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 our Winter/Spring/Summer 2012 flyer and registration in English or Spanish.

Our Winter & Spring 2011 activities include:

January 27-29, 2012: Performing Arts Weekend for Grades 1-4

Perkins Campus
Cost: $395.00

Acting, dancing & singing will combine to create theatrical fun for these young performers as they learn about theater and the performing arts. Students will attend an audio-described live performance and will also show off their talents in a presentation for parents at the conclusion of the weekend.

February 12-16, 2012: Adapted Ski Festival at Sugarloaf Mountain for Grades 7-12

Perkins Campus & Sugarloaf Mountain, ME
Cost: $1,600.00

Students will gather on Perkins campus on Sunday morning and then travel by vans to join others at Sugarloaf Mountain for a week of downhill skiing instruction with Maine Handicapped Skiing. The festival is designed to create a unique social, recreational, and educational experience for skiers of all abilities. The group will stay at the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel and return back to Perkins on Thursday evening. To participate in this program, students must be independent with their daily living skills and have the endurance to participate in 4 full days of physical activity. Space is limited.

February 19-24, 2012: Winter Vacation Theater Program for Grades 8-12

Perkins Campus
Cost: $775.00

Teenagers who are visually impaired are often reluctant to “take to the big stage” in their local school or community. This program will empower participants with theatrical knowledge, skills, and experiences to benefit their creative development, artistic expression, and self-confidence. Students will participate in classes and rehearsals as well as attend a local theater production. They will be introduced to basic acting techniques, stage commands, prop usage, costuming, and make up. The program will conclude with a performance that is open to families and friends.

March 9-11, 2012: Vocational Exploration Weekend for Grades 9-12

Perkins Campus
Cost: $395.00

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.

March 23-25, 2012: Peer Weekend for Grades 5-8

Perkins Campus
Cost: $650.00/pair

During this program, students will invite one peer who is sighted from home (not a sibling) that is relatively close in age to join them for a weekend of friendship building. The peers will strengthen their relationships while engaging in fun activities focused on team building, disability awareness, and socialization.

April 6-8, 2012: Skills for Life Weekend: Walking the Walk & Talking the Talk for Grades 5-8

Perkins Campus
Cost: $395.00

Certified vision professionals will work with students during this skill based weekend to develop and refine abilities in the areas of Orientation & Mobility and social skills. Development of these skills is critical for building independence outside of the home. Small group instruction will provide opportunities for skills practice.

April 15-20, 2012: Camp Abilities Boston

Perkins Campus
Cost: $775.00

Camp Abilities is a comprehensive developmental sports program for students who are blind or visually impaired. Activities may include aquatics, track and field, goalball, gymnastics, tandem biking, beep baseball, Power Showdown, bocce, horseback riding, bowling, dancing, ice skating, rowing and rock climbing. These activities are adapted and modified for individuals with vision loss. Students are also exposed to athletic opportunities available to them through the United States Association for Blind Athletes (USABA).

May 11-13, 2012: Space Exploration Weekend for Grades 4-12

Perkins Campus
Cost: $395.00

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.

May 18-20, 2012: Skills for Life Weekend: Walking the Walk & Talking the Talk for Grades 1-4

Perkins Campus
Cost: $395.00

Certified vision professionals will work with students during this beginner skill based weekend to develop and refine abilities in the areas of Orientation & Mobility and social skills. Development of these skills is critical for building independence outside of the home. Small group instruction will provide opportunities for skills practice.

June 24 - July 27, 2012: Perkins Outreach 5 Week Summer Employment Program for high school students, age 16 or older

Perkins Campus

The Outreach Summer Employment Program places high school students in entry-level positions in the greater Watertown area. Students are matched to a job and provided with a job coach to support them, as needed, as they work independently. They work Monday through Friday and receive a weekly paycheck. In addition, they tour job sites, do assignments related to the world of work, and participate in evening seminars and classes.

June 24 - July 13, 2012: Dealing with the Present while Preparing for the Future

Perkins Campus

Teenagers who are visually impaired face a wide array of situations in school, at home, and on the job where they must utilize problem solving, teamwork, personal management, and specialized skills. The three week residential program offers intensive skills training, socialization and recreational activities, and opportunities to improve self-confidence.

Steps Toward Independence...
Grades 4-6: July 15-20;
Grades 1-3: July 22-27

Perkins Campus

This is a residential one-week program, which includes remaining at Perkins for the duration of the week. Families are encouraged to speak with the program supervisor about any concerns regarding their child’s participation in the overnights.

September 21-28, 2012: Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students (SCIVIS)

US Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL
Cost: $1,650.00

These exciting programs and activities are designed to educate young people about aviation and the space program. Camp and Academy sessions are designed around simulated space missions conducted in Space Shuttle orbiter mockups. Trainees learn the basics of shuttle operation, the science and history of the space program, leadership skills, and teamwork. They also use authentic simulators to experience the sensations of astronaut training and they live in a simulated space station. This is the 20th year that Perkins Outreach Services will be taking students from New England and New York!

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