ABOUT US

There’s No Place Like Camp

Jade's Camp was founded in 2012, and we are delighted to welcome everyone to our vibrant and inclusive summer camp. Our camp is a place where we celebrate the unique abilities and talents of each individual, and we provide a nurturing and empowering environment that fosters personal growth, meaningful connections, and unforgettable experiences.

We invite you to join us at our summer camp and embark on a journey of discovery, friendship, and empowerment. Together, we can create memories that will last a lifetime and help pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate world.

We are a traditional Camp with a legacy of rituals - both new and old - that are unique to Jade's Camp and that make the time with us so enjoyable and enriching for

our campers.

MORE ABOUT US

OUR MISSION

Our mission at Jade Camp is to inspire and empower Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing youth by providing them with a supportive and inclusive environment where they can embrace their unique identities and cultivate meaningful connections. We are committed to embodying these values and creating a life-changing and empowering experience for our campers. Our ultimate goal is to equip them with the skills, confidence, and support network they need to thrive and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

OUR VISION

At Jade Camp, we envision a world where every Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing youth can confidently embrace their identity, reach their full potential, and contribute to an inclusive society. By remaining committed to these ideals, our aim is to help deaf and Hard-of-Hearing youth thrive, excel, and lead with courage, ultimately shaping a more equitable and diverse future for all.

JADE'S INSPIRATION

It is a bright, sunny morning; the air is crisp, and a slow, cool breeze is coming from the mountains. Surrounded by beautiful greenery full of trees, grass, and shrubs spread across the vast land, the valley below meets a river running through that connects to the lake. I can hear the whooshing sounds of the water hitting the rocks and banks in the distance.

It seems so unreal; I pinched myself! Today is different from any other day of my life; today is the day of the ribbon ceremony. I have dreamt of this day and what it seems like forever.

I waited for everyone to be seated in white wooden folded chairs, nicely placed in rows, looks like an auditorium set up. There were over 1000 people present, and each one of them was there because they helped my dream come true. Each one brought a gift into my life, whether it was words of wisdom, a labor-intensive contribution, or a monetary donation.

Each person there has affected my life; I wanted to say,

“Thank you for helping me achieve my dream”.

I was given an introduction by a good friend of mine. I walked up onto the stage built just for that day; there was a wooden brown podium waiting for me, a microphone ready to project my voice. The captioner is on the right side of me, with a large screen ready to type my speech. I am in front of the podium with a beautiful Red Ribbon draped across the field behind me, tied nicely in a big bow.

Off in the distance, there is The BIG Log Cabin with a bright forest green roof. Off the distance, you follow the trail to see little cabins for the sleeping quarters left and right of the main log building. I looked across in front of me to see all the familiar faces. I tried my best not to cry.

Everyone is so quiet, waiting to hear what I have to say. I took a deep breath and smiled. I started my speech by saying,

“Thank you, everyone, for being here today. As some of you may have just met me, and most of you have known me for years, this has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl, being able to go to camp with my peers, alike me, who have a disability. I am so proud that it has come to light and the camp is behind me today…”

What seems so quick of me to share my life story, my struggles, moments of lost hope, my successes, and moments of believing. Before I know it, the ribbon is cut, and the camera flashes, going off left and right. All I could do was smile and say thank you.