Camp GDB

Introducing youth to the guide dog lifestyle.

Camp GDB 2024 is in the books!

Read our blog post, Summer Fun at Camp GDB, for a recap.

Check out the video below to learn all about Camp GDB.

[NARRATOR]
Every year, Guide Dogs for the Blind hosts a weeklong youth program called Camp GDB.

[AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
Photo at a camp bonfire shows the back of a person's t-shirt that reads "Camp GDB."

[NARRATOR]
Here to tell us more is GDB's youth outreach specialist, Jane Flower.

[JANE]
Camp GDB is an opportunity for youth who are blind or visually impaired to come and learn what it’s like to live and work with a guide dog and really help them better prepare for the guide dog lifestyle. But it’s also just a fun summer camp for the kids to meet other kids that are blind or visually impaired.

We have campfires, last night we made s’mores.

[AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
Campers sit on benches around a bonfire pit; two people toast marshmallows.

[JANE]
So we like to kind of mix it up a little, so it really does feel like a summer camp.

[AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
Campers learn archery and play beep Bocce ball.

[JANE]
Camp GDB is 100 percent free to all the campers, as are all of our services at Guide Dogs for the Blind.

[NARRATOR]
Let's hear from one of the campers about her experience at Camp GDB.

[FINLEY]
My name is Finley Helm. I am 15 years old and I’m from San Antonio, Texas.

[AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
Finley sits at a picnic table in the park-like setting of the camp facility.

[FINLEY]
Ahh - some of my favorite activities. I absolutely loved getting to visit the kennels. And getting to do the Juno walk - so walking with just the harness and learning - and walking with dog in harness getting to learn the special commands and getting a feel for traveling with the dogs.

[AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
Finley pets a yellow Lab guide dog. In the background, a camper walks with a guide dog alongside a guide dog mobility instructor.

[FINLEY]
Interacting with them in general and learning about their care, has been super amazing.

Walking with a guide dog felt surprisingly natural. I felt like I had more freedom. My dog was super smart and he knew exactly what he was doing, and it felt different, but it felt really - felt really good and really natural.

The social aspect of camp has been one of my favorite parts.

[AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
Finley and two friends pose for a photo at Camp GDB.

[FINLEY]
I am kind of a shyer person and I think a lot of us feel super isolated with our disabilities and it’s definitely one of the hardest aspects of a visual impairment is the social part because people are kind of wary of it and don’t know how to approach you or treat you. And so I think everyone here is in the same situation, and it’s super... it’s a great bonding experience.

[AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
Finley and a fellow camper pet a Golden Retriever. The large dog sits in Finley's lap.

[FINLEY]
And I’ve met so many really great people and we’re doing so many activities together, and learning together, and everyone's so supportive, and so sweet and it’s such an awesome community and there’s so much just commiseration and bonding and it's wonderful. It's so much fun.

I will say that this is way better than any other sighted camps I've been to. Like I feel way more comfortable here. I feel comfortable asking for what I need, and it's super easy to advocate for myself here. And I think it's super good to have the independence experience, because, I mean, I need to voice my own needs and take care of myself. But it feels good! It feels good to be independent and get some practice for when I'm on my own in a couple years.

I do - I do think a guide dog is in my future, especially when I’m hoping to go to college and through jobs and careers. I think it’s super important. And now there’s a lot of work that goes into it, and I think that I am prepared to do the work and it’ll be super helpful for me later.

To anyone thinking of applying, I would say absolutely do it. It's such an amazing opportunity. You learn so much and you meet so many great people, and the GDB staff is fantastic. I've met so many really great people and it's such a great community. I would say just apply, even if you don't think... you know? Just apply. Just do it.

[AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
In a photo, Finley smiles at a grinning Golden Retriever guide dog. They sit in a garden with pink flowers that match Finley's pink shirt.

[NARRATOR]
For more information about Guide Dogs for the Blind and our youth programs, including Camp GDB, scan the QR code or visit guidedogs.com.

Information About Camp GDB

Guide Dogs for the Blind recognizes that the human-animal bond is unique; we want to give teens who are blind or low-vision the opportunity to experience its life-changing potential.

At Camp GDB, participants explore the companionship, independence, and responsibility of a partnership with a guide dog.

There are hands-on and unique activities with dogs, including the opportunity to walk with a guide dog, and campers learn why orientation and mobility (O&M) skills are so important for a successful relationship with a guide dog. New friendships are made, and fun activities include things like hiking, swimming, and fireside s'mores (of course)!

Camp GDB is held at the Hull Foundation & Learning Center in Sandy Oregon, seven miles from Guide Dogs for the Blind's Oregon campus.

Camp GDB is FREE and open to participants who meet the following criteria:

Blind or low vision and between the ages of 14 & 17 at the time of Camp GDB
Considering a guide dog for mobility
Self-sufficient with daily living skills i.e., dressing, bathing/showering, eating, toileting, etc.
Be physically capable of fully participating in all aspects of our Camp GDB program, including an experiential walk with a guide dog, managing a dog for a special overnight experience, and a very busy and active daily schedule
Have the emotional readiness and maturity required to attend a residential summer camp program.

Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the Hull Foundation & Learning Center in Sandy, Oregon, or the Portland International Airport. If transportation is a financial burden, please inquire about assistance.

See you in 2025! Stay tuned to this web page for dates.

For more information about Camp GDB, please contact Jane Flower at jflower@guidedogs.com