Camp CAMP: A good sign

After a five-year hiatus, Camp Sign is back.

The Children’s Association for Maximum Potential, in partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, hosted the weeklong overnight camp this week at its Center Point campus.

This marks the program’s first return since 2019, following approval for state oversight. Twenty-six campers attended this year, supported by 14 staff members and counselors fluent in American Sign Language.

Designed for youth ages 8 to 17 who are deaf or hard of hearing, Camp Sign offers a fully immersive summer camp experience centered on accessibility, connection, and community.

“The good news is that the state has approved a contract with us for several years, so we can grow our enrollment numbers for next year,” said camp coordinator Tar Burt.

At its core, Camp Sign adapts traditional camp programming to ensure all participants can fully engage.

“We get to interact with both deaf and hearing people. Everyone signs," said camper Maisie Morgan. "There’s a lot of fun activities, but we have time to relax and chill, too."

Set on a 55-acre campus along the Guadalupe River, the camp features an aquatic center, dining hall, health care center, arts and crafts space, nature center and cabins. The natural setting provides opportunities for swimming, outdoor recreation and group activities.

“I’d like to clarify that deafness is noted as a medical disability, but their behavior is as normal humans. They have a lot of energy,” said program coordinator Roy Jones. “They love team building exercises and playing games like blind volleyball, where the net has blankets covering it.”

Throughout the week, campers participated in activities designed to build both skills and friendship, including a color run and a four square tournament.

Participants travel from across Texas, and many arrive with different levels of exposure to sign language and deaf culture.

“Some children come from mainstream schools who have never actually seen sign language before,” said Burt. “They learn to sign from the students who attend the Texas School for the Deaf. It’s a time of personal growth, networking, and friendship for them.”

Beyond recreation, the camp emphasizes leadership and cultural connection within the deaf community.

“It’s our responsibility to maintain the tradition of the deaf community, deaf culture and the richness of understanding to help teach the children. We want to see them take leadership in the future of our community,” Burt said.

Camp Sign is one of many programs offered by Camp CAMP, which was established in 1979 and provides year-round recreational opportunities for individuals ages 5 to 55 with a range of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, spina bifida, visual impairment, and hearing impairment.

To learn more about enrollment or volunteer opportunities for Camp CAMP or Camp Sign, visit campcamp.org or call 210-671-5411.

This article was originally published in the July 27, 2024 edition of The Kerrville Daily Times.