Sign language camp teaches children to communicate with deaf, hard of hearing

From: Timmins Daily Press, Canada - Jul 26, 2003

The Daily Press

Saturday, July 26, 2003 - 07:00

Local News - The signs are all there — the Canadian Hearing Society is offering an American Sign Language Kids Camp next month.

The society has planned the camp for Aug. 11-15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

"We're offering this camp as a fun and different alternative to the others out there this summer," said Megan Cobean, one of the instructors.

"The students will be learning the basics of sign language but it will definitely be done in a fun setting."

Cobean said the camp can accommodate up to 10 children aged five to 14.

Depending on the age group of the students, we'll gear the activities for a younger or older group," Cobean said.

Some of the skills the students will learn are finger spelling, key phrases and how to better communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing.

White Cobean is not deaf of hard of hearing, a second camp instructor is deaf.

"The students will definitely get a chance to try their new skills out with the other instructor," Cobean said. "If they have problems communicating, I'll be there to help out.

"I think this will be an eye-opening experience for the children. Hearing loss is an invisible disability. This could help spark an interest . . . and help children pursue further studies later."

The deadline for registration is Aug. 8 at 4 p.m. The cost of the camp is $150.

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