Camp Aurora, Alaska:
For deaf and hard of hearing children

Located at Birchwood Camp just 40 minutes from Anchorage outside of Eagle River, Alaska

Phone:  907-277-6677 extension 199            Fax: 907-272-2161 attention Camp Aurora

Contact: Laransia Reynolds at Ireynolds@thearcofanchorage.org
OR Michael Merritt mmerritt@thearcofanchorage.org

BACKGROUND

Camp Aurora is a 10 day summer camp sponsored by The Arc of Anchorage. Prior to December of 1999 there had not been a program specifically for the deaf and/or hard of hearing since 1992. It was at this time a committee began the groundwork of building "Camp Aurora Adventure Camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth." The committee knew that Alaska needed a summer recreational program committed to serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing children. In 2000, the Alaska Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf/Blind Council (ADC), Student Living Center through The Arc of Anchorage supported a 10 day camp program in Anchorage. Over the past 9 years, except for 2008, when only 3 campers registered, the Camp has been a great success and fully supported by The Arc of Anchorage. In 2009 there were 12 campers who were part of Camp Aurora's revival and another successful year. The Arc looks forward to another summer of fun in 2011 and hope that camp will continue for these kids and their families.

ELIGIBILITY

Campers must be Deaf or Hard of Hearing and 8 years old by the first day of camp and cannot be 18 or older.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Please contact the Director if your camper has any special needs that we should be aware of so that we can make their experience wonderful.

PHILOSOPHY

The opportunity to participate in camp positively impacts the lives of youth and creates memories that last forever. This is especially true if the camp is made up of peers and role models who share the same language and culture. Team-building and leadership activities add to the campers' sense of belonging, as campers begin to realize they are part of the larger Deaf Community.

GOALS FOR CAMPERS

Increase self-confidence and personal worth Increase knowledge of Deaf and Hard of Hearing culture.

Foster appreciation and respect for individual differences existing in a group.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Financial assistance may be available to campers. Campers are also encouraged to seek help from local organizations such as churches, tribal councils, native corporations, and airlines. Camp Aurora strives to be affordable to campers of all income levels.
Please inquire about assistance.

STAFF

Campers are closely supervised with a counselor/ camper ratio of 1/5. The majority of staff members are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Any Hearing staff are fluent in American Sign Language. Staff act as language and behavioral models for campers, providing an environment where youth can learn and grow.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Camp Aurora is located north of Anchorage in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness. This year Camp Aurora will be back at the Birchwood Camp site which is much closer to Anchorage. A lake, hiking trails, field and campfire area are available for camper use. Team games, day hiking trips, canoeing, leadership workshops,ASL and Deaf Culture exposure, storytelling, educational field trips, physical activities and arts &crafts are just some of the adventures awaiting

MEDICAL AND HEALTH NEEDS

A complete medical form is required for every camper, including a copy of a TB test conducted after August 2009. All medications will be safely stored by camp staff and youth will be prompted and handed their medications to be self-administered by the camper.

PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION

Parents will be required to authorize activities their child may participate in on a waiver/consent form.

SPENDING MONEY

Campers are required to bring $20.00 for laundry. If they choose to bring additional spending money for snacks, souvenirs, etc., it is suggested they bring no more than $20.00 extra.

Staff will be responsible for safe-guarding the campers 'money. Any unused money will be returned at the end of camp. All food and field trips are covered by registration fees.

CONTACTING CAMPERS

Campers often become more homesick when family members visit or make phone calls. Due to the ongoing activities, campers cannot receive/make phone calls or access e-mail.

Exceptions are made in the case of an emergency. Parents/Legal Guardians are welcome to call 907-306-1355 and leave a message to find out how their child is doing. These messages will be checked daily and responded to by the camp staff. Family & friends are also invited to a Closing Ceremony on the last day of camp.

Camp Cost Ages 8-18: 10 day session     Summer 2011: Date to be announced     $450.00 Please print and return registration form with the deposit to reserve your son or daughter's space at CAMP AURORA by April 16th , 2011 Camp Aurora must have at least 12 campers. Please register and pay fees early! REGISTRATION FORM >>