Check out some of the summer programs in the area!  Please note that due to COVID-19, some or all of these programs may not be available.

Summer Programs: https://dsb.wa.gov/services/youth-programs-and-workshops.shtml

1. Overnight Skills Program (Independent Living Skills Ages 9-13
2. Youth Employment Solutions/Yes 1 (ages 14-15) includes career exploration, community service, daily living skills, and recreation.  CANCELED
3. YES 2 (ages 16 through high school graduation) teaches design a career portfolio, daily living skills/residential living, community service, recreation, 3-5 job shadows, public transportation, paid opportunity.
4. Bridge Program (after high school graduation): Prepares for college, living in a dorm room, study/social skill, independence skills, orientation & mobility lessons, recreation, 5 credit university course.
5. Student Work and Academic Growth (SWAG) (ages college undergraduate) Work Study Program: Work part time, practice independent living skills, take college courses.
6. Zookeeper for a day (youth)

Other Summer programs:

7. Camp Spark WA (ages 9-15): sports, community building, orientation & mobility, independence, advocacy https://nwaba.org/sports-programs/camp-spark-wa/
8. Camp Spark OR (ages 8-15): sports, community building, orientation & mobility, independence, advocacy https://nwaba.org/sports-programs/camp-spark-or/
9. EmPOWER Summer camp at WSSB: sports, recreation, daily living skills, & more.

emPOWER

Summer Camp 2020

Dates: June 21 – 26, 2020

Location: Washington State School for the Blind, Vancouver WA

Description:

EmPower Summer Camp at WSSB will engage students in science-based inquiry, creativity through music, and collaborative hands-on activities.  EmPower Camp includes daily physical and recreation activities.  Previous year activities have included tandem cycling, hiking, self-defense class, crafts, swimming, goalball, paddle boarding, dance, kayaking, and more.

• Students will be provided the individual support needed to access each activity
• Nursing staff will be on-site each day
• Instruction provided by Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs)
• Staffing is supported by individuals who are experienced and trained to work with youth who are blind/visually impaired
• In the evenings, campers will reside in their own rooms in a cottage, supervised by WSSB Residential Life Counselors

Eligibility: Students ages 11-14 who are at or near grade level.  Applicants must be able to participate in physical activities (running, jumping and climbing).

Fee: $50.00 Fee includes t-shirt, activity admission, snacks and camp supplies

** scholarships available**

Application Deadline: April 30, 2020

Questions:     Christine Basauri (360) 947-3309 or Christine.basauri@wssb.wa.gov

Application Link: http://bit.ly/WSSBcamp

Happy National School Counseling Week!

This week is the dates of Feb 3-7 2020. At WSSB we have two school counselors, Miss Hendricks and Miss Thomas.

A school counselor helps students…
-learn strategies for focusing, keeping up, and organizing school work
-manage emotions, build confidence, increase positive thinking
-problem solve situations at home and school
-plan for after high school
-connect with resources either personally or for their family such as counseling, basic needs (food, shelter, safety), etc.

If you have any questions about what a school counselor does please ask your school counselors Miss Hendricks in room 16 & Miss Thomas in room 14.

Have a great day!

Miss Hendricks & Miss Thomas

Miss Hendricks
raejean.hendricks@wssb.wa.gov
360-947-3390

Miss Thomas
billiejo.thomas@wssb.wa.gov
360-947-3325

It’s that time again!!

WSSB/Lion’s annual track meet on May 14 from 10am – 4pm.

All are welcome!!

WSSB Track Meet Information

Youth Employment Solutions (YES 1)

The current situation with COVID-19, and the potential need to continue to practice social distancing into the summer months, is impacting planning for summer youth programs like YES 1.  DSB has made the decision to cancel the array of in-person Summer 2020 youth programs that have typically provided intensive career exploration, job readiness, peer interactions, and paid work experience to students who have visual disabilities throughout Washington State.  Agency Youth Services Specialists are making plans for alternative remote activities to engage students in meaningful aspects of these traditional programs and will be in touch as activities are planned.  In the interim, please feel free to communicate interest in alternative activity participation by contacting one of the Youth Services Specialists below:

Debbie Brown (Spokane) – debbie.brown@dsb.wa.gov

Janet George (Seattle) –  janet.george@dsb.wa.gov

Steffi Coleman (Yakima)– steffi.coleman@dsb.wa.gov

Jen Scheel (Lacey) – jennifer.scheel@dsb.wa.gov

Marcie Ebarb (WSSB Vancouver) – marcie.ebarb@wssb.wa.gov

YES I is a two-week program for 14 -16 year-old students, hosted in Vancouver, Washington. YES I offers students – who need minimal assistance with their independent living and travel skills – the chance to explore their career possibilities, interests and aptitudes.  The program’s recreational and daily living experiences give the students additional skill building opportunities.

YES 1 participants practice the skills needed for career success, including building resumes, filling out applications, participating in mock interviews, touring worksites and completing community service projects.  Those students attending their 2^nd year of YES 1 may also participate in job shadows.  During the program, YES 1 participants travel to Seattle over a 3 -day period, to learn about the YES 2 program and participate in additional career readiness experiences.

Washington State School for the Blind – YES 1 2020
Marcie Ebarb
2214 E 13th Street
Vancouver, WA 98661
or by email to: marcie.ebarb@wssb.wa.gov