Wilderness Inquiry’s First Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Day Camp

At Wilderness Inquiry, our mission is about connecting people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities to shared outdoor adventures. This August, we held our first Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Day Camp for youth, where participants got to grow and learn in an outdoor setting for three days. For some, it was their first opportunity to connect with peers within the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) community.

Participants from all over Minnesota and the neighboring states joined us and our partners Deaf Equity and the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing to spend three days in the sun having fun! They participated in many activities throughout the camp including canoeing, nature art, ASL games, and a final day of Olympics.

The Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Day Camp acted as an extension of our DDBHH affinity program. DDBHH trips are for people who want to connect with the community and meet other DDBHH people. These affinity trips provide full access to American Sign Language (ASL) and a safe space for DDBHH people to express themselves.

Minnesota Public Radio joined us for one of the camp days and produced an in-depth highlight of the program!

This program is funded in part by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).