Pushing Limits at Leader Dogs

Attending summer camp is a tradition for many teens, and these days, there seems to be a camp for every interest and hobby. But how about a camp where attendees get to practice and learn new mobility skills, including spending a day traveling with a dog guide? This summer, two students who receive services from NDVS/SB attended the Teen Summer Camp at Leader Dogs for the Blind, which is based in Rochester Hills, Michigan. The last week in June, Edward Freer, 18, and Ethan Thiseth, 17, flew by themselves to Michigan for a week of learning new skills, meeting new friends, and pushing themselves to new limits. These two young men have spent many weeks in Grand Forks attending short-term programs at NDVS/SB, but their experience at Leader Dogs was unlike anything they’d done before. 

Kristi Thiseth, Ethan’s mom, was very excited for Ethan to attend camp in Michigan. “A few years ago, he wouldn’t spend the night at NDVS/SB, and now he is flying states away to attend camp,” Kristi said. “I think the most valuable part of camp was him learning to be more independent.” Ethan’s independence grew not just during the week at camp itself but before and after camp as well. When the Thiseth family was in the airport for a family trip a few weeks before Ethan was scheduled to fly out for camp, he asked his parents to help him explore the airport and download the airport app on his phone so he would be prepared for his own adventure later. That type of real-life experience is invaluable and can’t be replicated. And that’s why students are encouraged to attend camps like these, that are designed for teens who are blind or have low vision. “Every experience we have helps us decide what we want in our lives,” said Paul Olson, Superintendent of NDVS/SB.

This was Edward’s second year attending the Leader Dogs camp. “Last year was scary,” Edward admitted. “It was one of those things my dad basically said I should try, so I agreed to do it.” But the experience was well worth facing his fears, and going again this year was a no-brainer. Convincing Ethan to go was also easy after Edward spoke about the camp during a short-term program at NDVS/SB during the school year. “It sounded like fun,” Ethan said, and both boys were glad to have a friend to travel with this time around. Since Edward attended camp last year, this year he served as a senior counselor, which meant added responsibility but just as much fun. “I basically just had to help people out, make sure no one was left behind,” Edward explained. 

Leader Dogs for the Blind offers guide dog training and placement, as well as Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training with a cane. While the Leader Dogs organization is known for its mobility training, its Teen Summer Camp is not just about students practicing their O&M skills. “The focus is on teamwork,” Edward explained. “Teamwork is really the goal of the whole camp.” Everything the boys did that week – from eating their meals to riding buses to ziplining and rock climbing – was done in small groups. Sometimes the small groups stayed the same, and sometimes they changed. The two boys from North Dakota, however, were never in the same group. “We really only saw each other during free time,” Edward said. Still, it was nice to know the other was there. “I knew if I needed to tell him something, I could,” said Ethan. 

During Teen Summer Camp, campers stay at the Polk Residence and Training Center, where each camper has their own room, complete with a TV, a mini-fridge, and an Alexa. While they were encouraged to socialize during their free time with the other campers, having their own private room allowed the campers to also exercise their independent living skills. Meals are eaten together in the dining room, and the food is legendary, according to the boys. The selection of snacks and drinks – always important at a camp for teens – also exceeded the boys’ expectations. There is a nurse on-site 24/7 to help dispense medications and to assist with any emergencies or medical questions the campers had, which “is a great selling point for parents,” Edward said.

At camp, Ethan and Edward met teens from all over the country. About 20 campers between the ages of 16 and 18 attend Teen Summer Camp each year. This year, there were campers from Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, Nebraska, and Illinois. The one thing they all had in common was their vision loss – and they didn’t let anyone forget it. “We all made a lot of blind jokes,” Edward said laughing. It’s these connections that are hard for blind and low vision teens to make in their everyday life, where they may be the only person in their community or school who is blind or has low vision. But at camp, they don’t stand out. And, together, they can laugh about their vision loss and the obstacles and opportunities that come from it. 

The highlight of the week for both Ethan and Edward was the day they got to spend with a dog guide. Edward was paired with Dascha, a black lab, and Ethan spent the day with Quintin, a yellow lab. Staff at Leader Dogs pair the campers with dogs that are currently in training based on temperament and walking pace. Campers learned how to walk with a dog, how to use the harness, and common commands, and they also made sure to “give the dogs plenty of treats,” Edward said. Campers were in charge of their dog the entire day, and that meant feeding their dog and cleaning up after it. This day was the best of the week, according to the boys, because “you get to work with a dog all day,” explained Edward. 

Edward and Ethan both said they are thinking about getting a dog guide someday but aren’t entirely sure if or when they will start that process. Superintendent Paul Olson, who is a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist, says that decision is one that needs to be made carefully. “Dog guides are particularly suited to help people maneuver around the plethora of obstacles in the world and learn complex routes very well,” Paul explained. “Dogs are great companions and can increase confidence and safety immensely, but the daily care of a dog guide requires a lot of time and effort. Every dog guide needs love and affection as well as lots of walking to stay in good working order.” It’s opportunities like this camp, Paul said, that allow students “to get a taste of what it would be like” to have a dog guide and “to know what it takes to be a successful handler.” Whether the campers decide getting a dog guide is for them or not is “a wonderful learning experience.”

The days without dogs were fun as well. The group spent a day at nearby Bear Lake, where they went rock climbing and ziplining among other outdoor activities. They watched the movie “Inside Out 2” with audio description at a movie theatre. The Detroit Zoo brought a traveling exhibit to the camp, where they touched different animal pelts and skins. Each day seemed to bring new adventures and new opportunities for learning and growth, whether that was through success or failure. Both boys admitted there were moments during the week when they were scared or embarrassed. Edward said that one day he guided someone in the wrong direction, but “stuff like that happens,” he said. “No one wants to do the wrong thing, but everyone makes mistakes.” 

Edward and Ethan will, no doubt, remember this experience for a long time. “It was so fun, and everything was free,” Edward said. Leader Dogs covers the entire cost of the camp, as well as travel accommodations to the site. Campers, who must certify that they are legally blind, are only expected to bring extra spending money for souvenirs or extra snacks. While Edward will be too old to attend camp next year, Ethan is considering returning. In the meantime, both boys will head back to school this fall with new skills and new confidence. Ethan will be a junior at Fargo South High School, and Edward will begin his freshman year at Concordia College in Moorhead. They hope that sharing about their experience will encourage other teens to push themselves and try new things. “I would love to go back if I could,” Edward said. “Honestly, just go.” 

For more information on the camp, visit https://www.leaderdog.org/programs/teen-summer-camp/