Junior Blind's Camp Bloomfield began in 1958, when Henry Bloomfield -- asignificant supporter of Junior Blind of America -- purchased the land tofulfill a promise to give children who are blind or visually impaired thecamp experience he believed every child deserved. Prior to that, thefoundation struggled with the lack of camps set up for children who wereblind.

"Camp Bloomfield is special because it is designed specifically to empowerchildren who are blind or visually impaired by enabling them to participatein camp activities they otherwise may not be able to," said Miki Jordan,president and CEO of Junior Blind of America. "To share these experienceswith their peers in a secure and supportive environment is key."

Building on Junior Blind's beliefs in the merits of recreation, the camphas since provided thousands of youth facing vision loss with access to afull range of physical and social activities to promote fitness, teamwork,friendships, self-esteem and independence. The only facility of its kind inSouthern California, Camp Bloomfield now serves more than 1,885 individualseach year and activities such as rock climbing, ropes courses, horsebackriding and archery give campers who are blind the opportunity to take partin fun, social and physical activities that are an important part of everychild's development.

"We want these young, talented individuals to grow up to be successfuladults," says Frank Cardenas, Director of Recreation at Junior Blind. "It'sour responsibility to make sure they have the skills."

In addition to paying a special tribute to the Bloomfield Family for theirgenerosity, this year's Summer Festival included a number of activities forchildren and adults designed to educate, enhance awareness and increasesensitivity toward those who are blind or visually impaired. Theseactivities included a mobile tide pool and marine life exhibit, games,archery and arts and crafts. More than 500 people who are blind or visuallyimpaired, family members, volunteers, sponsors, spectators and communityorganizations came out to support the organization and learn firsthandabout the world of blindness.

About Junior Blind of America

For more than 55 years, Junior Blind of America has been an innovativeleader in helping people of all ages who are blind, visually impaired ormulti-disabled achieve independence. Each year, Junior Blind of Americaprovides services to thousands of individuals and their families throughprograms that offer specialized methods of early-intervention therapy,education, rehabilitation and recreation. These life-changing programs aredesigned to empower infants, children, teens and adults to reach theirhighest level of independence and self-esteem. To learn more, please visitwww.juniorblind.org.

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