Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Camper Application Information
Camp SIGN 2016 (See downloadable file(s) below)
Camp SIGN is around the corner. Here is the application. The deadline to register is Friday, June 3. Go Ahead submitting your child’s camper application. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Thank you for your interest in Camp SIGN, a communication barrier-free environment for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Camp SIGN mission is to have all deaf or hard of hearing students from around the state participate in the program regardless of their communication mode. The philosophy of the camp is to provide an environment of acceptance and encouragement. This program operates under the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS).
Camp SIGN is for boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 15 who are deaf or hard of hearing and can benefit from an outdoor training program. The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program develops leadership skills and prepares boys and girls aged 16 and 17 to become future camp counselors and leaders. CIT participants are former campers who meet the CIT program criteria established by the Camp SIGN committee.
The camp staff is chosen to accommodate the variety of communication needs of the campers. Most of the counselors are professionals who work with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Many of the counselors themselves are deaf or hard of hearing and serve as excellent role models for the campers. Many counselors are former campers and CITs and return year after year to work with the program.
Camp SIGN continues to use a wonderful campsite in the woodlands of Conroe, Texas just 35 miles north of Houston. Camp Misty Meadows is owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto. The date for camp this year is Sunday, July 31, 2016- Saturday, August 6, 2016.
Applying for your child
Complete DARS3930, Camp SIGN Application for Camper, and return with a check or money order for $35 to cover the required application fee for each child. Applications and fee must be received on or before June 3rd, 2016, to be considered for camp. Applications received after June 3rd considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are considered, 2016 will not be Mail application and $35 fee to:
Camp SIGN, Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
P.O. Box 12306
Austin, Texas 78711
Once the application is processed, DHHS will begin sending pre-acceptance letters starting June 6, 2016. The letter indicates the total cost for your child to attend. At that time, you will also receive the required medical and release forms. Please note that a doctor must examine your child and sign the medical form. No child will be admitted without the required paperwork. Paperwork must be completed and submitted to DARS DHHS by July 5 child to be admitted.
The cost of the medical examination and transportation of the child to and from Camp SIGN is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
CANCELLATION and REFUNDS: Camp fees collected will not be refunded for cancellations with less than 14 days’ notice, for any reason. In addition, camp fees collected will not be refunded when a camper does not arrive for his/her assigned session, or has been sent home for any reason before completing the session. If Camp SIGN is cancelled, refunds will be issued for fees collected.
Camp SIGN depends on donations to keep the program running. Donations do not cover the entire cost of the camp. Parents or guardians will be asked to fill out income information located on the application form to determine the fees for their child. There are two separate fees: application fee and camp fee. Fees range from $35 to $235 (both application and camp fees) depending on the income of the parent(s) or guardian(s). Medical exams and transportation are not included in this fee.
Tax deductible gifts and grants may be sent to Camp SIGN, c/o Office for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, P.O. Box 12306; Austin, Texas 78711. For more information, please contact Ann Horn at (512) 410-1387 or by email [email protected].
Download files (letter and applications)