‘Camp Abilities’ is a dream come true for blind and visually impaired athletes

By Matteo Iadonisi

Athletes who are blind or visually impaired make lifelong friendships with Kean University students at this annual summer camp.

TOMS RIVER, New Jersey (WPVI) — Athletes show off their skills at ‘Camp Abilities Kean University,’ which is hosted annually for kids who are blind or visually impaired.

The camp’s director, Alexandra Stribing, has been running various ‘Camp Abilities’ in New York and around the United States for the past 17 years.

She was able to bring the idea to New Jersey three years ago with the help of Kean University, where she is an assistant professor.

Each summer, students from Kean University sign up as coaches to help kids participate in sports programming. Some sports, such as soccer, implement the use of eye masks to level the playing field.

The camp is hosted at the RWJBH Field of Dreams in Toms River.

This year’s Camp Abilities at Kean University has concluded. Anyone interested in learning more about future opportunities to get involved can visit their website.

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