She is also blind. She fondly remembers hiking and canoeing with her vision teacher when she was a teenager. Tina volunteered with Adventure Fitness for two years before being hired as the program's first full time director. Funds from United Way and the Jewish Heritage Foundation pay her salary. As the kids participate, their confidence grows.
Parents also see what other visually impaired children can do.
Tina points out that the goal of Adventure Fitness is more than just exercise and fun. We're teaching life skills and community service as well. During the Christmas holidays we went shopping at Oak Park Mall to buy presents for underprivileged kids. The shopping trip taught club members how to choose specific sizes and colors, how to count change and handle money and how to get around in a crowded mall. A recent car wash was another learning tool.