A little bit of this and that...

The past few days have been an adventure for all of us!

From our special guest speakers giving educational workshops, to adopting new advocacy strategies, and to ending our nights with different fireside stories; together, we are on the journey of learning.

 Dr. Beth Benedict, a professor from Gallaudet University who resides in Maryland, had the opportunity to give her important message on how we can get involved with Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI). We learned that it is crucial for Deaf children to know their first language: American Sign Language (ASL). The campers and staff truly benefitted from this workshop.

Dr. Beth Benedict giving her workshop.

Campers are intrigued.

In addition, NAD YLC was also proud to have Maureen Behrens, who has been giving wonderful workshops on anti-bullying; and how we can make NAD YLC a Bully-Free Zone. The workshop ended with everyone signing a poster that represents the code of honor and steadfast commitment that NAD YLC is a safe place.

Maureen Behrens providing her bullying workshop.

Campers being actively involved.

Group process on bullying.

 Besides the wonderful workshops, we also teach our campers about how to clean the bathrooms, their cabins, and the Leadership Hall (cafeteria). The campers develop teamwork strategies by delegating tasks to each other and completing them effectively within a respective time manner.

"Bathroom cleaning time!" says our camp counselor Renca Dunn.

Samantha Fowler and Shaz Booth demonstrating what teamwork is all about!

Jacob Bowen, Mekayla Walker, and Lauren Goldberg being creative.

Our amazing campers arranged this seating plan for our lunch.

 Every night we usually provide fun-filled activities for campers and staff to be involved with. It’s called “Evening Program.” For the last few nights, we have played Actionary (like Pictionary, but acting instead!),  Tortoise and Hare and Ultimate Frisbee.

The tortise and hare race begins.

Team A encourages team member, Christine Marshall during the game.

Everyone wants that frisbee!

Quinton Johnson leads a chant as his team follows.

We also had our fireside chats that included Dr. Benedict and Ms. Behrens. We enjoyed listening through our eyes when they shared their personal stories. Dr. Benedict talked about how she crossed paths with her husband, Dwight Benedict, at NAD YLC in Minnesota 37 years ago! Ms. Behrens explained the challenging process of adopting her beautiful daughter from India, Neelamma.

Team D introducing Dr. Beth Benedict for her fireside story.

 Yesterday, we had “Organization Day.” This day included a lot of different activities for each group to go through in order to establish their dream organization. The staff taught the campers essential tools of how to implement, operate, and maintain an organization just as the team members learn how to work together, develop negotiating skills, and learn how to contribute to the community for a greater cause.

Our campers having a good time.

Jose Escalera engaging into the activity.

 The NEXUS team is now looking forward for the 4 groups to get their group names that they will have for the entire month. We know that our 4 groups are fully charged and ready to show what they have in store for us!

 Until next time,

NEXUS