Junior Blind's Camp Bloomfield provides children and youth who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled with a natural and safe environment to develop self-esteem, build independence and fully experience the joys of the great outdoors. Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu, this 40-acre campground offers various week-long camp sessions for children of all ages and disabilities. The largest of its kind in the Western United States, Camp Bloomfield serves hundreds of campers free of charge each summer and is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA).
Who We Serve
Camp Bloomfield's sessions are specially designed to meet the needs of children who are blind, visually impaired or multi-disabled, and their families (Please see below for specific camp sessions).
Our Staff
Camp Bloomfield's dedicated staff is made up of 40 camp counselors who come from all over the world to work with our children. Our counselors undergo a week of intensive training to ensure they are fully equipped to meet our campers' needs and provide them with the most enriching experiences possible. Additionally, a registered nurse is onsite at all times.
Program Features:
- Horseback riding
- Swimming and beach days
- Archery
- Campfires
- Track and field
- Fishing and hiking
- Climbing and high ropes courses
- Arts and crafts
- Music
- Sea kayaking
- Nature/hiking trails
- Martial arts
Service Areas
Camp Bloomfield provides residential camp experiences for young people from California and the United States, including Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. It provides an environment where children can participate and succeed, learn teamwork, develop decision-making skills, gain independence and return to a sighted world with a greater sense of confidence in their own abilities.
2013 Camp Sessions
FAMLY CAMP
All Ages
Session 1: June 22-June 26, 2013 (Saturday-Wednesday)
Session 2: August 18 – 22, 2013 (Sunday-Thursday)
Family Camp allows families with a member who is blind or visually impaired to enjoy traditional camp activities and meet other families experiencing similar circumstances. Parents will have the opportunity to sign up for a "A Night Out to Santa Monica Promenade," while the children enjoy evening programming at camp.
SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND CAMP
9th-12th Grade
June 29 – July 4, 2013 (Sunday-Thursday)
School for the Blind Camp is designed to offer students who are blind or visually impaired an opportunity to travel to Malibu with their classmates and meet other students from neighboring states. Campers will experience traditional camp activities including rock climbing, swimming and horseback riding, in addition to exploring the Los Angeles area with outing to special theme park attraction.
GOALBALL TRAINING CAMP
6th-12th Grade
July 8-July 13, 2013 (Monday-Saturday)
Goalball Training Camp teaches campers who are legally blind how to play goalball, an exciting team sport for the blind and visually impaired. Campers will learn teamwork, playing by the rules and sportsmanship. Training clinics will prepare campers to play offense or defense on a goalball team. No experience is necessary and all skill levels are welcome.
Campers will be encouraged, but not required, to participate in the Goalball Tournament at the end of the session. Players will receive uniforms, participate in a team picture and experience the thrill of a team sport. Tournament winners will take home a gold medal.
Junior Blind abides by Goalball rules established by the International Blind Sports Association. Referees at Goalball Camp are level one certified through the International Referees Program.
ELEMENTARY/JUNIOR CAMP
2nd-8th Grade
July 17-July 21, 2013 (Wednesday-Sunday)
Elementary/Junior Camp offers school-age children the opportunity to explore the outdoors, build their self-esteem and make lifelong friends in a safe environment. Campers will participate in traditional camp activities, dances, picnic games, field trips, and more. Campers who are blind or visually impaired may invite a sighted buddy of the same gender whose age is within one year of the camper. Adaptive activities are integrated into the program as an additional educational experience for sighted buddies.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CAMP
2nd-12th Grade
July 24-July 28, 2013 (Wednesday-Sunday)
Youth Development Camp promotes healthy living, eating and exercise habits through sports and physical activity. Campers will be immersed in the world of Paralympic sports, including Goalball, judo, wrestling and tandem cycling, while also learning about fitness, weight control and other related topics. Campers who are blind or visually impaired may invite a sighted buddy of the same gender whose age is within one year of the camper. Adaptive activities are integrated into the program as an additional educational experience for sighted buddies.
Partnerships: United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA)
COMMUNITY CAMP/TLC
All Ages
July 31-August 3, 2013
Wednesday, July 31, 2013: ASEP Day
Thursday, August 1, 2013: CRP Day
Friday, August 2, 2013: SES Day
ACTIVE ADULT CAMP (Adult Camp)
Ages 18+
August 7-August 10, 2013 (Wednesday-Saturday)
Active Adult Camp offers adults 18 years or older who are blind or visually impaired the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activities, including hiking, swimming, horseback riding, tandem cycling, and rock climbing while making new friends and enjoying social outings like a "A Night Out to Santa Monica Promenade." Campers will be assigned to cabins according to gender.
LEISURE ADULT CAMP (Adult Camp)
Ages 18+
August 13-August 16, 2013 (Tuesday-Friday)
Leisure Adult Camp offers adults 18 years or older who are blind or visually impaired the opportunity to participate in traditional camp activities, including campfire, talent show, Bingo tournament, and light exercise, while making new friends and enjoying social outings like a "A Night Out to Santa Monica Promenade." Campers will be assigned to cabins according to gender.
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