EARLY last month students with vision impairments from rural and remote public schools explored Sydney with their vision support teachers and guide dogs staff.
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Alice Kingston and Christopher King from Lithgow High School participated in the camp this year.
For the Lithgow and Central West students the week began with travel to Lithgow Station and the train to the city.
Vision Camp is traditionally a challenge focused camp with a focus on social skills and sport and recreational activities.
This year Assistant Principal for the Central West Vision Team Sally Hennessy organised the City Wise program in conjunction with Guide Dogs Orientation and Mobility Instructors.
The culmination of the program was an Amazing Race to five destinations around the city.
The challenge was to travel by four modes of transport — ferry, bus, train, light rail, to five city destinations.
The race began with great excitement at the Aaron’s Hotel in Haymarket.
The first destination was to the Apple Store for a workshop outlining the accessible features of Apple technology.
Students donned their yellow Apple T-shirts and then headed off in a spirit of teamwork and competition to find their way around the city to the remaining locations of Luna Park, Hyde Park, Darling Harbour and Martin Place.
Teachers and Guide Dog instructors stood back as the students solved the challenges of getting to the various destinations.
Many used smartphones, GPS technology, long canes, sonic guides and tablets to find their way.
Students also gained the confidence to ask public transport staff and pedestrians for directions.
The four teams negotiated the challenge well, collecting evidence from each location on the way. All returned to the hotel safely, well before dinner, footsore but excited.
As part of the orientation to the city, the students went back stage at the Sydney Opera house, had a trip by ferry to Taronga Zoo, enjoyed a Chinese banquet, explored the city by night, visited the Chinese Gardens, Paddys Markets, a Food Court, and The Aquarium.
These city visits also helped prepare students the Amazing Race.
The camp was generously supported by Lithgow service clubs and businesses.
Particular thanks are extended to Lithgow Lions Club, Lithgow Quota Club, Lithgow Workies, Centennial Coal and Lithgow Free Range Meats.
These organisations can feel proud of their ongoing support to Vision Camp.
This year’s program enabled the students to develop friendships, communication skills, travel skills and to develop confidence finding their way around new environments.
Many students arrived home feeling more confident in the city and considering expanding their options of visiting, living, working or studying in the city in the future.