About

Camp Abilities is a developmental sports camp for students who are blind or visually impaired. Founded twenty years ago in Brockport, New York, the camp has provided invaluable learning experiences that many campers would not otherwise have access to.

Camp Abilities was established with four primary purposes:

To teach children who are visually impaired how to access sports and recreational activities, empowering them to understand and apply appropriate modifications so they can participate independently at home and in their communities.
To train current and future teachers in physical education, vision education, and special education on effective strategies for teaching students with visual impairments.
To support research related to individuals who are visually impaired, including physical fitness, nutrition, parent involvement, inclusion, and attitudes.
To provide respite and support for parents and families of children who are visually impaired.

A Loss of Sight, Never a Loss of Vision

After volunteering as a counselor at Camp Abilities Brockport, Jenn was so inspired by the growth she witnessed in just one week that she felt compelled to bring Camp Abilities to Florida. Through outreach to teachers of the visually impaired, families, and students themselves, it quickly became clear that the need for Camp Abilities North Florida was even greater than she had imagined. Jenn reached out to Leah to take on the challenge of making the camp a reality—and Leah said yes. While Leah has since stepped back to spend time with her young children, her role was instrumental in developing the programs that continue to thrive today.

The first successful Camp Abilities Florida was held in 2015 at Camp Chowenwaw in Green Cove Springs, Florida. From there, the program flourished and expanded. Camp Abilities Florida will celebrate its 10th year in July 2026 at the Montgomery Presbyterian Center in Starke, Florida.

At camp, students are given opportunities to participate in a wide range of adaptive sports, including swimming, beep kickball, kayaking, archery, and more. Campers also experience activities such as rock climbing, fishing, tandem biking, and traditional camping fun like campfires and s’mores. For many campers, these experiences are a first. Year after year, campers eagerly count down the days until they can return to camp.

Testimonials:

If you could think of one word to describe camp, what would your word be?

“Phenomenal” “Camp abilities is allowing blind and visually impaired people to do things that like we would never be allowed to do everyday” – Kai

“Fun” – Emily

“Fun” – Dwayne

“Awesome” – Caleb

“Fun” – Austin

“Incredible” – Sarah

“Amazing” – Madison

“Fun” – Ryleigh

“Extreme“ – Sara

“Fun” – Luke

“Amazing” – Breanna

“Fun” – Max

“Awesome” – Tinisha

“Awesome” – Alden

“Awesome” – Madison

“Fantastic” – Francis

“The whole camp was fun.

A great opportunity for the

young kids and a great opportunity for me” – Tyree

Directors and Specialists:

Jennifer Wickham, Claims Analyst for Crown Auto Transport

"I'm a certified teacher for the visually impaired currently working outside of the school setting. I fell in love with Camp Abilities, 11 years ago, after attending the camp in Brockport, New York. I was determined to bring it to Florida.
To me, Camp Abilities means independence and a sense of 'I Can'."

Sara David, TVI and O&M for DCPS

Assistant Director and O&M Specialist

"I am a Teacher for the Visually Impaired and an Orientation and Mobility Instructor in Duval County. The opportunity to be involved with Camp Abilities has been a blessing and honor. To me Camp Abilities means life changing experiences and lasting memories for everyone."

Tim Dornbrock, TVI for DCPS

Activity Director

Kimberly Degelmann, Behavior Technician and CNA

Program Director / Medical Aide

Aryn Dipietroantonio, Science Teacher for Nassau Schools

Activity Director

Heather Brewer, Baptist Hospital System

Coordinator