Summer Academies

Short-Term Programs Home: Short Courses | Learning Lab | Summer Academies

Summer Academies provide students with the opportunity to have fun, address elements of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), utilize technology, and build social skills. Nearly all the courses for this summer will be held in-person and on-campus at California School for the Blind (CSB). Students can attend only one course per week but frequently participate in more than one week.

Information about all courses can be provided in different languages via telephone interpreters. Please contact our Short-term programs team for any language support at csb.shortcourses@csb-cde.ca.gov or 510-951-0492 or at 510-951-1889.

See the Summer Academies Frequently Asked Questions for more information. We do our best to offer academies for a wide range of ages, supporting both residential and local day students. Programs for ages 13 and up serve students through high school graduation or age 22. Students may also participate in the summer immediately following graduation.

Visit our Facebook Group Page to see the current news about Summer Academies and Short Courses where we feature pictures of the adventures the students are experiencing while on our campus.

Summer Academy 2026

Please complete our brief interest form Summer Academy Interest form 2026 (Google Form) if you or someone you know may be interested in our upcoming courses.

Dates for Summer Academies 2026:

All Courses are in-person on our CSB Campus, 500 Walnut Ave, Fremont, CA 94536!

Week 1: June 8-12, 2026 (Ages 13+)

Week 2: June 15-19, 2026 (Ages 9 - 13)

Week 3: June 22-26, 2026 (Ages 13+)

Week 1: June 8-12, 2026 (Ages 13+)

Camp Abilities

Join Camp Abilities California for an experience, combining outdoor adventure, sports, and physical activity in an inclusive environment. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in skateboarding with GoGo Skateboarding and kayaking on a local body of water. Blind tennis and disc golf offer a unique challenge, with adapted equipment to ensure an enjoyable and competitive experience for all levels. Hiking adventures will connect campers with nature, fostering physical activity while promoting wellness and social interaction.

In addition to these outdoor activities, campers will enjoy swimming sessions, Goalball, a Paralympic sport with special guest Paralympian, Brandon Young. Camp Abilities also includes a tandem biking workshop with Fremont Schwinn, where campers will ride with a pilot, experiencing the teamwork and trust needed to cycle together. Each activity is designed to promote physical activity, self-advocacy skills, and personal growth while ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness for everyone involved.

Prerequisites:
All swimming levels are welcome. Campers must be willing to get in the pool and try new sports and activities they haven't done before. It is okay to be nervous and trying something for the first time!

ArtVenture

ArtVenture Camp invites young artists of all skill levels to spend a summer filled with creativity, discovery, and hands-on fun. Over the course of a week, campers will explore a variety of art forms, including ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, mixed media, and 3D art, while experimenting with new techniques and materials each day. From glazing ceramics and creating bold, abstract pieces to building layered, mixed-media projects, every activity encourages personal expression in a supportive and inspiring environment. In addition to art, campers will enjoy fun social games and activities that build friendships and spark collaboration. With adaptive tools and plenty of guidance, ArtVenture Camp ensures every child feels included and empowered to unleash their imagination, explore their creativity, and have fun all summer long.

Prerequisites:
None; all skill levels are welcome and will be accommodated.

Educational Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons

A course for beginners to the Dungeons and Dragons Role Playing Game, published by Wizards of the Coast. We will focus on teaching the basic mechanics of the game using pre-generated characters at first. We'll continue by teaching the players how to develop their conversational, mathematical, critical thinking, decision-making, and storytelling skills as they work together to develop their characters and discover a shared storytelling experience with their fellow students.

Prerequisites:
Students must possess a basic understanding of English as a spoken and written language.

Guitar Week

This short course will be a musically intensive week long workshop focused on learning and playing guitar. We will explore the many styles and traditions of guitar from around the world with group instruction, ensemble playing, practice sessions, jams, and individual study. Students will have the opportunity to explore the many varieties of acoustic and electric models of guitar, sound equipment, and their related global traditions, including classical, folk, jazz, rock, and experimental. Other activities may include composition, arranging, and songwriting.

This course is designed for students who have already begun to learn guitar and are interested in a musically intensive workshop. The skill level is open to moderate beginners to advanced-level students. If you are interested in participating please connect with CSB Music Teacher Charles Lloyd by email or phone to share your experience with guitar, and prepare a musical piece to share either with a video or audio recording (more information below).

Prerequisites:
Demo guidelines: Two musical items demonstrating your progress on the guitar. This can include a song, composition, chord progression, scales, or riffs.
The demo can be an audio or visual recording. Please share in the way that's best for you. You can email (clloyd@csb-cde.ca.gov) or Google share demos (to c.lloyd@g.csb-cde.ca.gov). Sharing a YouTube link is also ok.
Admittance will be based on creating a balanced ensemble of instrumentation and ability.

