This article is from the May 2026 issue of Update Magazine. For audio recording and full magazine, click the links below the article. 

A group of teens pose in front of the water fountain at the Detroit Zoo with their white mobility canes in hand.

From ziplining and kayaking to spraying a fire hose and dancing the night away, Teen Summer Camp at Leader Dogs for the Blind is packed with unforgettable fun and newfound independence.

Held each June on Leader Dog’s campus in Rochester Hills, this weeklong experience is designed for 16- and 17-year-olds who are blind or low vision. For many campers, it’s something entirely new. Some are traveling independently for the first time—most arriving by plane. Many are used to being the only student with vision loss in their school.

At camp, that changes.

A Place to Belong

Teen Summer Camp offers a safe, welcoming space where campers can connect with peers who share similar experiences, relax and be themselves.

“Getting to be around people like you that share your interests and are also visually impaired is very rewarding,” shared camper Kyden D. “You get a chance to make friends with people that understand you.”

That sense of belonging is powerful. The teens quickly begin to open up, forming friendships and building confidence that lasts long after camp. They are encouraged to support one another, step into leadership roles and ensure everyone feels included. Returning campers can apply to take on added responsibility as junior or senior counselors, helping guide activities and mentor others.

Fun With Purpose

A teen in a harness and helmet solo climbs a rock wall.

While every day of camp is filled with energy and excitement, each activity is also designed to integrate learning opportunities whenever possible.

Campers spend their first day at Lions Bear Lake, taking on a rock wall, ziplining and kayaking—classic camp experiences that encourage exploration and confidence. Throughout the week, they’re introduced to tools like the Stellar Trek GPS device, learning how to navigate, identify landmarks and better understand their surroundings.

There are also unforgettable outings, like a visit to the Troy Fire Station, where campers try on gear, ride in a fire truck and experience the world in new, hands-on ways. A trip to the Detroit Zoo blends fun with GPS navigation skills, while a movie theater visit introduces many campers to audio description for the first time. One evening, the teens practice night travel in downtown Rochester under the supervision of Leader Dog team members.

Hannah Jones, a COMS with the extended services department, reflects on the collective impact of the staff and volunteers who make these experiences possible. “We strive to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming space,” she explains. “It’s a lot of preparation but it’s worth it when I see them smiling and laughing.”

A Day They’ll Never Forget

A camper smiles as she leans into a yellow Labrador retriever

For many campers, one experience stands above the rest: Dog Day.

Campers spend the day with guide dog mobility instructors, meeting and working with Leader Dogs. They learn what it’s like to live and travel with a guide dog—walking the dog, grooming it, and even practicing a route together.

For some, it’s simply a joyful experience. For others, it’s a glimpse into what their future could hold.

Ending on a High Note

By the final night, the transformation is clear. Campers take the stage for a talent show, cheering each other on as they share songs, performances and talents. They celebrate their new friendships and make plans to keep in touch.

Four teen campers stand in a fire station smiling and wearing fire fighter gear with helmets.

Tracy, the parent of a teen camper, saw a positive change in her daughter after camp. “She felt comforted knowing she’s not alone and encouraged by the realization that she can navigate life beyond home. It truly strengthened her confidence.”

For Teen Summer Camp alumni, what begins as a step outside their comfort zone becomes something much more: a place where they feel confident, connected, and understood.