Learn Together Today and Succeed Together Tomorrow

It is hard to believe how quickly time flies! July came in for a short visit, and now August is opening up her welcome. The campers are keeping us, the staff members, on our toes everyday. We are always planning new adventures for them. Wonderful memories are already made in such a short time and it is evident that more are already coming!

On July 29^th, David Spiecker of Rochester, New York came representing Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). His presentation covered Social Media and he ended his visit by sharing an ASL story during our nightly fireside. It was obvious that the campers enjoyed his presence.

David Spiecker presenting about "Social Media."

Answering campers' questions.

Campers enjoying David Spiecker's presentation.

After a long hot day, as our Evening Program activity, the Ice Melt game was played. Ice Melt was definitely a hit among the campers and staff. In groups, we had to melt two objects: a bucket of ice with a rock inside it to retrieve the rock and put on a frozen sweater after melting it with our hands. We had a lot of fun cooling ourselves off.

Camp counselor  Amanda Geffen counting down the
time as campers hurry to melt the ice.

Jason Antal and Lauren Goldberg giving new ideas on
how to melt the ice to their team.

CEO of NAD, Howard Rosenblum, participates with the Ice Melt
game with the assistance of our Camp Counselor, Jerry Sears.

Christopher Pasquarelli, Emaly Carman, Heather McCauley, and
Victoria Murrell working together to melt their sweater.

NEXUS team cheering as they finished the Ice Melt game.

On July 30^th, it was sure an honor to have the CEO of NAD, Howard Rosenblum fly here from Maryland to give a workshop on the history, philosophy, and goals of NAD. The campers definitely learned the importance of having NAD as a source of advocacy for us as deaf people. That evening, the campers had a scavenger hunt to find their “treasure.”

Howard Rosenblum representing NAD.

Howard Rosenblum listening to campers' comments.

Mekayla Walker looking for a clue as her team watches her.

Leeza Williams announcing how many clues have been found.

On July 31^st, we had a big day. We had one of our traditional events, which was the Olympics Day, a usual favorite among the campers. We had a lot of game such as Wall Volleyball, where campers had to use their beach towel to launch water balloons over the volleyball net; Capture the Flag; Obstacle Course, and many more! When the day ended, both the campers and staff were exhausted and definitely had a good night’s sleep.

Let the games begin!

The Green Team: NEXUS!

Ninja Time!

Tug -o-War

Obstacle course.

Wall Volleyball.

Christine Marshall supporting her team.

On August 1^st, it was laundry and mall day. We had the chance to wash our clothes to make sure they are clean! After washing our clothes, we made a stop at a shopping mall in Salem to let campers enjoy a non-camp environment for a few hours.

On the way to the laundromat!

Campers learning where to put soap in the washing machine.

Shakira Mason and Chelsea Hilaire are thrilled that
their clothes are ready to use again after washing them!

When we all returned, we had a fireside story given by Renwick Dayton. He hails from Portland, Oregon and gave a presentation on Deaf Seniors of America, and how we can benefit from that organization. Dayton was generous to pass out plastic informational cards. The cards explain what ADA is and what our rights are in requesting services anywhere. For more information, go to www.deafseniorsofamerica.org.

Camp Director Jonathan Kessel introducing Renwick Dayton.

Renwick Dayton giving his fireside presentation.

On August 2^nd, Chanel Gleicher from Maryland, who is the current NAD Miss Deaf America. She gave a workshop on “H-E-A-T” (H- Helpful, E- Endurance, A- Assertive, T- Tact) and how we can create our own HEAT as a person, a group, or as an organization. The night ended with laughter and smiles because we had our traditional ASL Night. The ASL Night event is a chance for campers and staff to be involved in performing A to Z stories, Classifiers, Numbers, Stand Up Comedy, and storytelling using ASL.

Miss Deaf America Chanel Gleicher giving her workshop.

Campers with Miss Deaf America.

Our nights never are completed until we say “YLC 2012, Good Night!” Every day, we learn new things about each other and discover new unique skills. Some campers recently conquered their fear of being on stage or their fear of leading a chant. Some campers learned how to write fun articles for our Daily Drum newspaper. Some campers made sure the new strategies they absorbed during the day are written down in their notebooks. Most of all, we are all building our leadership skills which is creating life-lasting friendship with each other.

Life is truly a journey.

Until next time,

NEXUS