Please reach out to CSB music teacher Charles Lloyd via email at clloyd@csb-cde.ca.gov or call at 510-936-5580 with any questions.

Paws and Pools

Dip into a week of aquatic and canine fun. Join us for a unique blend of swimming pool activities and learning about pet-dog companionship. Get ready to review water safety and play games in the pool! When not swimming, students will explore and practice the responsibilities of dog ownership through hands-on learning. Don't miss the chance to make a splash in the pool and build camaraderie with both two and four-legged friends. Activities in this course will support developing the following ECC skill areas: recreation and leisure, orientation and mobility, sensory efficiency, career development, independent living, compensatory, social interaction, and self-determination.

Prerequisites:
All swimming levels are welcome (beginner to expert). Students must be willing to get in the pool and interact with dogs. Nervousness is okay; this week is about learning and building confidence.

Week 2: June 15-19, 2026 (Ages 9 - 13)

Camp Abilities

Join Camp Abilities California for an experience, combining outdoor adventure, sports, and physical activity in an inclusive environment. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in skateboarding with GoGo Skateboarding and kayaking on a local body of water. Blind tennis and disc golf offer a unique challenge, with adapted equipment to ensure an enjoyable and competitive experience for all levels. Hiking adventures will connect campers with nature, fostering physical activity while promoting wellness and social interaction.

In addition to these outdoor activities, campers will enjoy swimming sessions, Goalball, a Paralympic sport with special guest Paralympian, Brandon Young. Camp Abilities also includes a tandem biking workshop with Fremont Schwinn, where campers will ride with a pilot, experiencing the teamwork and trust needed to cycle together. Each activity is designed to promote physical activity, self-advocacy skills, and personal growth while ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness for everyone involved.

Prerequisites:

All swimming levels are welcome. Campers must be willing to get in the pool and try new sports and activities they haven't done before. It is okay to be nervous and trying something for the first time!

ArtVenture

This summer, ArtVenture Camp offers an engaging experience for upper elementary and middle school students eager to explore their artistic talents. Over the course of a week, campers will engage in a variety of creative projects, including working with clay, building sculptures, creating bold designs, and experimenting with mixed media and 3D art. The camp emphasizes hands-on learning, encouraging students to express themselves freely while developing new skills in a supportive environment. Alongside art activities, there will be fun team challenges and social games designed to foster connection and collaboration. With personalized support and a focus on fun, ArtVenture Camp helps young artists grow confident in their creativity and discover new ways to bring their ideas to life.

Prerequisites:
None; all skill levels are welcome and will be accommodated.

Educational Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons

A course for beginners to the Dungeons and Dragons Role Playing Game, published by Wizards of the Coast. We will focus on teaching the basic mechanics of the game using pre-generated characters at first. We'll continue by teaching the players how to develop their conversational, mathematical, critical thinking, decision-making, and storytelling skills as they work together to develop their characters and discover a shared storytelling experience with their fellow students.

Prerequisites:
Students must possess a basic understanding of English as a spoken and written language.

Doggy Paddle

Do you love dogs and swimming? Doggy Paddle is a week of creating unforgettable moments in the pool with two-legged friends and on land with four-legged friends. Spend part of the day in CSB's pool practicing water safety, learning swimming techniques, and playing games. Then shake off the water and experience the ins and outs of dog ownership, care, and training. Come ready to make a splash and have a dog-gone good time. Activities in this course will support developing the following Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) areas: recreation and leisure, orientation and mobility, independent living, compensatory, self-determination, sensory efficiency, and social interaction skills.

Prerequisites:
All swimming levels are welcome (beginner to expert). Students must be willing to get in the pool and interact with dogs. Nervousness is okay; this week is about learning and building confidence.

Parkitects: Build Your Own Park Map

Have you ever wondered what makes a great park? In Parkitects, students will explore the design and accessibility of outdoor spaces - then become park planners themselves! Through hands-on activities, students will learn how to read, design, and create tactile maps that bring parks to life through touch.
Throughout the week, students will investigate how features like trails, rest areas, playgrounds, and natural landmarks are represented in accessible formats. They'll use materials such as textured paper, foam, Wikki-Stix, 3D prints, and braille labels to build their own raised maps of real or imagined parks. The course blends orientation and mobility concepts, spatial awareness, and creative design in a fun, collaborative environment.
By the end of the week, each "Parkitect" will have a custom tactile park map to showcase - complete with a legend, compass rose, and unique park features designed with inclusivity in mind.

