Information for Families

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Rehabilitación vocacional

Hello!

We are excited that your child is interested in attending Youth Leadership Camp this year! 

The YLC is hosted by the National Association of the Deaf, the oldest civil rights organization in the U.S, serving deaf and hard of hearing people since 1880. In 1969, the NAD established a leadership training program for deaf and hard of hearing youth, YLC. This long-standing program will take place from June 27 to July 22, 2024 at Camp Taloali in Stayton, Oregon. 

The YLC selects 64 campers, following two criteria: 

  • Must be deaf or hard of hearing
  • Currently a Sophomore or Junior in high school 

During YLC, your child will enhance their leadership and organizational skills through our Leadership Development Program, network with other deaf youth and professionals through workshops and group interaction, develop independent living skills, acquire self-confidence and self- advocacy skills, and more. A description of each of our daily classes and field trips are available here. 

We have a wide range of activities that will fit your child’s interests!  Our sample daily schedule is: 

TimeProgram
7:00 Calisthenics
7:30 Breakfast
8:15

Core Classes:
– Daily Drum
– Outdoor Living Skills
– Discovery
– Drama
– Debate

(Snack Break @ 9:20)
10:30 Workshop from Guest Presenters
12:00Lunch
12:45Group Process/ Team Building
13:30Afternoon Program
14:30Canteen Break
14:45 Camp Council
15:45Recreational Time
17:15Dinner
16:15Speed Clean Up/ Fireside Set Up
18:30Leadership Development Program
19:45Snacks
20:00Media Review
20:15Fireside Chat with Guest Presenters
21:00Daily Announcements
21:30Good Night YLC 2024!

HOW TO APPLY

Your child will need to submit an online application by January 15, 2024. There is no application fee. The online application requires: 

  • The application itself 
  • Written OR video essay answering a question: If you could choose to have a long conversation with anyone, living or a historical figure, who would it be, and what topic or questions would you be most eager to discuss with them?
  • Resume or a paragraph explaining their school involvement 
  • Three letters of recommendation

You can review additional details on the application requirements here. 

AFTER ACCEPTANCE 

All applicants will either be accepted or put on the waitlist. If your child received an acceptance letter, your child will need to deposit $100 to secure their spot at YLC by the provided deadline. We will share a checklist of tasks you need to complete before camp. 

We will also host a webinar for families to review camp expectations, rules, forms, and the packing list. 

MONETARY SUPPORT 

The tuition fee for this program is $3,750 which includes the following: 

  • Lodging
  • Three meals a day 
  • Canteen (snacks throughout the day) 
  • Laundry 
  • Field trips 
  • Transportation during camp 
  • YLC t-shirt
  • YLC hoodie
  • Printed YLC group photo 

Note: The tuition fee does not include airfare or transportation to and from Oregon. 

The tuition fee is not required upfront and we do have payment plans available. In the meantime, we encourage you to seek financial assistance from: 

  • Vocational Rehabilitation (download the letter for your VR counselor) 
  • Local organizations and foundations (such as the Lion’s club and State Association) 
  • Your child’s school
  • Scholarships
    • Your child can consider applying for the Frank R. Turk scholarship by March 1, 2023. 

You also can check out some fundraising ideas you and your child can do! 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions at [email protected].