Background

With over 54,000 students across the United States identified as blind or visually impaired, the need for specialized support during their crucial teenage years is immense. Recognizing this critical gap, and with a tentative launch date set for the week of July 20, 2026, Pilot Dogs Camp M.O.V.E. will step forward as a vital resource.

For students aged 14 to 17, our unique, completely free, week-long program will stand as one of only three in the nation dedicated to providing comprehensive orientation & mobility and guide dog readiness training in a focused summer camp environment. Without access to specialized training, many teens face significant barriers to independence, leading to limited opportunities and reduced quality of life.

About Camp MOVE

Pilot Dogs Camp M.O.V.E., serving teens aged 14-17 within a 450-mile radius of Columbus, Ohio, provides expert-led O&M instruction, simulated guide dog experiences, and connections with successful blind and visually impaired teenagers. We are proud to partner with the following schools to reach and serve these students:

Tennessee School for the Blind (Nashville, TN)
Ohio State School for the Blind (Columbus, OH)
Kentucky School for the Blind (Louisville, KY)
West Virginia School for the Deaf & Blind (Romney, WV)
Indiana School for the Blind & Visually Impaired (Indianapolis, IN)
Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children (Pittsburgh, PA)

Curriculum

Orientation & Mobility (O&M) White Cane Skills
Guide Dog Readiness Training
Assistive Technology
Social Skills
College Prep
Recreation & Adventure
Creative Arts
Braille & Literacy (if appropriate)
Mentorship

Philanthropic Goals

We are actively raising funds to launch Camp MOVE in July of 2026. Our short term goal is to raise $30,000 for the first year and a total goal of $150,000 to sustain the program for 5 years. Camp MOVE is more than a camp. It’s a catalyst for personal growth. This immersive experience actively fosters independence by equipping teens with practical skills and a mindset of self-reliance. It's a dynamic space where lasting connections are forged with peers who share similar experiences, fostering a powerful sense of belonging and mutual understanding.

Ultimately, Camp MOVE is dedicated to preparing these young adults for a future brimming with possibilities, laying a strong foundation for greater independence as they transition into college, embark on their chosen careers, and actively participate within their broader communities.

Camp MOVE (Mobility, Opportunity, Venture, Explore)

By Pilot Dogs

Camp MOVE (Mobility, Opportunity, Venture, Explore)

Summer Camp for Blind and Visually Impaired Youth