SHARP UPDATE
April/May 2010
SHARP Update is a regular publication of the Foundation for Blind Children, 1235 E. Harmont Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85020
What a Great Year!
Well, we’ve come to the end of another great year of SHARP programs. Who could forget camping at Bumblebee Rach, the snow trip, pottery painting at As You Wish or the Porsche Rallye? The state fair was great and we learned a lot at Superstition Farm. Everyone’s favorites are lock-ins and there is one more of those before we head off into summer. This will be a great opportunity to hang out with all your SHARP friends before summer program starts.
Remember that there are no Saturday programs during the summer because we have summer program Monday through Thursday. If you have not yet registered for summer program you need to call to see if there is space available. Whatever you do this summer, have a great time! Join us for the last few events before the summer fun begins!
You can look for a new SHARP Update in your mailbox in the end of August.
How to Reach SHARP:
SHARP line 602-678-5800 ext. 416
Email: sharp@seeitourway.org
On the web: www.seeitourway.org
Super Saturday
Super Saturday is usually the first Saturday of every month. The program is from 9am to 3pm at the central FBC location and there is no cost. This is where you get to do art, technology, fitness, gymnastics, cooking and games. Super Saturday is a great time to come if you are new to the program. The next two Super Saturdays are April 10th and May 1st. Please make sure to sign up by the deadline on the calendar. Don’t forget to bring your cane, glasses and lunch!
Bumblebee Ranch Camping
On April 17th we are once again heading up north to camp at the Bumblebee Ranch! This time we will be staying in tents so please make sure to pack warm clothes for the night! We will be doing all sorts of fun activities like fishing and horseback riding. Please read the camping information page before signing up!
Date: April 17-18
Cost: $20.00
Sign-up Deadline: April 10th
Time: 9:00 Sat morning to 12:00 Sunday afternoon
Sports Program: Phoenix Rock Gym
April 24th we are heading out to the East Valley to go indoor rock climbing! If you have not tried this yet, it’s a great time to learn! We will be meeting at the East Valley FBC at 9am and program will end at 2pm. Please wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes. Your parents will need to sign the enclosed waiver for the Rock Gym in order for you to participate.
Date: April 24th
Cost: None
Sign-up Deadline: April 17th
Time: 9:00am -2:00pm
Bring: Signed waiver, sack lunch, mobility devices, low vision aids
Lock-in Time (again!)
On May 8th, we will have our annual end of the year lock-in (I can already hear you saying, “YESSSSS!”). This is a great opportunity for you to hang out with all of your SHARP friends before summer starts. The program will begin at 5:00pm on Saturday at our Central FBC location. There will be the usual lock-in activities, like Midnight Madness Bingo and descriptive movies.
You will need to be picked-up by 9:00 am Sunday morning. If you receive regular Saturday program transportation, it will be provided for the lock-in as well. Dinner and breakfast will be provided but you can bring snacks if you want.
Date: May 8th-9th
Cost: $10.00
Sign up Deadline: May 1st
Time: 5:00 pm Sat afternoon to 9:00 Sunday morning
Bring: a change of clothes, toiletries, games to share, snacks (if you want),
sleeping bag or blankets, pillow
Donate Your Old Cell Phones to FBC!
If you have a phone to donate, please bring in the phone and the battery, no chargers or accessories please. This is a great way to help the environment and raise money for FBC!
SHARP Camping Information
If your child has expressed an interest in going on our camping trip here is important information you need to know:
To be eligible to go camping your child must be in at least 5th grade and have spent the night with SHARP before, i.e. lock-in.
- There is no special transportation on camping weekends. Everyone must be dropped off on Saturday at and picked up on Sunday at from the Central Foundation. We do not have regular drivers on camping weekends so children who wish to go need to find transportation to FBC.
- Your child will NOT need a lunch for this trip Saturday and will need $20.00 to cover the cost of the rest of the food for the weekend.
- We WILL be sleeping in tents, so your child will need a warm sleeping bag, rated to 20º or colder, and a pillow. If you do not have one please let us know, and we will provide one.
- Your child will need to bring the following items and all items should fit into a school backpack with the exception of your jacket and sleeping bag. Items to pack are warm jacket, long pants, water bottle, toothbrush, hairbrush, change of clothes hat and gloves. We have very limited space in the vans so please pack light.
- Often we take short hikes on camping trips. Please make sure that your child wears tennis shoes or boots. No sandals or open toe shoes.
- Your child should not bring electronic games, large toys or anything that could be ruined by dirt or rain. This includes Gameboys and trading cards. If your child brings these items, we will hold them for them until we return to Phoenix.
- If your child will be taking medication during the trip, please make sure that you include a note in his or her bag about the times and the dosage that needs to be taken.
- We depart from the Foundation at 9:00am on Saturday and return to the Foundation at 12:00pm on Sunday.
- The Foundation is located at: 1235 E. Harmont. We are one block north of Northern Avenue and one block east of Harmont Drive in Phoenix.