The ASL program was founded in 1999 by a former Windsor Mountain counselor who has a Deaf sister. She was impressed by Windsor Mountain's dynamic tone and strong emphasis on building diverse community, and felt it would be the ideal environment to add Deaf culture to the many other cultures already represented. In the program's pilot year she brought in a team of Deaf counselors who offered ASL classes and Deaf centered activities to the entire camp. The following summer a new Deaf/Hearing leadership team expanded the program to include Deaf students from around the country, fully integrating them into the camp environment.

We welcome campers who are hearing, Deaf and hard of hearing to attend Windsor Mountain each summer during our August session. We have maintained an ASL program, including Deaf staff members and interpreters since 1999.

Our Deaf staff is made up of experienced Deaf and hearing counselors, interpreters, guest artists and performers. The program provides a unique opportunity for Deaf and Hearing to interact in a safe environment, promoting cultural exchange and early learning of the maxim that "Deaf people can do anything except hear."

•    This is a mainstreamed camp.

•    Each year, we have 8-12 Deaf campers, 2-4 Deaf Staff members, and up to 13 interpreters.

•    In addition, Windsor Mountain has 170 hearing campers and 60 hearing staff members

Exciting News!

The Windsor Mountain ASL department is pleased to announce a new partnership with the University of Southern Maine, beginning summer 2008. This collaboration brings a unique opportunity to ASL interpreting students. We are seeking motivated, adventurous interpreting students to participate in a 6-credit experience, based at Windsor Mountain's beautiful campus in NH.  Students may apply for one of two categories:

Internship option, which is for students who are just entering their interpreting studies, and will involve more supervision, more teaming, and more one on one.

Practicum option, which is suggested for students further into their interpreting studies, and involves more independent situations, and slightly less supervision.

Both options will have resources and support available at any time, and will receive one on one instruction, videotaping, and feedback from our experienced mentor/teacher. Students will have assigned times to work with more experienced interpreters, and will be able to observe a variety of interpreting situations and registers. 

This class involves interpreting for 4 weeks in a variety of
situations, with both Deaf children and adults.

Examples of interpreting situations:

Full staff meetings
One on one meetings with staff and coordinators
Counselor/camper interaction between Deaf/Hearing
Active classes such as soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, sailing, archery, dance, yoga, ropes course, running, etc.
Less active classes such as arts and crafts, painting, costume making, pottery, woodwork, stained glass, jewelry making, etc.
Theatrical productions and music.
In the bunk conversation between Deaf/Hearing bunk mates.
And more…

Nuts and Bolts -

This is a 6-credit class.  Students must apply and pass a two-part application process; both an ASL/Interpreting skill screening, and an aptitude screening.  There are a limited number of positions available. Due to funding limitations, we cannot offer the internship without participation in the class.  We do not have scholarships available at this time. We encourage you to seek financial aid from your University summer session office.

The credits are transferable. Most students discuss with their advisor how to apply the credits to their program. Curriculum is available on request.

Internship and Practicum students are on camp from July 20th to August 22nd. This includes a week of orientation. Each student is allowed a 3 day off chunk (assigned) and 2 evenings a week. Students must be willing to commit to this entire interval. Some flexibility is allowed for previous commitments, per the department heads discretion.

For in-state Maine tuition, cost is $1,188.00, plus fees. For out of
state tuition, cost is $3,282.00, plus fees. 
Room and board are included.
Students are responsible for their own transportation to NH. We can arrange transportation to camp from local bus/train stations and
airports.

There is a $25 application processing fee.
Applications can be found at: http://www.windsormountain.org/general/jobs.html
Deadline to apply: April 21st.

USM on-site instructor: Maura Nolin, CI/CT, MA. Ed.
Windsor Mountain ASL Program Coordinator: Elle Langevin

For more information please email: ellelangevin@gmail.com