| Camp Sign-A-Watha is a five-day overnight camp program (August 18 - 22, 2010) for deaf adults with mental retardation. Our goal is to provide Maine’s deaf and developmentally disabled adults a program that emphasizes communication and language enrichment, peer-to-peer support, learning, and independence. Communication is fundamental to achieving independence and success as a functioning member of one’s community. Many of Maine’s deaf adults with developmental disabilities have spent their entire lives isolated, living with family members or in group homes that do not know American Sign Language or any other form of visual gestural communication. This isolation from everyday social interaction has added to the limitations placed on their cognitive growth, stemming from the lack of sign-based community education programs.
Camp Sign-A-Watha works to overcome these language barriers and provide a comfortable, dynamic environment that allows each camper to learn, make friends, and most importantly, make life-long memories. First established in 1993, the camp worked to combat the linguistic isolation facing Maine’s deaf adults with developmental disabilities and autism. For one week a year, these adults are brought together in an environment that emphasizes learning and growth within a peer-based environment.
For ten years, Camp Sign-A-Watha operated under a minimal, non-profit budget to cover operating costs and camper fees. In 2003, facing a statewide financial crisis, funding for the budget was cut, suspending Camp Sign-A-Watha. Through hard work and determination, 2008 saw the revival of Camp Sign-A-Watha. With a new location and the support of Lutheran Social Services, the camp is back and better than ever. The 2009 season is expected to bring nearly 40 campers and 60 staff members to Camp Cobbossee on Lake Cobbosseecontee. This year’s theme will be “A Holiday Every Day” featuring a different holiday for each day of the week. Activities will include favorites such as wheelchair accessible boat rides and fishing trips, swimming, t-shirt tie-dying, social events, and various arts and crafts.
The fee for each camper is $600 for five days and four nights. This includes meals and lodging, a one-on-one support staff to assure the campers’ safety and full enjoyment of the camp experience, a personalized t-shirt, and a lifetime of memories. Businesses or private organizations have the option to donate products or money or sponsor a camper.
For more Information, please contact Willie Tarr at Video Phone 866-215-4821 or Voice (207) 797-3935, or email at WTarr@LSSNE.org. Registration and donation forms can be found online.
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