Alphapointe

Yesterday we kicked off what many in the know refer to as “the best week of the year.”

And, we have to admit, it’s pretty great.

Twenty-nine campers showed up yesterday, settled in quickly and began to have fun rekindling old friendships, taking to the sky on the zip line and climbing wall, throwing hatchets, learning new cooking skills with chef Dillon, and practicing their artistic sides.

Most importantly, they’re building confidence and independence – learning that they have what it takes to compete in a sighted world.

[Image descriptions: 1. Isaac, who is helping run camp this year, is on the climbing wall near the top. He is looking up at the camera and smiling; 2. Shiloh is dangling from the zip line as he speeds through the woods with a smile on his face; 3. Eddie is on the wall and nearing the top. We see him from behind and down below. He made the top twice and rang the bell both times; 4. Max is adjusting his helmet before getting on the climbing wall; 5. Mary Rose has both hands on the wall and is preparing to make her attempt at a climb. She is smiling at the camera; 6. Left to right: Shiloh, Sarah, and Arion are looking at the camera and smiling. Sarah is holding up rabbit ears behind both Shiloh and Arion; 7. Adan (left) and Arion are seated at a picnic table. Neither are looking at the camera because they have been talking and laughing together so both have big smiles on their faces; 8. Jake (left) is with Anthony, from The Quaff. Anthony came out and brought pizza for the campers to enjoy for lunch - thank you Anthony.]

Today we were at Enterprise KC wrapping up another successful week of Alphapointe Technology Camp by celebrating this year’s campers and their accomplishments.

This year, our youth designed their very own websites … completely from scratch. A skill and technology that takes some people years to master.

“These kids show up every day, ready to confront the tough challenges,” says Dr. Chuck Gardner, Director of Heartland Cyber Range at Enterprise KC. “We are giving them the ability to shape and dictate their own future, and on their own terms.”

Our thanks to Dr. Chuck and the team at Enterprise KC, as well as all the parents, volunteers and, of course, the kids who made this week possible. It was a week filled with hard work and plenty of laughter. Skills were learned, barriers were broken, and kids who live with vision loss showed the world what they're made of. Good job everyone.

[Image descriptions: 1. Left to right: Isaac McBurney, Russell Dorn and Dr. Chuck Gardner are standing and smiling at the camera. Russell is holding up his "Innovator Award" he received; 2. Left to right: Isaac McBurney, Mary Rose and Dr. Chuck Gardner are smiling and facing the camera. Mary Rose is holding her graduation certificate; 3. Dr. Chuck is at the front of the classroom and is talking to campers; 4. Reagan (left) and Dr. Chuck are holding the group photo that Alphapointe gave to Enterprise KC for the awesome job; 5. Liberty is in the left of the frame. She is presenting her website design to the other attendees. We can see a part of it in the photo, along with Dr. Chuck on the right side of the frame; 6. From left to right: Hannah Rogers, Alphapointe Youth Programs Manager, Mary and Jenny from Camps for Kids, and Gina Gowin, Alphapointe Chief Development Officer and Executive Director, Alphapointe Foundation.]

For more photos from Technology Camp, use this URL: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCYRX3