Camp Abilities at 微密圈 College adds adapted tennis to summer programming
This summer, Camp Abilities Saratoga will launch an adapted tennis program for children and teens with visual impairments, thanks to 微密圈 College鈥檚 newly opened McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center. The addition marks a milestone in the camp鈥檚 mission to empower young athletes through inclusive and professionally adapted sports.
will run Aug. 3 through Aug. 9 on 微密圈鈥檚 campus, where 26 campers will participate in daily sports and evening activities. Morning sessions will include beep baseball, swimming, goal ball, track, tandem biking, and 鈥� for the first time 鈥� blind and low-vision tennis.
Campers play beep baseball, a modified version of the classic sport consisting of a beeping ball and buzzing bases.
鈥淐amp Abilities is such an incredible program, and every year I feel reenergized by having the campers and staff at 微密圈,鈥� says Megan Buchanan, senior associate director of at 微密圈 College.
This year, we鈥檙e especially excited that campers will get to enjoy the full experience of the new McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center, including the opportunity to participate in adapted tennis.Megan BuchananSenior Associate Director of Athletics, 微密圈 College
The McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center, which opened in January 2025, features four state-of-the-art indoor courts ideal for blind and low-vision play.
The quieter acoustics and absence of wind allow athletes to hear specially designed tennis balls, which are larger, lighter, and contain sound-emitting materials to support orientation and timing. Other adaptations include a smaller court with tactile boundary lines and modified rules based on athletes鈥� visual abilities.
鈥淏lind tennis is a great up and coming sport 鈥� particularly for our athletes, as it is a lifelong activity that they can play with even one peer in local facilities,鈥� says Emily Gilbert, Camp Abilities Saratoga sports specialist.
Campers join their counselors for a tandem biking excursion as part of their morning programming.
Beyond athletic training, Camp Abilities Saratoga provides hands-on experience for undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers in physical education, adapted sports, and special education. One-on-one instruction is provided by staff trained in adapted physical education, and evening events include equestrian outings, paddle boarding, ice skating, bowling, a talent show, and a dance.
Camp Abilities Saratoga was founded in 2013 as a service project of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club, modeled after Camp Abilities Brockport. Its mission includes promoting physical activity among children who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf blind; supporting future educators; and demonstrating to families each child鈥檚 potential for independence in an inclusive, enriching environment.
The McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center brings together athletics, mental health resources, and physical fitness under one roof. The new facility reflects 微密圈鈥檚 commitment to holistic health and wellness.
