Camp Webber, Alaska!

Kalleigh West Start Date: Jan 16, 2023 - End Date: Aug 3, 2023
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Chugach, AK, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Kalleigh West Start Date: Jan 16, 2023 - End Date: Aug 3, 2023
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Volunteer Trip
Hi there! My name is Kalleigh West, a current Adapted Physical Education, M.S. Ed. Student at Old Dominion University. After graduating with my Bachelor's in Recreational Therapy at Old Dominion University, I chose to continue my education in the Adapted Physical Education Masters program to enhance my understanding of inclusive tactics, least restrictive environments, and how to make the most significant impact in the lives of the individuals I will work with in the future. These past few months, I have been aiding Dr. J. Haegele and Ms. Ally Keene in small tasks to remodel Camp Webber (formally known as Camp Abilities) entirely, and I hope to fundraise to be able to attend the camp as a volunteer camp counselor this July!

Camp Webber is a five-day overnight sports camp for youth 8-17 who are blind and visually impaired. Camp Webber offers the opportunity for these campers to participate in adapted sports, meet new friends, and enjoy an overnight camp experience in the wilderness of Alaska. This camp also allows campers to have a unique, individualized experience by having one-on-one instruction for all activities. Activities such as Beep Baseball, Beep Kickball, Archery, Canoeing, and Fishing will be offered at the camp with appropriate accommodations to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all the campers! The mission of Camp Webber is to empower youth with visual impairments to be physically active members of their schools and communities.

By attending Camp Webber as a volunteer camp counselor this summer, I will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with campers and help build their confidence in participating in physical and recreational activities. In addition, attending will help me gain experiences that may aid in my professional development and my understanding of working with new populations, providing appropriate accommodations, leadership skills, and many other beneficial concepts that cannot be taught inside a classroom. As a counselor, I will also have the opportunity to network and grow my professional relationships, which may serve as guidance throughout my future career. I am also very passionate about attending this camp due to having helped in several behind-the-scenes aspects to help Camp Webber operate this summer!

I created this campaign hoping to raise the money to cover my expenses to travel to Camp Birchwood in Chugiak, Alaska, to volunteer at this amazing camp. Having volunteer camp counselors helps Camp Webber operate entirely free of charge to all campers!

I greatly appreciate any contributions you can make to my campaign to make volunteering at Camp Webber a possibility! I hope to share my amazing experience with all of you!

  • Chugach, AK, United States of America

More Travel Information