BELL program teaches children braille and life skills

This week, the National Federation of the Blind in Idaho kicked off a camp for children, it’s called the BELL program.

Much like any other skill in life, practice makes perfect, for these kids, it’s learning a whole other language.

“Braille is a skill you have to keep up on and if you don’t use it, you forget it,” said Sylvia Brenter, a braille instructor for the camp

Most of these kids have some vision, which is why they’re wearing these blind-folds to help them fully immerse themselves in braille.

Don’t be fooled, this isn’t summer school.

These kids are here to have fun too.

“They’ve been really excited and the one’s who’ve come before are really excited to come back,” said Vicky Bateman, member of the National Federation of the Blind.

Throughout the week, the kids have taken art classes, played games, and even went fishing.

?My favorite part is going fishing today because I love going fishing,” said Kimber, a camper at the BELL program.

It wasn’t the best day to find a good catch at the lake, but that didn’t stop these kids from having a little fun.

The 6-day camp not only teaches them skills, but lets them be around others who understand what they need to learn.