Prerequisites:
None

Week 3: June 22-26, 2026 (Ages 13+)

Camp Abilities

Join Camp Abilities California for an experience, combining outdoor adventure, sports, and physical activity in an inclusive environment. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in skateboarding with GoGo Skateboarding and kayaking on a local body of water. Blind tennis and disc golf offer a unique challenge, with adapted equipment to ensure an enjoyable and competitive experience for all levels. Hiking adventures will connect campers with nature, fostering physical activity while promoting wellness and social interaction.

In addition to these outdoor activities, campers will enjoy swimming sessions, Goalball, a Paralympic sport with special guest Paralympian, Brandon Young. Camp Abilities also includes a tandem biking workshop with Fremont Schwinn, where campers will ride with a pilot, experiencing the teamwork and trust needed to cycle together. Each activity is designed to promote physical activity, self-advocacy skills, and personal growth while ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness for everyone involved.

Prerequisites:

All swimming levels are welcome. Campers must be willing to get in the pool and try new sports and activities they haven't done before. It is okay to be nervous and trying something for the first time!

ArtVenture

This summer, ArtVenture Camp offers a fun and inspiring week for young artists, teens, and adults of all skill levels to explore their creativity. Campers will get hands-on with a variety of art forms, including ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, mixed media, and 3D art, while trying out new techniques and materials each day. From glazing pottery and painting bold, abstract pieces to creating unique mixed-media works, every activity encourages creativity and self-expression in a relaxed, supportive setting. With help from experienced instructors, participants can develop their skills, discover new ideas, and connect with others who share their love of art. Outside the studio, campers will enjoy games and group activities that build friendships and teamwork, making ArtVenture Camp a summer full of creativity, connection, and fun.

Prerequisites:

None; all skill levels are welcome and will be accommodated.

Educational Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons

A course for beginners to the Dungeons and Dragons Role Playing Game, published by Wizards of the Coast. We will focus on teaching the basic mechanics of the game using pre-generated characters at first. We'll continue by teaching the players how to develop their conversational, mathematical, critical thinking, decision-making, and storytelling skills as they work together to develop their characters and discover a shared storytelling experience with their fellow students.

Prerequisites
Students must possess a basic understanding of English as a spoken and written language.

Build a Band

In this week-long intensive student musicians will join their talents together in the spirit of collaboration to form a musical ensemble. We will explore musical material of various styles and genres, learn new ways to deepen our musicianship and develop a hands-on understanding of managing live sound. And have lots of fun playing music together!
This course is open to musicians of any instrument and background, including voice, with an intermediate level of experience. For example, students should have at least 2 years of active study on their main instrument with the ability to play a variety of songs, chords and scales, and rhythms. Students interested in participating in the Build a Band music short course must submit a demo.

Prerequisites:
Demo Guidelines: The demo should demonstrate your main instruments and abilities in music. Any instruments and multiple instruments are acceptable.
Please share two pieces of contrasting style or feel.
Performance can be solo, with an accompanist or group, or with a backing track.

The demo can be an audio or visual recording. Please share in the way that's best for you. You can email (clloyd@csb-cde.ca.gov) or Google share demos (to c.lloyd@g.csb-cde.ca.gov). Sharing a YouTube link is also ok.
Admittance will be based on creating a balanced ensemble of instrumentation and ability.
Please reach out to CSB music teacher Charles Lloyd via email at clloyd@csb-cde.ca.gov or call at 510-936-5580 with any questions.

Nourish & Flourish

Spend a week exploring what it means to feel good, look good, and take care of yourself - inside and out! From learning basic hygiene, dental care, and first-aid skills to trying yoga, meditation, and healthy eating at local farms, this camp covers it all. You'll also get hands-on experience with style, skincare, nails, and self-expression, plus tips and tools to build habits that support your wellbeing. By the end of the week, you'll leave confident, refreshed, and ready to thrive in your everyday life.

Prerequisites:
None

Chronically Online Chronicles

Welcome to the Chronically Online Chronicle, where memes meet the newsroom! In this modern twist on journalism, students become digital reporters exploring how news, trends, and online culture shape the world around them. Over the week, they'll write short articles, record interviews, and produce audio stories that blend humor, curiosity, and real-world awareness.
Students will learn the ins and outs of storytelling, interviewing, and accessible media design while creating both written and audio editions of their very own student publication. From viral trends to real-life features, this course turns every participant into a voice of the digital generation - informed, creative, and definitely "chronically online."

Prerequisites:
Screen reader and Typing Proficiency

Past Summer Academies

Previous Summer Academies Information