will be adapted to your comfort level and ability. Beyond sailing, you will do significant training in orientation and mobility, techniques of daily living, and assistive technology to better prepare you for your future!
Through sailing you will gain:
Increased environmental and body awareness.
Stronger communication and teamwork.
An understanding of the importance of planning and preparation.
Social interaction and connection with others.
Greater independence and confidence.
A sense of accomplishment, and a lot of fun!
Beyond the water:
When you’re not sailing, you will do training in:
Orientation & Mobility (O&M): Using your long white cane to navigate throughout Duluth and gain confidence with street crossings and public transportation.
Techniques of Daily Living (TDL): Practice independent living skills through meal preparation, cooking, cleaning, organization, and daily routines.
Assistive Technology (AT): From low tech to high tech learning tools to help you with independent living and your future success.
Adaptive Leisure: Explore more of what Duluth has to offer with additional leisure activities to more fully experience beautiful Duluth. These may include Park Point Beach, Canal Park, outdoor music, and other activities like goalball and games!
Special opportunities of the camp:
- Navigation Chart Sessions (transition planning sessions) where you will begin to learn how to map your life course:
- Specify your starting coordinates: strengths, interests, supports and barriers.
- Set your route (goal setting): initial destination, capabilities, and circumstances.
- Learn to adjust course: flexibility, coping with changes and hazards, adapting to conditions.
- You will leave the week with your own Navigation Chart to guide you into your future!
- Real Captains, Real Stories
There will be guest speaker blocks featuring blind sailors who will share their experiences of growing up blind or losing their vision, building their independence, their school and career paths, and how sailing has helped shape them.
Chart your course, build your skills, and discover what you are capable of!