1. Content:
   

• General
• About Teen Camp
• Financial Aid
• Lodging
• For CN (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 Support Service Provider (SSP), now known as CoNavigator (CN)?
   • CoNavigators provide support that enhances independence (e.g. facilitating environmental communication, providing sighted guidance).
3. What is an Interpreter?
   • An interpreter is a professional trained infacilitating from 1 language to another language.
4. What is an Intervener?
   • An intervener is similar to a CN, but will help DeafBlind individuals make decisions.
5. What is a Personal Care Attendant (PCA)?
   • Personal Care Attendant (aka Caregiver) assist 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-exempted 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 Teen Camp:

1. Is the camp for Texas residents only?
   • 2018 was our pilot year, it was  restricted to Texans only. If teens are interested in attending from other places, we will open it to anyone in the world!
2. Where is the camp held at?
   • Variety’s Peaceable Kingdom Retreat at 19051 FM 2484, Killeen, TX 76542 (1 hour north of Austin). 
   • Click here for directions.
3. What services does Teen Camp provide?
   • A curriculum has been developed to provide transitional services and prepare DeafBlind teenagers for the real world. The services include the following; Communication Skills, Social Interaction Skills, Recreation Skills, Use of Assistive Technology, Orientation and Mobility, Independent Living Skills, Visual Efficiency Skills, Self-Determination, Self-Advocacy, Job Exploration Counseling, and Work-based Learning experiences. The curriculum supports the goals of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC).
4. What do I need to bring to camp?
   • Please read
5. Can I ask for a ride to the camp?
   • Everyone is responsible for finding their transportation. 
6. What time can I arrive at camp and leave the camp?

• Campers should not arrive prior to 4:00 PM on the first day of camp.

1. 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.

1. Can I come for only one or two days?
   • No, we do not allow part-time campers or volunteers due to insurance reasons.

10. Can I visit my friends at the camp? 

• No, we do not allow visitors due to insurance reasons.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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 updates on our Social Med.

15. What activities are available at camp?

• Art & Crafts, Bonfire, Dancing Party Cooking Class, Horseback Riding, Miniature Golf Course, Nature Center & Hiking, Scuba Diving, Sightseeing, Sport Court, Swimming, Slip N’ Slide, Zip Line & High Ropes (Wheelchair Accessible), and more!
• Teen Camp provides career exploration with career speakers who are DeafBlind, college presentations on post-secondary options, work-based learning experience gained through interviews of speakers who are DeafBlind, Social and Interpersonal Skills are taught to build and strengthen soft skills, Independent living skills are taught during various activities at camp, and skills in self advocacy are taught during the week.

Financial Aid and Costs:

1. Where can I apply for financial aid?
   • Some examples of who you may contact for financial aid:
     • MHMR (contact your county MHMR division)
     • HHSC (Health and Human Services Commission)
     • TWC (Texas Workforce Commission)
     • STAR Kids / STAR+PLUS
     • CLASS (Community Living and Supportive Services)
     • TxHmL (Texas Home Living)
     • HCS (Home and Community-based Services)
     • Non Educational Funds (from your school district)
     • Special Needs Trust
     • ​Local service/civic clubs (Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, etc.)
     • Other family support program
2. Can a state agency pay for a camper to attend?
   • If you have an open case with the state, you are strongly encouraged to contact your case manager or point of contact. We will be happy to answer any questions.

For CN (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!  
2. How will I know if I am accepted?
   • We will start sending out the acceptance package 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?
   • 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?
   • Most likely yes.
6. How long will I work?
   • You and your team will be assigned to a camper for the entire duration. There will be plenty of breaks throughout the experience.
7. Is the meal time part of the shift?
   • Currently yes. CNs will eat along with the campers and provide environmental information. CNs 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 Campers Only:

1. When can I apply for camp?
   • As soon as the applications are open to the public; an email is sent to all members of DBCTX. 
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. What if I apply and change my mind? 

• Please let us know IMMEDIATELY! 

4. What kind of support will I have at camp?

• Camp will provide Support Service Providers (SSPs) or CNs (CoNavigators) along with a registered nurse and staff that are trained to work with DeafBlind people. If you know a CN who wants to help out, please have the CN fill out the application. (All Applications)