Interpreter Intern Program

To help develop the skills of student interpreters, Deaf Camps, Inc. has instituted the Interpreter Intern program, which matches qualified interns with a nationally certified interpreter who guides the intern and provides feedback during the week of camp. Interpreter interns have the opportunity to gain experience interpreting in a variety of settings, including Bible Study lessons, training, outdoor activities, stage, and one-on-one interactions.

Expectations

The top priority of Deaf Camps, Inc. is providing a top-notch experience for campers. Interpreter interns will be asked to perform counselor duties when not interpreting. Interpreter interns must stay at camp for the entire week (from Sunday morning at 9 am to Friday evening 8 pm),  and must complete all required training and paperwork required of counselors. Interns will receive preparation material ahead of time, and should come to camp having read all material and identified 2-3 skills improvement goals. Interns will have daily meetings with their mentors to debrief and review for the next day. For some assignments, interpreting interns may receive feedback from a qualified, non-certified interpreter, but will also be videotaped for later debriefing with a certified mentor.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, must be fluent in American Sign Language, and must have training and/or experience in the field of interpreting.  Applicants selected for the internship will be required to pass a background check.

Fees

As Deaf Camps, Inc. is an entirely non-profit organization, and our mentors are volunteering their time to mentor in addition to other responsibilities as directors or counselors, we ask that Interpreter Interns cover the cost of their own meals during the week of camp. If selected for the program, Interpreter Interns will be asked to send a check for $200 to Deaf Camps, Inc. prior to the first day of camp. All other camp costs will be defrayed by Deaf Camps, Inc.

Number of Hours

The total number of mentored hours an Interpreter Intern receives depends largely on the intern’s own motivation and skill level. Depending on the specific requirements of their ITP, past interns have been able to count anywhere from 25 to 75 hours.

Application Process

Completed applications must be received by April 30. Priority will be given to applicants who have volunteered with Deaf Camps, Inc. in the past. Applicants will be notified of selection decisions no later than May 15. The number of applicants accepted will depend upon the availability of certified mentors.

A completed application packet includes:

–Interpreter Intern Program Application

-Work Samples: Post an 8-10 minute sample of your ASL-to-English interpreting and an 8-10 minute sample of your English-to-ASL interpreting on Youtube.com, and include the links on the form when prompted. (Be sure to set the videos as available only to someone who has the link unless you want anyone to be able to view your videos!) Videos chosen for the work samples may be taken from assignments for interpreter training classes, but should provide an accurate depiction of the applicant’s cold interpreting skills.

-Practicum/Internship requirements: If you are applying for the Interpreter Intern program to fulfill requirements for an interpreting degree requirements or other similar program, please include a copy of the requirements for your program on the form when prompted.