Camp Lighthouse
The East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind Summer Camp is a weeklong residential experience designed for high school students who are blind, visually impaired, or receive vision services through their school due to functional vision needs. Campers build independence, confidence, and self-advocacy skills while participating in hands-on activities, group learning, and daily experiential opportunities in a supportive environment.
Camp Dates: June 21–26
Application Opens: February 2
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility
To be considered for participation, applicants must:
- Be blind, visually impaired, or receive VI services through their school due to functional vision needs (including low vision, cortical/cerebral visual impairment (CVI), visual field loss, or other functional vision conditions, regardless of specific visual acuity measurements)
- Be 14–18 years old and enrolled in high school at the time of camp
- Be a resident of Texas
- Be able to safely participate in a shared residential environment with 24-hour supervision
- Participate in group activities with limited physical, behavioral, or social support
Applicants who move forward in the admissions process will be invited to complete a camper interview and functional assessments (Orientation & Mobility and Activities of Daily Living).
Eligibility for this camp does not determine eligibility for other East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind programs. Each program has its own criteria based on age, purpose, and available resources.
Admissions Process & Priority Consideration
Because space is limited, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis using a structured rubric. Priority consideration is given to:
- Applicants who live within our 40-county East Texas service region
- First-time campers
Submitting an application in February maximizes consideration, as early submissions receive priority review. Applications submitted after April 3 may be considered only if space remains available.
Individualized Review & Safety
All final acceptance decisions are based on an individualized review of:
- Camper needs and readiness
- Ability to participate safely in a residential group setting
- Whether the program’s staffing model and environment can reasonably support those needs
This process helps ensure a safe, supportive, and positive experience for all campers.
ADA/Section 504 Statement
East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind is committed to providing equal access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided unless they would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, exceed available staffing or safety resources, or create a safety risk that cannot be mitigated. All applicants are evaluated individually and without discrimination based on the type or severity of disability.
Ready to Apply?
Applications open February 2. Due to limited capacity, early application is strongly encouraged.
Information for Teachers & School Staff
Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVIs), Orientation & Mobility Specialists (COMS), counselors, and other school staff are welcome to submit a referral for a student they believe may benefit from our Summer Camp.
A referral allows our team to follow up with the student’s parent or guardian to share program information and application details. Referrals do not replace the application. For privacy and consent reasons, the official camp application must be completed by the parent/legal guardian or the student if they are 18 years or older.
Submitting a referral does not guarantee acceptance, but it helps ensure families are aware of the opportunity and understand next steps.
Need more information?
For more information about the program content or application process, please contact Lannette Burlingame, ETLB Program Manager at 903-590-4355, or by email at lburlingame@etxlighthouse.