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Camp Aurora In December 1999, a group of people committed to making sure Deaf and hard of hearing young people had the same opportunities for fun and personal growth open to hearing teeanagers got together. The committee quickly laid the groundwork for Camp Aurora Adventure Camp to fill the void left since 1992, the last time a camp for Deaf youth was held. In the summer of 2000, with the support of the Alaska Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf/Blind Council (ADC) and The Arc of Anchorage offered a two-week day camp. Building on that successful first season, Camp Aurora has been offered each summer since. Philosophy The opportunity to participate in camp positively impacts the lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. With peers and role models who share the same language and culture, team-building and leadership activities add to the campers' sense of belonging. Campers begin to realize they are part of the larger Deaf Community. Our goals for campers include:
Camp Aurora takes place at Alaska Elks Youth Camp near Palmer, sixty miles north of Anchorage. Both a lake and a pool are available for camper use. There are numerous trails right on the grounds for day hiking near camp. Team games, day hikes, canoeing, leadership workshops, storytelling, fun and educational field trips, and arts & crafts are just some of the adventures awaiting campers . . . with lots of ASL and Deaf Culture exposure throughout. Staff Campers are closely supervised with a counselor/camper ratio of 1:4. The majority of staff members are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing with communication skills in American Sign Language. Staff members act as language and behavior role models for campers, providing an environment where children can learn and grow. Medical services Camp Aurora has a state-certified RN on duty 24 hours a day. A complete medical history form is required for every camper, including a recent TB test. All medications are administered by the nurse. For more information about Camp Aurora, contact: Pam Pearson Camp Director ppearson@arc-anchorage.org Phone: 777-0304 Fax: 279-0341 Cell: 830-3320 Family Camp Family Camp is open to families with Deaf or hard of hearing members. Family Camp is held the last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Camp Aurora. General Information Family Camp is a weekend-long retreat for children, parents, and families living with Deafness. The program is sponsored by Camp Aurora and runs concurrently with Camp Aurora's regular sessions. The family-strengthening environment at camp provides recreation, education, and support. Workshops about Deafness and other related topics are provided for parents. This is a time and place for sharing and support. All ideas are welcome and respected. Relationships between families that begin at camp often blossom into year-round friendships. A variety of recreational activities are provided for parents and children. Accommodations include heated cabins, nutritious meals in the dining hall, and good times with new friends. Program Highlights Camp Aurora takes place at the Alaska Elks Youth Camp in Palmer, Alaska - sixty miles north of Anchorage in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness. Alake and a pool are available. There are numerous trails right on the grounds for day hiking. Games, canoes, workshops, ASL and Deaf Culture exposure, storytelling, and arts & crafts are just some of the adventures awaiting families. Who Can Attend Family Camp? Families must include Deaf or hard of hearing members (any age). This includes hearing children and their Deaf parents, hearing parents with Deaf children, or any other combination your unique family might have. The camp is wheelchair accessible. **Please contact the Director of Family Camp if you have other special needs. Schedule For a current schedule, contact the Director. Staff The Camp Director and Assistant Director oversee the Family Camp. Other trained camp volunteers run family activities. The majority of Camp Aurora staff members are Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing with communication skills in American Sign Language. Children over age five can participate in the regular camp programs (with the Deaf and hard of hearing children) when appropriate. All children are supervised during parent workshops. A certified staff RN is on site 24 hours a day. Parents are responsible for their own children during family activities, breaks, and all free time. Philosophy The opportunity for recreation at camp can have a positive impact on everyone. At Family Camp, there are peers and role models of all ages who share a language and culture. Participants can begin to realize they are part of the larger Deaf Community here in Alaska. Some of our goals for Family Camp:
Tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, and weapons of all kinds are not permitted. Sexual harassment and intimidation of campers or staff is not allowed. If an individual is asked to leave camp for any of these violations, there is no refund. For registration information, forms, and fees, please contact: Madeline Decter Family Camp Director thebaglady@rocketmail.com |
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