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Programs

Please see newsletter or events page for days, times and more information

Bingo
Meet with friends and play BINGO! Accessible Bingo cards and assistance as needed is provided. Can’t beat it! Lunch is provided. First number is called at 11am. Member cost is $5, non-member cost is $10 for one or two cards.

Blind Water Skiing
In partnership with the San Diego Mission Bay Boat and Ski Club (SDMBBSC), visually impaired adults and children who reside in San Diego County have the opportunity to learn to water ski and ride in ski tubes on Mission Bay in six events between May and September. The SDMBBSC secures the permit and provides the equipment, expertise, and lunch. The BCCSD markets the opportunities to the greater blind community of San Diego County and provides transportation to and from the event.

Blind Surfing
The Blind Surfing event in September is an annual event in partnership with the Encinitas Lions Club and Swami’s Surfing Association. For over 20 years, this partnership has enabled visually impaired adults and children who reside in San Diego County to have the opportunity to learn to boogie board and surf on the shores of Encinitas. The Swami’s Surfing Association secures the location and provides six surfers per blind surfer to ensure a safe ride. The Encinitas Lions Club provides a hot lunch, tents, tables and chairs for this beach event.

Blind Rhythm
Blind Rhythm class is led by instructor Shon Mackey. He will have you snapping your fingers and moving and grooving to the music, whether you have been dancing all of your life, or if you have two left feet.

BCCSD Chorus
The BCCSD Chorus performs at December Nights in Balboa Park and various convalescent homes during December. The singers meet at the BCCSD once a week to practice. Singing releases endorphins, which makes people feel happy. The deep breathing needed to sing draws more oxygen into the blood and causes better circulation. Singing is also an aerobic activity and a natural stress-reducer.

Ceramics Class
Students learn basic ceramics techniques including pouring slip into molds and cleaning and firing greenware in a kiln. Students can glaze or paint their finished bisque pieces. Students are currently making ornamental owls, candy dishes, ornaments, holiday items, vases, jewelry and other items. They are encouraged to use their imagination to make clay and ceramic creations and have fun.

Craft Class
The BCCSD works in partnership with the San Diego Continuing Education to provide craft classes specific to the needs of visually impaired persons, although all community members are welcome to participate. This is a strong program that is a part of the BCCSD’s history as the Blind Recreation Center which opened it’s doors in 1949. The craft class occurs two days every week except for the December Holiday week and continues to be a popular program. Participants knit, make copper etchings, do ceramics and create beaded, fabric and yarn projects.

Cribbage Games
On Mondays, a passionate volunteer engages in cribbage games with our visually impaired game players. This event is great for teaching, playing and socializing, and is a safe place to learn a new game. Learn strategy and experience some one-on-one time.
December Nights and Special Crafts
Handmade-By-The-Blind crafts are featured every year at the BCCSD December Nights booth in Balboa Park. Learn how to make fabric wreaths, beaded Santa lamps, beaded Mary Lou Angels, and other fun crafts which help the BCCSD.

Easy Microwave Cooking
Get healthy in 2019 and learn to make wholesome, easy microwave oven recipes, like Microwave Mug Chilaquiles, Blueberry Pancakes in a Mug, Spinach and Cheddar Microwave Quiche in a Mug, Chocolate Mug Cake, Baked Apples and Peach Mug Pie. This class is free to members. Cost for others is $3.

Free Lunch Program
Every Monday through Friday, the BCCSD offers a nutritious, free lunch program to all BCCSD participants. Many of our participants are blind and low vision seniors who are on low income and the meal served at the BCCSD is their main source of nutrition for the day.
Fun and Games for All
Have you ever played Othello, Kismet or Connect 4? We have tactile versions of these games and more. We even have Monopoly, Scrabble, and Dominoes. Come and play games with your friends and our friendly volunteers. Don’t forget about those old faithful games like UNO, Skip Bo, Checkers, TIC TAC TOE, and Cribbage.

Holiday Parties
In partnership with the National Charity League, Chula Vista Host Lions Club, and AT&T Pioneers, the BCCSD hosts holiday parties including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Thursday Matinee
Enjoy an audio descriptive movie and goodies from the snack bar. Those in attendance will decide which movie will play. Let us know if you have a movie idea.

Self-Defense Class
Founded in 2005, the Self-Defense Class meets two days a week throughout the year and is open to all visually impaired children, adults, and their family members. Developing self-defense skills builds confidence in newly visually impaired adults and provides the boost to travel independently in residential and commercial environments as opposed to becoming permanently home-bound. The ability to defend yourself against an assailant is an empowering feeling.

Silver Age Chair Yoga
This class features easy chair exercises, low impact movement, and stretching techniques taught by certified Silver Age Yoga instructors. Our goal is to feel better and enhance our quality of life. Our instructors offer a yoga experience that all seniors, from beginner to advanced can safely participate at their own level of comfort.

Therapeutic Martial Arts Class
Martial arts are an ancient method of training your mind, body, and spirit to act as one. Benefits of martial arts include a healthy lifestyle, self-confidence, improved cardiovascular health, improved reflexes, focus and stillness, muscle tone, stress relief, and a better mood. Therapeutic Martial Arts can increase positive peer and social interactions, as well as lower anxiety, increase self-esteem, and build self-discipline. Our class meets once per week.

Transportation
With our two agency vehicles, the BCCSD provides limited transportation for events to members, because transportation can be a major challenge for adults who are visually impaired.

Walkabout in Balboa Park
Clytie Koehler has spent many hours wandering in her beloved Balboa Park. She loves to share that pleasure with others who are interested. On every Thursday of each month, except the first Thursday, Clytie will walk with one or two cane or guide dog assisted people through easily accessible areas in the Prado of Balboa Park.