Help Send our DHH Students to Camp Grizzly

At EGUSD, we are fortunate to have an amazing Deaf/Hard of Hearing program housed at Irene B. West Elementary School, Edward Harries Middle School and Monterey Trail High School. Not only are we able to provide students with direct instruction in ASL, our students are also given access to Deaf peers which is critical for their social and language development. However, during extended breaks from school, especially during summer, our DHH students often lose access to any direct communication due to limited sign language at home. This causes them to regress linguistically, socially and emotionally. This summer, we are hoping to send our DHH students to Camp Grizzly.

Camp Grizzly is a weeklong program that gives our DHH youth the opportunity to continue developing their communication and social skills in a supportive environment. At Camp Grizzly, DHH youth are surrounded by mentors that share their experiences and empower them to become leaders in their community. They will create bonds with Deaf/Hard of Hearing students from other districts, foster their language development and build confidence in their Deaf identities. Just like their hearing peers, our DHH students deserve a fun-filled, yet educational summer that can change the trajectories of their lives.

Unfortunately, financial barriers are often the only thing standing in between our DHH scholars and attending camp. Each application is $600 and I am hoping to raise money to alleviate families of at least part of the financial burden. We would greatly appreciate donations of any amount. Thank you for your consideration!