TUSCUMBIA-A special camp that allows visually and hearing impaired students to experience the life of Helen Keller in an unforgettable way is expanding to include campers from other states.
Since 2013, students from throughout Alabama have attended Camp Courage, A Helen Keller Experience, based in Tuscumbia at Ivy Green, the home of Helen Keller. This year’s camp, Sept. 15-17, will include campers from Tennessee and Wisconsin.
The intensive camp inspires children in grades 4-6 to celebrate their abilities and make a difference in the world, just as Helen Keller did. Helen Keller, who became blind and deaf as a child, overcame her disabilities to become an author, lecturer, activist for the disabled and inspiration to people around the world. She is known as America’s First Lady of Courage.
The campers will have dinner in the Keller’s dining room at Ivy Green and tour grounds of the historic home, experience the opening scene of The Miracle Worker play, visit the Railroad Depot in Tuscumbia, create crafts, go fishing on Pickwick Lake, and participate in hands- on activities at Cypress Cove Farm in Red Bay. All of the activities are designed to help the children use their abilities and sharpen their senses. There is no charge to the children or their families for attending Camp Courage.
Camp Courage is sponsored by the Helen Keller Birthplace Foundation, Optometry Cares – The American Optometric Association Foundation, Valley Credit Union, University of North Alabama, Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, Colbert County Commission, Helen Keller Festival, Colbert County Community Development Fund, Helen Keller Hospital, Muscle Shoals Fishing Team, Tim Horton Fishing, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, Alabama Tourism Department, Wind Creek Hospitality, Cypress Cove Farm, Helen Keller Garden Club and District 1 Garden Club of Alabama.
