Frequently Asked Questions for families

Click here for FAQs for Volunteers.

We’re not Methodist/We’re not Christian. Can my child attend camp anyway?

YES! We welcome campers of all religious backgrounds. Parents can request for campers to be excused from morning Bible Study and/or Evening Chapel. If you are concerned about this issue, please contact deafcampsinc@gmail.com to discuss options.

What should my child bring to camp?

Please click here for a packing list.

How do I register?

Please click here for registration information and forms.

My child has special needs. Can they still come to camp?

We welcome all types of children to camp! Most campers can be successfully included in camp activities, but it is important that you communicate with us about your child’s needs. Our counselors have experience working with children with special needs such as autism, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays. Manidokan has a registered nurse on site to take care of medical needs. In a few cases, the physical layout of the camp may be too  demanding, or a child may not be ready to spend a full week away from home. If you have a child with special needs, please contact deafcampsinc@gmail.com so that we can discuss your child and make sure he or she can be successful during camp.

My child is deaf/hard of hearing but not fluent in ASL. Can they still attend camp?

Yes! Starting in 2022, our Deaf & ASL Camps are now integrated at all age levels. This allows all campers to learn and celebrate ASL while making friends with a wider group of campers. If you want to share information about how your d/hh child communicates best right now, please contact deafcampsinc@gmail.com before camp.

How will sign language lessons be conducted in the ASL Camp?

Research shows that language learning happens best in an immersion environment. Starting in 2022, Deaf Campers and ASL Campers are now integrated at all age levels, giving all campers opportunities to learn and celebrate ASL throughout their daily activities. There may be occasional lessons, but the majority of learning takes place though informal, hands-on experiences (for example, playing ASL games or learning the signs for the items on the table during a silent meal) and through natural interactions with counselors and peers.

Will my child fit in at camp if they

• … are hard of hearing?

• … use a cochlear implant?

• … attend a mainstream school/public school?

Absolutely! All activities are accessible in American Sign Language and spoken English. Our volunteers start working immediately upon arrival to create community among our diverse campers, no matter their language level or other characteristics. We strive for all campers to feel included and ready to make new friends.

My child has a cochlear implant (CI). Will they have a place to recharge the batteries?

Yes. Campers who need to recharge batteries will be able to do so in their bedroom or cabin. For children who have a lot of trouble keeping track of their belongings, disposable batteries may be a better choice during the week of camp.

I want to volunteer as a counselor. Will I get a discount on my child’s registration?

Yes! If you volunteer as a counselor for the week of camp, you will receive a 25% discount off of the registration for any child in your household. You may apply this discount to any one week of camp in the same summer at Manidokan. (This is the policy from Retreat and Camping Ministries, not Deaf Camps, Inc.)

Can my family receive a discount for registering multiple children?

Unfortunately, there is no discount for multiple registrations. (This is the policy from Retreat and Camping Ministries, not Deaf Camps, Inc.) However, if you are registering multiple children and facing financial difficulty, please apply for a scholarship from Deaf Camps, Inc.

Can my child get a scholarship to help with the cost of camp?

Many of our campers receive financial assistance through Deaf Camps, Inc.’s scholarship program. Please click here to learn more.

Why haven’t I heard back yet about __________? (my application, my question, etc.)

Deaf Camps, Inc is 100% volunteer run. Each board member contributes to DCI in between time spent on our families, jobs, and busy lives. Therefore, we’re not able to reply as quickly as other organizations with paid staff. If you haven’t heard from us in 2 weeks or more, you can re-send your message.