Michigan—Have you ever wondered what you would do if you were blind? Do you think you might be tempted to stay indoors and avoid the ice and snow during the winter months? Probably some would, but not the 32 blind campers who arrived at Camp Au Sable in Grayling, Mich. Some traveled up to 30 hours on a bus, coming from several provinces in Canada, Fla., S.C., N.Y., and Mich. to enjoy a fun-filled, action-packed week.

The campers hiked, visited the nature center, cross-country skied, rode horses, swam at the Super 8 Hotel, and played games. They also enjoyed a peanut carnival, ceramics, crafts, walking around the boardwalk, shopping at the camp store, table bowling and air hockey tournaments, and evening meetings.

Each year, the blind campers raise a portion of the money needed for their travel, and National Camps for the Blind and Christian Record Services (CRS) sponsor their week at camp. This is the eighth consecutive year Camp Au Sable has hosted Winter Blind Camp, and the staff has been blessed each year.

Pat Page, CRS–Canada director, along with her husband Ralph, have been instrumental in coordinating this retreat. The week wouldn’t be possible without many volunteers who offer their assistance as well. This year, along with adult volunteers, 13 Canadian student volunteers raised money to come. They took a week off school to assist and completed their schoolwork during a designated study hall time during camp.

CRS was started in 1899. The organization receives 95 percent of its funding through public donations, which makes it possible to provide free services for those who need assistance. CRS provides: a free lending library with inspirational reading materials in Braille, large print or audio books, personal visitation, scholarships, summer camp opportunities, and winter camp opportunities which includes a downhill ski camp in Colo.

This year the blind campers appreciated donations from the Super 8 Hotel and Arthur P. Kerle, D.D.S., of Grayling, Mich., along with donations from Canadian companies. If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to CRS, please contact Larry Hubbell at (248) 634-4379 for more information.

Tammi Baker, Camp Au Sable store manager