Camp For Children With Hearing Loss And Their Families Offers Weekend Of Fun

Main Category: Hearing / Deafness
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 04 Jun 2009 - 3:00 PST

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The House Ear Institute, HEI, established Family Camp 24 years ago as a comfortable, open forum where parents raising a child with hearing loss could share their experiences and exchange information and varying philosophies with one another.

"While a number of other facilities address the needs of children with hearing loss, the Institute's Family Camp addresses the family dynamics that surround and influence the child's development," said Marilee Potthoff, director of marketing, HEI. "We continue this approach because it encourages friendships, coping and communication skills and introduces educational resources that can influence a child's development."

Designed to help all members of the family, the camp provides a supportive atmosphere that fosters both verbal and sign language communication. It also helps build self-esteem, friendships, and respect for each other's differences and decisions.

The parent workshops are focused on helping parents serve as role models for their children and how parents can help their child learn to be self-sufficient and to ask for what they need in the classroom. A group sharing session allows parents to talk with each other and a licensed family therapist about similar issues. This year there is a teen panel discussion where teens can share with parents their first-hand experience the challenges of growing up with a hearing loss as well as offer their own advice for parents.

Campers are matched with counselors who use sign language and other modes of communication to optimize the children's learning and enjoyment. Camp activities include fun-filled days and evenings with wildlife presentations, sports, rhythm workshop, martial arts, first-aid safety, a concert and much more.

Family Camp will be held at Camp Hess Kramer from June 5-7 in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking northern Malibu.

This year's camp is funded by Southern California Edison, Delta Zeta Foundation, Employees Community Fund of Boeing California, The Woods-Claeyssens Foundation, Ann Pepper Foundation, Sketch Foundation and Associates of the House Ear Institute.

About the House Ear Institute

The House Ear Institute (HEI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing hearing science through research and education to improve quality of life. HEI scientists investigate the cellular and molecular causes of hearing loss and related auditory disorders as well as neurological processes pertaining to the human auditory system and the brain. Our researchers also explore technology advancements to improve auditory implants, hearing aids, diagnostic techniques and rehabilitation tools. The Institute shares its knowledge with the scientific and medical communities as well as the general public through its education and outreach programs.

Source: House Ear Institute