OUB:

Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind was created for the exact purpose that is its name. To create and foster unlimited opportunities for blind and partially sighted people throughout Michigan and the world.  This organization, comprised mainly of blind adults who have a passion for blind youth, was created in 1994.  As the presence of the Michigan School for the Blind began to greatly diminish it became apparent that additional mentoring, leadership and education were vital to ensure that the blind youth of today would grow into successful competent blind adults.

Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind first worked as a sort of PTA or secondary voice at Camp Tuhsmeheta.  This organization provided some guidance and funds, however, as the School for the Blind became less and less interested in the camp, OUB began to have more and more influence.  The people who founded this organization knew the importance of camp and how much of a life changing experience it is.  They longed to see the youth of today experience and grow from the same experiences they had as children. 

It is said that we are truly alive when we do what we love and OUB’s love came alive at camp T.  In the summer of 2004, after the camp sat unused during the summer of 2003, OUB was finally allowed complete responsibility for the camp.  OUB gained the opportunity to implement longer camping sessions, hire a large number of blind role models as counselors and support staff and steer the camp program into a bright, determined and promising future.  

Today the possibilities and strength of OUB is immeasurable.  This organization, still comprised mostly of blind determined and passionate adults, hopes to extend the use of Camp T and build it into a nationally recognized program of excellence.  Though the organization has grown, the principles remain the same. OUB works to create opportunities in and outside of Camp Tuhsmeheta that will help build the blind youth of today into strong, self confident, successful leaders of tomorrow.

Goals:

Have fun while gaining skills and knowledge.

Educate and enhance current daily living skills such as proper table manners, tying shoes, making a sandwich/cooking, utilizing blind role models.

Teach campers to identify elements in natural environment (forests, fields, wetlands and waterfront). For example, learn to identify a tree by its bark and smell, a bird by its song or wing whirl, a type of fungus by its texture. Teach to associate the sounds, feel and scents of an area to identify its habitat.

Teach safe cane travel in natural environments and rough terrain. Improve skills of cane travel using a compass, sounds, wind direction, and route memorization.

Gain a sense of self to become more proactive, both independently and in group settings.

Teach arts and crafts to spark creativity, developing gross and fine motor skills and enhance campers existing talents.

Educate in ecology, conservation, and nature in general.

Teach campers to be able to adapt to sudden changes in the environment and people around them.

Encourage youth to participate in blindness organizations, broadening their boundaries and horizons.

History:

1968 - Dr. Thompson began looking for a place where he could take the 300+ students at Michigan School for the Blind (MSB) for outdoor education and recreation.

1970 - Dr. Thompson located and purchased 297 acres with money from a private trust fund. The benefactor of the fund stated that the fund was "to be used for the outdoor education of blind children." It is an ongoing trust with it's interest / dividends being used for maintenance, improvements, and programming at Camp T.

1971 - A contest was held at the Michigan School for the Blind to name the property. Ms. Becky Bruntin, a music teacher, came up with the name Tuhsmeheta, using the four senses that a blind person has. (TUH - touch, SME - smell, HE - hearing, TA - taste). It was unanimously selected by the MSB staff as the name for the camp.

1971 - Initial camping was done in a clearing on the back of the property to the Roth cabin. The log cabin, which was built in the 1940's, now has a new roof, windows, doors, a fireplace and a floor with carpet.

1974 - First summer camp program held. Tent units were located around the Roth Cabin. Cooking was done on wood and Coleman stoves.

1975 - Roadway to the waterfront was put in. The "Brown Memorial Boat House" was built .

1976 - White Pine Lodge was completed. It has a dining room, kitchen, sleeping facilities for twenty-four, and indoor plumbing, including hot showers.

1977 - Two pavilions were built. One was used for arts & crafts. The Greenville Lions donated funds to build a large playground facility. The Navy Reserve CB's did the construction work. Tent units were moved out by the playground.

1979-80 - The CB's built the first new cabin (Tamarack Lodge). It sleeps 14 and has a small living room, dining area, and kitchen. It was designed to be used for individual classes from MSB.

1983 - A shower building was built by the tent units and playground.

1984-92 - MSB enrollment had decreased by 80%. Operation of Camp "T" was turned over to non-MSB staff. Summer camp was only in operation 4-6 weeks each summer.

1993 - No summer camp held.

1994 -Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) was formed. Bob Burnett returned to run camp. Volunteers helped with much needed maintenance work. The outdoor eating area was screened in.

1995 - An area was cleared for a pole barn. 850 yards of fill sand was brought in and leveled. Fall construction of Elm Hall was started by Navy Reserve CB's. It was totally enclosed by December. It now houses the industrial arts shop, small engine repair, and maintenance area.

1997 - Construction on Birch and Maple Lodges was started by volunteers and Navy Reserve CB's. Birch Lodge now houses the Amateur Radio room where station WA8LKL is on the air. Maple Lodge basement has two meeting rooms. The bunkroom in each cabin sleeps 24.

1998 - White Pine Lodge was scheduled to be remodeled. It was designed to have a new, enlarged kitchen with seating for up to 125 persons. The dinning area is also available for meetings.

2003 - No Organized Summer Camp was held.

2004 - Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind officially takes over the programming and management of camp. OUB hosts a summer camp for blind children. The camp ran for six one-week sessions. Funding was obtained from private sources.

2005 - OUB hires its first full time Executive Director since Bob Burnett. Camp T also begins year round programming incorporating weekend events into it’s programming.

2006 - OUB hires two additional full time employees, a camp director and an executive assistant.

Summer of 2007- Camps will be lengthened to sessions that last between one and five weeks. It is our hope that these new lengthened sessions will allow for more personal growth and an increased number of opportunities for education in daily living skills.