Sign Language Bible Camp starts Sunday in Germantown [Updated with location change]

The Germantown Deaf Ministries Fellowship’s Sign Language Bible Camp aims to do more than help youths learn how to communicate using American Sign Language.

It also seeks to impart life lessons to attendees who are deaf and those who can hear.

The five-day camp will be held at the Germantown Friends School, 47 W. Coulter St. It runs from Sunday to Thursday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

There, students will learn how to sign the alphabet, numbers, days of the week, animals and salutations. They will also learn about going green, recycling and eating healthy.

Director Rosaline McKelvey said the camp is open to deaf and hearing individuals and will be a learning process for everyone as teenagers are the counselors and parents serve as aides.

“It builds self esteem and help them understand that actions have impact on someone else and that they can always be an example at an early age,” said McKelvey.

Pay it forward

Last year, the students made cards for the parents of the Hungarian tourists who lost their lives in the fatal 2010 Duck Boat crash on the Delaware River.

“Although we are focusing on ourselves, we always make the attempt to show someone else that we care and this is real and that you really have to care about your neighbors,” said McKelvey.

Donations requested

Attendees are asked to donate healthy snacks and $2 each day to help supplement operational costs. Those seven years of age and under should be accompanied by a parent.

G.D.M. Fellowship is a non-profit community based organization that works with community to improve communication within their family for deaf and hearing individuals.