Summer in Northeastern Pennsylvania brings longer days, community activity, and increased time outdoors. For Northeast Sight Services, it is also a season where programs across the region help children, young adults, and older individuals build independence and access practical supports in everyday life.

From summer camp experiences to employment training and community-based services, these programs reflect a continuum of support designed to meet people where they are.

Camp Sight: Summer Learning for Children

One of the most established summer programs is Camp Sight, part of the InSight Kids Club of NEPA.

Camp Sight offers children who are blind or visually impaired a two-week summer experience centered on accessible camp activities. Participants are encouraged to explore new experiences, build independence through hands-on activities, and connect with peers in a supportive setting.

MY Work: Employment Experience and Skill Building

The MY Work program provides summer employment experience for young adults who are blind or visually impaired through a partnership with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the City of Wilkes-Barre.

This year, participants will be placed with work experiences at Kirby Park and the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, where they will engage in entry-level job responsibilities, workplace routines, and professional skill development.

The program focuses on practical employment exposure, helping participants understand expectations in workplace settings while building skills that support long-term vocational goals.

Independence in Everyday Life

For adults and older individuals, Northeast Sight Services provides ongoing support focused on daily living and maintaining independence in the community.

This includes assistance with tasks such as grocery shopping, navigating public spaces, and accessing services that support routine activities. These interactions are often paired with hands-on training using adaptive tools and strategies that support daily decision-making and self-reliance.

A key component of this work is the Mobile Vision Resource Center, which will be in Pike County on June 17. The mobile unit brings assistive technology and adaptive equipment directly into communities, allowing individuals to explore tools that support reading, cooking, communication, and other essential daily tasks without needing to travel to a central location.

Community Support, Prevention, and Coming Together

Summer also provides an opportunity to highlight prevention, education, and community support for vision health.

On June 27, National Sunglasses Day, Northeast Sight Services joins broader efforts to raise awareness about the importance of UV protection and long-term eye health. Consistent use of proper sunglasses is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of eye damage over time. How to help?
On June 4–5, NEPA Gives provides a region-wide giving opportunity supporting key organizational priorities, including continued upgrades to the education kitchen used for hands-on independent living instruction. What is NEPA Gives?
On June 15, the 13th annual Chip in for Sight Golf Tournament at Wyoming Valley Country Club will bring supporters together to raise funds that help sustain programs serving individuals across all ages.
On August 6, Sip for Sight offers another opportunity for community members to gather in support of Northeast Sight Services and the programs it provides. More info.

Each of these efforts directly supports services ranging from early vision screening and education to employment preparation and independent living support.

A Season of Access and Opportunity

Summer programming across Northeast Sight Services reflects a shared goal: ensuring individuals who are blind or visually impaired have access to tools, training, and experiences that support independence at every stage of life.

From summer employment and youth programming to adaptive technology access and daily living support, these services are designed to meet a wide range of needs across the region.

To learn more about programs or ways to support Northeast Sight Services, visit northeastsight.org.