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Annual Children's Programs

Easter Egg Hunt - April 15, 2006

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) participates in an Annual Easter Egg Hunt for the Visually Impaired, sponsored by the Verizon TelecomPioneers- Alexander Graham Bell Chapter #15.

The Annual Easter Egg Hunt is open to people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Easter egg hunt participants will search for eggs that are specially designed to beep. After each participant locates an egg, he or she can turn it in to receive a prize. A beepball is a sound activated ball that is used to play a variation of baseball for people who are blind or visually impaired. In addition to the Easter Egg Hunt, Easter baskets are provided and refreshments served. A special character will often makes an appearance to entertain children and adults alike.

Pet-A-Pet Picnic - June 10, 2006

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and the Kiwanis Club of Washington, DC, host an annual Pet-a-Pet Picnic for children who are blind or visually impaired and their family members and friends.

This free event offers children the opportunity to interact with farm animals and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including pony rides, the ever-popular “moon bounce,” train rides, fun field games and a traditional cookout. Generally, over 100 people participate in this fun-filled event, including metropolitan area children who are blind or have low vision, their parents, siblings and other caregivers.

Braille Rally - July 8, 2006

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) participates in an Annual Braille Rally sponsored by MG Car Club-Washington DC Centre .

The Braille Rally allows children and adults who are blind or visually impaired to function as navigators and direct the drivers of vintage MG sports and touring cars along a challenging course on Virginia country roads. Each driver is completely dependent upon the navigator’s skills in reading Braille or large print directions, and successful completion of the course requires attention to road distances, speed and landmarks. Competitors are divided into four categories based upon age, experience and reading ability. Judging is based upon how well the navigator/driver crew follows the course. Checkpoints located throughout the Rally course are designed to test each crew’s compliance with route instructions and timing regulations. The competition is followed by a picnic and an awards presentation at Burke Lake Park.

Children’s Halloween Party

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind (CLB) hosts a trip to Six Flags America Fright Fest for children who are blind or visually impaired during the Halloween season. The children attending Fright Fest will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities, including a magic show, trick-or-treating with Looney Tunes characters dressed in Halloween costumes, touring haunted houses and taking a haunted train ride. The children are accompanied by their parents, CLB staff and volunteers.

Reading Rally

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind hosts an annual Reading Rally for children who are blind or visually impaired usually on a Saturday in late November. The Reading Rally is held in observance of Children’s Book Week to encourage children with impaired vision to read by learning Braille and using Assistive Technology (AT) devices. CLB staff and volunteers will help children develop their Braille skills, learn how to use assistive technology that allows individuals with disabilities access and utilize the latest computer technologies and tools, and perform arts and crafts.

Only 10 percent of school age children who are legally blind use Braille as their primary source for reading. Encouraging Braille literacy can help to promote independence for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired.

Family Holiday Party

Every December, CLB hosts its annual “Family Holiday Party.” The party is provided children who are blind or visually impaired and their families with the opportunity to participate in festive games, “hands-on” craft workshops, caroling and other seasonal activities. Holiday treats are served at the party and each child receives a special gift from Santa.