Helen Keller Services (HKS), a Long Island-based non-profit offering programs and services for the DeafBlind Community, hosted its annual season-ending show for its Camp Helen Keller campers at the campus of Long Island University in Greenvale here today.
The variety show - whose theme was “Totally Awesome 80s” - included singing, dancing and instrumental performances, and a rousing and emotional choral musical number at the beginning and end of the show. Parents and families were also on hand.
“For the children, it’s an opportunity to shine, have fun with their peers and express themselves,” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services. “They are discovering how talented they truly are and what joy they can bring to the audience here today.”
Camp Helen Keller is a summer program created more than 60 years ago for children ages five to 15 who are blind or visually impaired. Its main goal is to improve participants' self-esteem, self-confidence, and socialization skills. It is held at the LIU Post campus in Brookville and admits campers from Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens, who receive free door-to-door transportation. Campers participate in traditional activities, such as swimming, arts and crafts, music and dance classes, and field trips and technology classes that have been adapted for visually impaired people.
“He is excited to get on the bus every day,” said Denise Hayden, of Floral Park, who’s 13 year old son Joe is a camper. “He’s with kids who are just like him. He’s not the person on the outside looking in, he’s part of a group. I am so appreciative of that.”
Every year, the camp organizes a show on the last day of the one-month program to celebrate the campers’ achievements, show parents and friends what campers have been doing and to say goodbye to old and new friends.