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Overview

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This exciting, 24/7 American Sign Language (ASL) immersion camp is designed for new signers who are at the beginner or intermediate level. Two different course levels will be offered, ensuring that each camper receives instruction appropriate to their skill level. We are now also offering a class for advanced hearing signers. In addition to experiencing deaf culture and history, campers will have the opportunity to explore our nation’s Capital, attend social events, and more!

Here’s what you’ll be doing:

  • Learn a new language or improve your budding ASL skills with the help of teachers and camp counselors.
  • Self-discovery activities designed to help you learn more about yourself.
  • Outdoor activities that help grow your confidence and leadership abilities.
  • Several field trips to explore Washington, D.C. attractions including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian, Holocaust Museum, Union Station, and many other world-famous museums and monuments.
  • Ride until you drop at Six Flags – one of America’s best amusement parks!

Date of program: June 20-27

Program fee:  $750

Who can attend: Deaf and hard of hearing students who will be in the 10th-12th grades in the fall. Hearing campers will be accepted as long as they pass our screening requirements and qualify as intermediate level or above signers.

Must show evidence that you are enrolled in a standard, local, or general high school diploma – track program with a GPA of at least 2.75. Please submit an unofficial transcript and/or letter from guidance/school counselor. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Campers are allowed to attend this camp for up to two summers. No camper will be allowed to return for a third summer.

Justification Letter for VR counselors

FAQs

Common Questions
Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the closest to Gallaudet. We will have a camp counselor meet your child at the baggage claim and accompany them on their way to Gallaudet. Baltimore Washington International (BWI) may be used as a last resort.
Check in is on June 29th and check out is on July 6th. Check in times may vary due to flight times but we ask that campers arrive between 12:00pm and 4:00pm. Campers must check out of the dorms no later than 10:00am on July 6th.
Yes, for snacks in the evenings and for off campus events such as the Six Flags outing. Campers will also be able to purchase snacks and Gallaudet attire at the campus bookstore.
One set of sheets, a pillow and a set of towels (towel and wash cloth) will be provided. Your child may also bring his/her own linens.
Program fee covers program instruction, housing, three meals a day, transportation, outings, recreation fees and camp t-shirt. We do not cover airfare/travel costs to and from Washington, DC.
Campers are supervised 24/7 by camp staff and qualified camp counselors specifically assigned to the Youth Programs. Additionally, all residence halls have Resident Advisors on duty in the main office.
Campers are housed together in the Living and Learning Residence Hall on campus.
Campers are up and at breakfast by 8:00 a.m. Classes start promptly at 9:00. After a noon lunch break, campers return back to classes for their afternoon sessions and their chosen workshops. During the evenings and weekends, we’ve planned for a variety of activities and social events, including an excursion into Washington, DC — exciting days filled with learning opportunities in an environment rich in cultural diversity! All of those activities will help you (or your child) immerse fully into ASL!
Preparing to Apply
The deadline is May 1, 2022. However, spots do fill up quickly, so the sooner we receive everything, the better. The Immerse into ASL program will accept a limited number of 30 campers.
After submitting an application online, we will need either a copy of your child’s high school transcript or a letter of recommendation from their guidance/school counselor or a science/technology teacher. Those documents can scanned and/or sent via e-mail to the attention of Alison O’Hara at Contact here. We will send a confirmation e-mail upon receipt and in regards to your child’s acceptance into the program.
Policies and Information
Yes, we do have scholarships. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you will need to fill out a scholarship form with a letter explaining why you should receive the scholarship as well as a copy of your recent tax forms. We provide scholarships only to deaf and hard of hearing students. If you want to request a scholarship, please send an e-mail to Contact here for the scholarship request form.
Yes. We accept payment plans in installments. A minimum of a $200 deposit needs to be made ASAP in order to secure your child’s spot. Full payment is due no later than May 13, 2022 in order to guarantee your child’s spot in the program of choice. We will send an email to update you on the status of processed payments as well. Alternative payment plans may be discussed and agreed upon.
Residence Life provides visitors housing. Please contact Visitors Housing at Contact here directly for the housing registration form. There is also the Kellogg Conference Hotel on campus. Kellogg Conference Hotel’s reservation number is (202) 651-6000.
Yes. If your child is traveling alone, transportation to and from the airport will be provided for those using Reagan National Airport (DCA). You will need to make other arrangements if using Washington Dulles (IAD) or Baltimore Washington International (BWI). One of our staff members will meet your child at the security gate wearing a Gallaudet t-shirt and carrying a sign with your child’s name.
Yes! Your Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor can help pay for the registration fee as they are required to spend a portion of their budget on Pre-ETS programs for deaf and hard of hearing high school students. You can also ask your VR counselor for assistance in paying for your flight ticket to/from D.C. You may use this justification letter with your VR counselor. Please contact us if you need further assistance obtaining the VR support.
Services and Support
There is a bookstore on campus which sells a variety of items typically sold in a small drug store. It is closed on the weekends.
 Jesse Saunders

Youth Programs Transition Coordinator

Back to Summer Youth Camps

Contact Us

Immerse Into ASL

Jesse Saunders

Peet Hall 412

(202) 651-5000

** By Appointment Only **
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