Fall Festivities at Oral Hull Park

By Creanna Gallegos, for The Sandy Standard

In August, the Hull Foundation and Learning Center hosted a week-long Adaptive Adventure Retreat for 11 blind and low-vision participants. Guests spent the week building confidence and enjoying outdoor recreational activities. The retreat included kayaking on Lacamas Lake, indoor skydiving with iFly, a visit to Oaks Park Amusement Park, a six-course zip line tour at Camp Dakota, and a celebration at Oral Hull Park. 

Participants shared enthusiastic feedback, including, “Every one of these retreats has moments full of hysterical laughter, and I love it. I had high expectations coming this year and Hull Foundation staff knocked it out of the park. Another guest noted, “I really liked iFly. I didn’t think that could work for me, but it did. I might consider jumping out of an airplane.”

At the Hull Foundation and Learning Center, encouraging confidence and independence remains central to our mission. One of the ways we support individuals experiencing sight loss is through our Sight Loss Seminars. These seminars are open to anyone who is blind or experiencing sight loss, regardless of where they are in their journey. Participants attend for a variety of reasons. Some are newly diagnosed and want to prepare for future changes in their vision. Others arrive seeking immediate strategies for navigating daily activities. Some even attend with caregivers or family members so they can learn adaptive techniques together.

We welcome individuals at all stages of sight loss, and each seminar offers practical instruction, peer connection, and opportunities to explore adaptive tools. One of our most popular offerings is the Cooking Sight Loss Seminar, scheduled for October 26–28. During this session, participants learn methods for navigating the kitchen safely, adapting tools and spaces, and maintaining independence while cooking. When not in class, attendees may choose to explore the Five Senses Gardens of Enchantment, relax in the hot tub, or enjoy games and conversation with other participants.

This seminar is sponsored by Clackamas County 100+ Who Care, reducing the cost from $300 to $150. The fee includes lodging and meals for the duration of the seminar. Do you need additional financial assistance?  Please inquire about our available sponsorship.  Those interested in attending may contact the office at (503) 668 6195.  

As fall approaches, the Foundation also prepares community activities that bring people together in seasonal celebrations. In addition to our educational seminars and adaptive adventure retreats, we host events designed to engage the broader community and support our 501(c)(3) mission. These activities provide opportunities for families, neighbors, and supporters to connect with the Foundation while enjoying accessible, inclusive events.

One of these events is the annual Haunted House Fundraiser at Oral Hull Park. This year’s event will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, from 4-8 p.m. Visitors are invited to stop by the Rainbow Lodge, where snacks and games will be available throughout the evening. Families may also use the lodge as a place to rest, gather, and refill candy bags before continuing their activities.

For those who enjoy a more adventurous experience, the back door of the lodge leads to the Gardens of Doom and the entrance to the haunted house. Admission is $5 and is valid for the entire evening. In addition to the fundraiser, the Foundation will collect eyeglasses for the Sandy Lions Club at the lodge entrance.

Whether you are stopping in for the Haunted House Fundraiser or for our Cooking Sight Loss Seminar, we can’t wait to host you here at Oral Hull Park!