Hey, I’m Wes. I’m 16 and I'm a junior at Washington School for the Deaf in Vancouver, Washington. I have a huge ask!

I scored the amazing opportunity to go to Youth Leadership Camp for the Deaf this summer in nearby Oregon, and it’s something I really want to do. Only 64 Deaf teenagers in the United States are chosen for this camp, and it's a huge honor. This really cool camp has been happening every summer since 1969, and it focuses on building future Deaf leaders by encouraging confidence, communication, and leadership skills using different activities, inviting special Deaf guest leaders, and more. That is stuff I know will help me make a difference and succeed in life. I have so many plans and dreams, and they include advocating for my Deaf community because there is a lot of work to do.

If you know me, you probably know I enjoy learning new things, playing sports, hanging out with people… and giving my Deaf twin brother Trey a hard time .

I’m trying hard to raise up to $4,500 to be able to go. If you’re able to help, that'd be awesome. And if not, sharing this would mean a lot. This is the camp website with a lot of great information: https://youth.nad.org/ylc/

Last note, this camp runs on a great old Chinese proverb: “Tell me, and I’ll forget. Show me, and I’ll remember. Involve me, and I’ll learn.” I can't wait! Thanks for thinking of me. I really appreciate it.