Creating Summer Camps Designed for Deaf Youth

Published on March 28, 2024

Five young adults sit and laugh together in front of a tent at a campsite, with a campfire in the foreground and trees in the background.

For deaf youth, summer camps bring opportunities to build relationships, develop their identities, and strengthen skills for the future. Whether they are day camps focused on coding, virtual programs in the arts, or overnight outdoor adventures, research shows that summer programs can have a significant, positive impact on the lives of deaf youth. Summer programs also contribute to a wide range of outcomes— such as isolation reduction—leading to improved social skills and opportunities to connect with deaf peers and role models.

In an effort to increase summer camp opportunities, and to emphasize the importance of these programs, NDC has a collection of evidence-based resources, a series of videos, and a form that you can add to our list of camps for deaf students.

The Positive Impact of Summer Camps for Deaf Youth

You might be wondering about why the existence of these programs is so important. For many deaf youth, summer camps designed with their needs in mind can be a safe haven that provides an accessible environment and develops their sense of self. Generally, there are many benefits to deaf-affirming summer programs, including (but not limited to):

Identity Development & Access to Language

Summer camps can provide deaf youth with opportunities for language acquisition, linguistic skill development, and an opportunity to encounter other modes of communication that they might not otherwise have been exposed to. Over 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents, and these children can learn more about their identity and discover a sense of community by socializing with other deaf youth in an environment that fosters a sense of belonging.

“While attending Aspen Camp, I was among a diverse group of campers, from those who used ASL, to Signing Exact English. Campers from different academic experiences and environments all in one place, working together. They relied on me for my leadership, they relied on me for my ideas. That brought me to realize…what’s not to be proud of my deaf identity? If it wasn’t for those summer camps and having that mainstream experience, those things really made me who I am.”

— Alison

Accessible Environments that Foster Participation

Youth with disabilities may feel left out at camps that aren’t set up for them. As Felix explains, his experience at a camp for deaf-blind people had a big impact on him. Designing camps accessible for everyone’s needs can make a big difference in the way students feel about themselves and their ability to succeed. These kinds of summer programs provide deaf youth with the opportunity to connect and form lifelong friendships, but it’s not just about making friends—it’s also about learning to stand up for yourself and your needs. These skills will come in handy later on, when deaf youth are thinking about college, jobs, or training programs. So, accessible camps aren’t just fun—they’re preparing kids for their futures!

“When I was first told about a deaf/blind camp in Washington State, I was enthralled. Upon arriving at camp, I was shocked at the number of deaf/blind people there. Roughly 75 to 100 people. There were all kinds of activities and things to do. For example, there was dancing, bowling, art, and so much more. I remember, on the last day as I was leaving, I noticed a new growing sense of pride in who I was.”

— Felix

Camps Across America

Summer camps are an important activity for state agencies and communities across the country. Deaf youth benefit not only from the curriculum, but also from interactions with their peers and role models.

NDC has created a spreadsheet with a list of camps across the country—but we need your help to grow this list! If you know of any camps for deaf students that is not on this list, fill out the form linked below and let us know.

Save This
Please login to bookmark Close
Useful For: Disability Services Professionals, Administrators, Families, New Users, Teachers, Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals

Other News Items

Looking up at tall palm trees surrounding a tan-colored clock tower with a red roof at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus. The sky is bright blue with a few wispy clouds.
May 20, 2025
Engagement and Advocacy, All News
...En colaboración con los recintos de la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Aguadilla, Río Piedras y Cayey, nuestro equipo se lanzó al corazón de Borinquen. NDC fue invitado por personal...
Looking up at tall palm trees surrounding a tan-colored clock tower with a red roof at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus. The sky is bright blue with a few wispy clouds.
May 19, 2025
Engagement and Advocacy, All News
...In partnership with the University of Puerto Rico campuses in Aguadilla, Río Piedras, and Cayey, our team traveled to the heart of Borinquen. The university campus staff invited NDC because...
Aerial view of a group of people standing and talking in a brightly lit, modern indoor space, with some in business attire and engaged in conversation.
April 10, 2025
Conferences and Events, All News
...Deaf students are often overlooked in research conversations, but this year’s AERA Annual Meeting in Denver offers something different. Researchers from the National Deaf Center (NDC) are shining a spotlight...

Need Help?

Fill out this form to get help from the NDC team.  Can’t see the form below? Click here to contact the NDC team.

National Deaf Center