Sometimes the biggest impact comes from a single day outdoors.
Recently, members of the Aftersight team had the opportunity to partner with Camp Abilities Colorado for a day of hiking, learning, and connection. Camp Abilities is dedicated to empowering children and teens who are blind or have low vision through sports, recreation, and outdoor adventure, and we were honored to be part of this year’s hiking experience.
Our team spent the day introducing campers to adaptive hiking techniques, demonstrating mobility tools, and sharing how the right equipment can help build confidence and independence on the trail.
One story from the day stood out. Three campers arrived with very different experiences using a white cane. One didn’t have a cane, another had one that was too small, and a third wasn’t interested in using one at all. By the end of the hike, all three were confidently using Aftersight’s Urban Explorer cane and couldn’t stop talking about how much they enjoyed it. One parent even shared a week later that their child was still talking about the cane and how excited they were to keep using it.
Moments like these remind us why partnerships matter. Together, we can help create experiences that inspire confidence, encourage independence, and open doors to new adventures.
After the event, the Camp Abilities team sent us the heartfelt message below. We wanted to share it because it captures the spirit of the day far better than we ever could.
We received this wonderful email from the Camp Abilities team that drives home for us the importance of the work we do here at Aftersight. And, the difference our donors and partners are making is possible to provide canes and experiences.
“Thanks to you, Michael, and Moses for joining us for our day at camp and teaching about hiking and bringing all the great tools! We had 3 kids who came to camp with no cane, refused to use a cane, and a cane that was too small. After this, they ALL used the Urban Explorer cane and talked non-stop about how much they like it. Even when I called a family a week later, Mom said the cane is all he talks about!
We hope you had the opportunity to connect with many of the athletes and volunteers, and we truly appreciated your time and support. We were all appreciative of the tool you gave and shared with us. We will get trekking poles for next year! My favorite picture is of you and some of the athletes in Devil’s Kitchen holding your canes above your heads! I will use this as the front picture of our website!
The hike was a great success and was a favorite and personal goal for some. We are sincerely grateful for your partnership, your belief in our mission, and your willingness to help us on this hike. Your investment has made a meaningful difference, and we deeply appreciate your support.“
Danielle
Camp Abilities Colorado Program Summary
Camp Abilities Colorado was a tremendous success, bringing together seven athletes who are blind or have low vision, along with a dedicated team of volunteers and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Volunteers included Allison Alterman, Amberly Baum, Christy Hornig, Peter Rifenburg, Robyn Wyatt, Anna Rodrigo, Kai Ventling, and Chris Cannizzaro. Junior Volunteers were Vyronica and Emerson Hopper. In addition, four adults who are blind or have low vision (Randy, Penn, Kasey, and Peter) served as instructors and role models, leading activities such as tandem biking, beep baseball, goalball, hiking, running, and beep kickball. Sports specialists included Connor Rodrigo, Kasey and Erin Hopper, Peter Rifenburg, Randy George, and Penn Street. Photographers were Collin Pickett and Pennalopie Valentine. Board members Gina Herrera, Samahta Moe, and Robeta Curtis. Directors Danielle Burden, Connor Rodrigo, and Shelby Jones.
We partnered with Colorado Discoverability, the National Park Service, and Aftersight.
To increase accessibility, Camp Abilities Colorado provided transportation assistance for families on the Front Range through Bustang and Sunshine Rides and provided three athlete scholarships to reduce financial barriers to participation.
Athletes and volunteers reported overwhelmingly positive experiences throughout the week. Favorite activities included paddleboarding, beep kickball, swimming, tandem biking, and the camp’s highly anticipated talent show. The talent show featured singing, drumming, guitar, and flute performances, as well as comedy acts, allowing athletes to showcase their creativity, talent, and confidence.
The camp’s impact was reflected in the athletes’ own words:
- “I feel more independent here.”
- “I can tell I’m gonna really like this.”
- “I like meeting people like me.”
- “I haven’t had a lot of friends, so this is nice having people to be with.”
- “I don’t feel so alone.”
A highlight of the week was a hike to Devil’s Kitchen in Colorado National Monument. Although some questioned whether the trail would be too challenging due to the terrain, camp staff prepared athletes with adaptive tools and techniques, including trekking poles, urban explorer canes, tethers, auditory cues, and Osprey hydration packs. As a result, four of the six athletes who attempted the full route successfully reached the rock formation. One athlete chose not to continue, and another was unable to complete the hike due to time constraints.
The athletes’ accomplishments left a strong impression on the park rangers who accompanied the group. In a follow-up email, they wrote:
“Everyone did awesome on the hike, and you have an incredible, kind, talented, skilled team of folks helping out. Tim, Lily, and I were impressed—we don’t even take our school field trip groups to Devils Kitchen; we just stay on the Connector Trail for those!”
Camp Abilities Colorado provided athletes with meaningful opportunities to build independence, develop athletic and recreational skills, form lasting friendships, and challenge expectations about what individuals with visual impairments can achieve. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from athletes, volunteers, and community partners demonstrates the program’s lasting impact and value.
If you would like to volunteer to be part of Camp Abilities Colorado, we can be followed at Colorado Blind Youth Adventures on FB and Instagram (coming soon). Out web site is https://coloradocampabilities.org/ or email us at Campabilitiesco@gmail.com.
Below are a few of our favorite moments from this incredible day. Thank you to Camp Abilities Colorado for inviting us to be part of your mission. We look forward to many more adventures together.
