Weekends/Vacation Programs

Outreach Weekends/Vacation programs offer opportunities for travel and adventure that may not otherwise be available to students. Elementary students may travel by public transportation to explore Boston; teens may go on a whale watch during a nature trip to Cape Cod or students of all ages may participate in high-adventure activities such as white water rafting or rock climbing.

Each program is typically planned according to age groupings. In addition to offering basic skills training, physical activities, cooking and creative arts, many weekends have a specific theme or focus.

Download the 2010 Winter & Spring activities flyer and registration in English or Spanish.

Our Winter & Spring 2010 activities include:

January 29-31, 2010: Winter Sports Weekend at Loon Mountain

Perkins Campus & Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH: Students will spend Friday night on Perkins campus and then travel to Loon Mountain early Saturday morning for a weekend of winter sports activities with New England Disabled Sports, an organization that provides adaptive programs for individuals with disabilities. The group will stay at the Beacon Resort on Saturday evening, participate in additional sports activities on Sunday morning, and then return to Perkins on Sunday afternoon. ECC: Orientation & mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, use of assistive technology, sensory efficiency skills, self-determination. (Grades 8-12)

February 5-7, 2010: Be Smart, Be Safe Weekend

Perkins Campus: An important step for preparing for the future involves knowing how to keep yourself safe and understanding how to advocate for yourself. This weekend will introduce students to basic safety skills including medical safety, as well as tips and techniques for self-advocacy. Students will also explore their individual eye conditions and gain a better perceptive of the implications of their vision loss. ECC: Compensatory or functional academic skills, orientation & mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, use of assistive technology, sensory efficiency skills, self-determination. (Grades 4-7)

February 17-19, 2010: Winter Vacation Performing Arts Program (Wednesday-Friday)

Perkins Campus: Acting, dancing, & singing will combine to create theatrical fun for these young performers as they learn about theater and the performing arts. They will have the opportunity to attend an audio-described live performance and will also show off their talents in a presentation for parents at the conclusion of the weekend. ECC: Compensatory or functional academic skills, orientation & mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, use of assistive technology, sensory efficiency skills, self-determination. (Grades 1-3) 

February 26-28, 2010: Back to Basics Weekend

Perkins Campus: Certified vision professionals will work intensively with students during this skill based weekend to develop and refine basic abilities including self-care, dining skills, socialization, and mobility. Small group instruction will provide opportunities for skills practice. ECC: Compensatory or functional academic skills, orientation & mobility, social interactions skills, independent living skills, recreation & leisure skills, use of assistive technology, sensory efficiency skills, self-determination. (Grades 7-9)

March 19-21, 2010: Skills for Now & Skills for Life Weekend

Perkins Campus: Certified vision professionals will work with students during this skill based weekend to develop basic abilities including self-care, eating, socialization, and dressing. Students will be encouraged and supported to be more independent with everyday activities. ECC: Compensatory or functional academic skills, orientation & mobility, social interactions skills, independent living skills, recreation & leisure skills, use of assistive technology, sensory efficiency skills, self-determination. (Grades 1-3) 

March 26-28, 2010: My Brother, My Sister: Siblings Weekend

Perkins Campus: During this program, students with visual impairments will bring one sibling that is relatively close in age for a weekend of relationship building through activities on the Perkins campus and in the community. Professionals will be present to facilitate meaningful discussions. Parents will also be invited to stay in a separate location on the Perkins campus during the weekend, and on Saturday will have the opportunity to listen to professional guest speakers and get to know and learn from each other. ECC: Social Interactions skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, use of assistive technology, sensory efficiency skills, self-determination. (Grades 4-7) 

April 9-11, 2010: Preparing for the Future Weekend in New York State

The New York Institute for Special Education, Bronx, NY: Transition planning is an important part of the high school years, but students need to know their options. This weekend will explore choices for the future. Self-advocacy and safety will also be discussed. First choice to students from New York State; open to others as space permits ECC: Compensatory or functional academic skills, orientation & mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation & leisure skills, career education, use of assistive technology, self-determination. (Grades 9-12) 

April 18-23, 2010: Spring Vacation Theater Program

Perkins Campus: Please see enclosed flyer on the Theater Program. ECC: Compensatory or functional academic skills, orientation & mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, career education, use of assistive technology, sensory efficiency skills, self determination. (Grades 8-12)

May 7-9, 2010: Vocational Exploration Weekend

Perkins Campus: Older teens will take an introductory look into the world of work through completing a career interest inventory, exploring career opportunities, participating in simulated job interviews, and learning to budget. Students applying for the Outreach Summer Employment Program are expected to attend. Weekend open to others as space allows. ECC: Compensatory or functional academic skills, orientation & mobility, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, career education, use of assistive technology, self-determination. (Grades 10-12)

May 21-23, 2010: Space Exploration Weekend

Perkins Campus: Astronauts, planets, and space travel will be explored through activities both on the Perkins campus and at local NASA inspired museums and exhibits. *Students applying for the Space Exploration Program in September are encouraged to attend. Weekend open to others as space allows. ECC: Compensatory or functional academic skills, social interaction skills, independent living skills, recreation and leisure skills, career education, use of assistive technology, self-determination. (Grades 4-12)

For more information, contact Kelly Cote, Supervisor of Outreach Short Courses, at 617-972-7867 or via e-mail at Kelly.Cote@Perkins.org.