Student Short Courses
MSB offers short course programs to students (1st-12th grade) during the summer to promote skill development in the nine areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum. During the summer, we provide 1-4 week intensive programs in specific academic and ECC skill areas. Our short courses are taught by highly trained and highly qualified MSB staff and staff from county vision programs around the state and other organizations that provide services to the blind and low vision population. Some of these programs may include a small charge. Short courses can be provided on the MSB campus or regionally.
Student Summer Programs
T.R.E.C.C.K. for Success Program
Summer courses focus on five ECC areas: technology skills, compensatory skills (braille and print literacy), independent living skills, recreation/leisure skills, and career education.
July 17th-21th, 2023, (Ages 6-15) T.R.E.C.C.K.: The 2023 TrECCk participants are stranded on a deserted island! Have you heard of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)? These are the concepts and skills that often require specialized instruction with students who are blind or low vision. Surely the ECC can teach us something about surviving life on the island. Maybe through the ECC we will even get some clues for how to escape…
M.I.S.L.E. SUMMER INSTITUTE
Mastering Independence Skills Through Living Experiences (MISLE) is a work-based, residential (M-F) program for students with visual impairments ages 16-21 years of age, explicitly designed to provide intensive instruction in the areas of the organization work experience, social skills, mobility and more. This program runs for four weeks each summer.
MSB Camp Abilities
Our mission at MSB Camp Abilities is to provide students from across the state (and neighboring states) with an authentic and educational opportunity to participate in various sports, health-enhancing activities, and social opportunities that they can continue after their week of camp. We vigorously promote independence and self-advocacy throughout the week and encourage them to socialize and develop a strong relationships with peers that will last a lifetime.
July 10th – 14th, 2023 (Ages 9-17) CAMP ABILITIES: An Overnight Sports Camp at MSB with fun experiences including Goalball, Judo, Beep Baseball, Track and Field, and much more! $200 (scholarships available)
MSB Camp Abilities at Lions Camp Merrick
A five-day overnight outdoor education camp held annually in July for youth ages 9-17 who are blind or low vision held at Lions Camp Merrick on the beautiful Potomac River in Nanjemoy, MD.
July 23rd – 27th, 2023, (Ages 9-17) CAMP MERRICK: An Overnight “real camping” adventure in Southern Maryland hosted by the Lions Club with MSB Staff Support! $TBD (scholarships available)
For more information on summer programs in general, contact Diane Colburn, Director of Statewide & Outreach Services at dcolburn@mdschblind.org