Content:

• General
• About Camp
• Lodging
• For CN/SSP (Volunteers) Only
• For Campers Only

General:

1. What is the purpose of the organization?
   • The purpose of organization is to empower people who are DeafBlind through equal opportunities to live fully and productively, including full access to employment, technology, education, and to enable socialization to reduce isolation.
2. What is a CoNavigator (CN) / Support Service Provider (SSP)?
   • CoNavigators (CNs) fka Support Service Providers (SSPs) provide support that enhances independence (e.g. facilitating environmental communication, providing sighted guidance).
3. What is an Interpreter?
   • An interpreter is a professional trained in facilitating from one language to another language.
4. What is an Intervener?
   • An intervener is similar to a CN / SSP, but will help DeafBlind individuals make decisions.
5. What is a Personal Care Attendant (PCA)?
   • Personal Care Attendant (aka Caregiver) assists with the non-medical tasks that a person cannot safely or comfortably do alone. e.g. bathing, feeding, dressing, or such.
6. How is the organization funded?
   • We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Currently the camp fees cover only a small portion of the operating cost. The remainder of the costs comes from donations. If you are interested in making a donation, click here. 

About Camp:

1. Is the camp for Texas residents only?
   • It is open to anyone in the world!
2. Where is the camp held at?
   • Camp Cullen, 460 Cullen Loop, Trinity, TX 75862
   • Click here for directions.
3. What do I need to bring to camp?
   • Please read
4. Can I ask for a ride to the camp?
   • Everyone is responsible for finding their transportation. Transportation to and from the camp can be provided at a cost of $50.00 from only 2 locations in Houston; the George Bush International airport or a specific Greyhound Bus Stop. If you are accepted, a transportation form with more details will be shared with you.
5. Do I need to pay for a ride?
   • Transportation to and from the camp will be provided for $50 at only 2 locations in Houston; the airport, Greyhound Bus Stop. You will be provided specific times and locations, if accepted.
6. What time can I arrive at camp and leave the camp?
   • Our DeafBlind guests may begin to arrive at 4:00pm on Sunday and must leave by 11:00am on Friday.
   • Volunteers and camp staff must arrive by 12:00pm on Saturday
7. Can camp accommodate a person with mobility difficulties?
   • Camp has ramps in all the buildings and there are several shower stalls which are wheelchair accessible with drop-down seats. However, please remember that this is camp, so although the trails are paved, they are uneven. Camp will also try to install a rope system to increase independence during the week.
8. Can I come for only one or two days?
   • No, we do not allow part-time campers or volunteers due to insurance reasons.
9. Can I visit my friends at the camp? 
   • No, we do not allow visitors due to insurance reasons.

10. How much money will I need at camp?

• All meals and activities are included. You will need extra money only for camp merchandise or possible trips.

11. What happens if I am injured during camp?

• We do have a registered nurse on site. We can store medications that need to be refrigerated. You are responsible to bring and take your medicines. We cannot administer prescription medications without a prescription. However, if more assistance is needed, there is an urgent care facility and a hospital nearby. It is important to complete the emergency contact page on your application. Participants are responsible for any cost incurred for hospitalization and urgent care visits.

12. What do I do if I cannot eat the food provided?

• Please be sure to note on your application if you have any dietary restrictions. All food allergies are considered during the meal preparations. Alternative options may be requested. A salad bar and a variety of drink choices are served at every meal as well. If you must follow a very strict diet, you may bring your own food; there are refrigerators available for you.

13. How can I keep in touch with my family during camp?

• You can contact your family at any time using your personal device. Your family and friends can also see daily updates on our Facebook page.

14. What activities are available at camp?

• Art & Crafts, Bonfire, Nature Center & Hiking, Sightseeing, Archery, Rifle Range, Swimming, Boat Rides, Horseback Riding, Zip Line, and SO much more! Want to re-enact the pottery scene from Ghost, you will have the opportunity!

Lodging:

1. Where will I sleep?
   • All guests are required to provide their own bed linens. A sleeping bag, pillow, and blanket are recommended. 
   • Each cabin has 17 twin size beds with mattresses.
2. Can I do laundry during camp?
   • No, there is no laundry service.
3. Is there a TTY or  VRS booth at camp?
   • No, but there is a phone in every building for emergencies.
4. Is there internet service?
   • Yes, there is WiFi at camp but it is a weak signal. However, you will be having so much fun that you will forget about checking in!

For CN or SSP (Volunteers) Only:

1. When can I apply for camp?
   • The number of DeafBlind individuals we accept GREATLY depends on every volunteer’s full commitment to the entire duration of the camp. The sooner, the better! The applications are open on February 1st. 
2. How will I know if I am accepted?
   • We will start sending out the acceptance package around April 30th to all volunteers. If the camp is full, the coordinator(s) will contact you to ask if you want to be placed on a wait list.
3. What if I apply and change my mind?
   • Please let us know IMMEDIATELY. We will be sad, but we will understand. As a friendly reminder; the number of DeafBlind individuals we accept GREATLY depends on every volunteer’s full commitment to the entire duration of the camp.
4. What exactly do I do as a CN or SSP?
   • In laymen terms, you will be the DeafBlind individuals’ eyes and ears. You will provide environmental information, sighted guiding, light interpreting during announcements, and such. You are not an interpreter, intervener, or a PCA.
     
5. Will I work with a team?
   • Depending on the camper’s communication needs, you may be paired with another CN / SSP during your assignment.
6. How long will I work?
   • There are 3 shifts per day. Everyday, you will be assigned to a camper for 1st shift and another camper for the 2nd shift. You will have the 3rd shift off.
     
7. Is the meal time part of the shift?
   • Currently yes. CNs / SSPs will eat along with the campers and provide environmental information. CNs / SSPs will not be servers though. We will all have a chance to practice some do’s and don’ts before the camp starts.
8. What if I need help?
   • There will be leaders, floaters, and coordinators everywhere. No worries!
     
9. Do I need to wear only black shirts everyday?
   • Good (solid) color contrast – Please be mindful of your skin tone. If you are dark skinned, wear light colored clothes and vice versa.

10. Who will I be assigned to?

• Your assignments will be given out on the day of arrival. Life is full of curveballs and things can change.
  

For DeafBlind Only:

1. When can I apply for camp?
   • The applications are usually open annually on February 1st.
2. How will I know if I am accepted?
   • An acceptance package will be emailed out. If the camp is full, the coordinator(s) will contact you to ask if you want to be placed on a wait list.
3. How much and when is it due?
   • DBCTX payment is due by May 15th.
4. What if I apply and change my mind?
   • Please let us know IMMEDIATELY! Camper Payments are no longer refundable 30 days prior to the start of camp.
5. What kind of support will I have at camp?
   • Camp will provide Support Service Providers (SSPs) or Co-Navigators (CN) or Interveners along with a registered nurse and staff that are trained to work with DeafBlind people. If you know a SSP/CN or Intervener who wants to help out, please have them fill out an application.