Accomplished athlete Peter Crowley, who successfully completed the first solo kayak crossing of the English Channel by a blind person this past June, shared his amazing experience with 12 visually impaired children from Camp Helen Keller, based on the grounds of Farmingdale State University. The group met at Heckscher State Park in East Islip where Crowley, together with three assistants, taught the children how to kayak. Crowley inspired the children with a discussion on the incredible potential life holds for those who set goals and aspire to accomplish them, despite their handicaps.

"This was definitely a great experience for our campers," said Camp Helen Keller Director Bill Dale. "These kind of activities help our kids gain self-confidence and feel better about themselves. While some of the campers did experience a bit of doubt on the way to the park ... this was soon forgotten when Peter and his team got them into the kayaks."

Crowley, a former counselor at Camp Helen Keller (he also met his wife there), was equally enthused. "It was a thrill for me to share my enthusiasm about kayaking and accomplishing goals. I wanted the kids to know that if you focus on what you can't do, you won't do anything. Focus on what you can do, and the sky's the limit."

Crowley's recent English Channel crossing is one of his many adventures and accomplishments over the years. In August, 1994 he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and in 1999 he canoed solo 130 miles down the Hudson River from Albany to New York City. Helen Keller Services for the Blind was a sponsor of Crowley's English Channel crossing.

John Lynch, Executive Director of Helen Keller Services for the Blind, praised Crowley and his incredible bravery and perseverance. "Peter Crowley is a terrific athlete who has accomplished a number of amazing feats over the years. He is a role model for so many people, both sighted and blind, for he continually demonstrates what can be accomplished through determination and discipline."

Peter Crowley began his long-standing relationship with Helen Keller Services for the Blind as a child. HKSB provided him with at-home instruction as well as mobility training. He learned Braille in his early twenties and, at the recommendation of his Braille instructor, he became a counselor at Camp Helen Keller in Farmingdale.

Camp Helen Keller is a summer day camp for children, ages 5 to 15, who are blind or legally blind. Held on the grounds of Farmingdale State University, it is unique in that it is the only camp of it's kind on Long Island. It's free to any legally blind child who resides on Long Island (aside from a small registration fee). During a fun-filled six weeks, campers engage in a host of activities supervised by a specially trained staff. Through socialization and participation in a wide variety of sports, arts and crafts and special events, children acquire new skills that enhance social interaction and boost confidence and self-esteem.

Since 1893 the mission of Helen Keller Services for the Blind has been to prepare visually impaired people for a life of independence. With facilities in Brooklyn, Hempstead and Huntington, HKSB offers programs for individuals of all ages and degrees of blindness. Specialized programs and services such as job training and placement, mobility, Braille and large print book production, free vision screenings and rehabilitation services help visually impaired people lead their lives with confidence.