Sea Camp Makes a Big Splash in Texas

By Ron Bowes, Director of PR
& Michelle Miracle, PR Intern, Christian Record Services

Adapted from: Southwestern Union Record (December, 2000)

How do blind people see sharks, sea horses, and pencil urchins?

With their own hands and through the eyes of their friends. Last summer more than 50 blind and visually impaired young people got a close-up view of sea life and much more.

The week-long camp was sponsored by Christian Record Services and put on with the help of volunteers from Corpus Christi and Annaville who found it to be an eye- opening experience.

This was the second year CRS sponsored a camp at the Texas State Aquarium. More than 15 denominations were represented. "As with all CRS camps, this is an outreach to the churched and unchurched as well," said Art Grayman, field director for CRS.

"This ministry is truly an outreach. We had campers from varied religious persuasions and those with no church background at all," said Larry Guinn, camp pastor, who took vacation time from his position as hospital chaplain at Knapp Medical Center, Weslaco, Texas, to minister to the campers.

CRS is committed to serving the needs of the blind, and when you get to do that at a camp near the ocean, that is icing on the cake, according to CRS camp secretary Olga Soto. "We described every detail about the sea life to the campers. I loved seeing the joy on their faces as they got to encounter new things," said Soto.

"Many of the campers were apprehensive of the water and had never felt sea creatures before," said Kevin Hargett, camp coordinator. "Seeing" by touching and feeling them was something most of the campers had never experienced and few expected they ever would. "For a blind person it takes a lot of faith and trust to enter the surf in the bay or even put a hand into a tank with fish and sea creatures," added Hargett.

Irlanda Hernandez, 20, from Donna, Texas, came to camp for the first time this year. She didn't know what to expect and was a little apprehensive about some of the activities. Her friend, Gilberto Garcia, a partially sighted counselor, saw her grow in confidence until she not only was enjoying the aquarium, but even romping in the surf. By the end of camp everyone knew Irlanda's winning smile and thoughtful ways. In fact, the campers voted her "camper of the year" during the young adult camp.

"We are very excited to have a specialty camp centered around the ocean," said Larry Pitcher, president of CRS. "We've been running National Camps for Blind Children for over 25 years now, and I am very pleased to have this camp on our lineup," continued Pitcher.

Gerad Deuvall, 18, from Seagoville, Texas, enjoys camp because it is a nice get-away from the stresses of life. In a letter to CRS he wrote, " I want to thank all of my friends at camp who love and respect me. I made so many friends that I hope to see again next year." Gerad had just recently graduated from high school and was searching for direction in his life when he came to camp and met Chaplain Larry Guinn, who gave the morning and evening devotions.

"I've been volunteering at blind camps for eight years, and I do it because I have the desire to see the kids pursue new opportunities for personal and spiritual growth," said Guinn. This year Guinn organized a communion service on Friday evening, complete with footwashing. Campers and staff embraced the significance of the ceremony.

"I wanted to make everyone feel comfortable so we explained the story behind the first communion and its significance. Almost everyone wanted to be a part of it," said Guinn. Gerad was one of the most enthusiastic campers, and he understands the joy of accepting Christ and is looking forward to baptism.

The camping program has impacted the lives of Gerad's parents, Tom and Dianne Deuvall, as well. Also totally blind, they attended Yorktown Bay, a blind camp in Arkansas. "We were impressed by the fellowship we experienced at camp during our visits this summer and last," said Dianne. Recently they joined the Mesquite church. "We are hoping the whole family will join the church soon," added Dianne.