By Gwen Botting

Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind Camps offers summer camps and select year-round programs for children and youth who are blind or have low vision. The programs emphasize essential independent living skills often overlooked in traditional settings, including personal organization, safe cooking techniques, and everyday problem-solving, while also fostering strong social connections. Through engaging and sometimes unexpected activities—such as kayaking, woodworking, ice fishing, and biking—participants build confidence, independence, and lasting friendships. These experiences help children develop skills naturally, in a supportive environment focused on mutual respect, capability, and fun.

Gwen Botting has served as Executive Director of Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind since 2012. Motivated by her experience raising a son who is totally blind and now lives and works independently, she identified gaps in blindness education and has dedicated her career to addressing them.

By Garry Lange

“Just a Little Baseball” offers a historical look at America’s national pastime. Along the way, attendees will learn about the game while enjoying opportunities to reminisce, reflect, and share their own memories and experiences.

Garry Lange operates the Biggest Little Baseball Museum in his hometown of Three Oaks Michigan. He played the game as a youngster, started coaching as a teen and loves the game, especially its history. The first Little League players that Garry coached turn 60 this year, a milestone in his lifelong love of baseball!

By Sara Schultz

If you’ve ever been to a beach in South Haven, then you’ve heard kids and adults alike exclaim, “Hey look! There’s a pirate ship!” Of course, the Friends Goodwill isn’t actually a pirate ship, but there’s a wealth of Michigan history behind the little sloop. Join us for a presentation on the history of the original Friends Goodwill and the story behind the Michigan Maritime Museum’s replica.

Sara Schultz is Head of Education at the Michigan Maritime Museum and has more than 18 years of experience working in museums throughout Michigan. She holds a B.A. in Public History and an M.A. in Socio-Cultural Studies of Education from Western Michigan University.