Juwan on horseback at Camp Willard.

By Debra Edwards
debra@caymannetnews.com 

A hearing-impaired primary student recently experienced the time of his young life when he attended a camp for the deaf in North Webster, Indiana.

Juwan Truman, a year five student at George Town Primary School was able to spend a week at Camp Willard thanks to the generosity of both corporate and individual sponsors.

“It was like Christmas to him because he realised that he and another girl at his school weren’t the only deaf children in the world,” said Tasha Miller, Special Needs Coordinator at George Town Primary, who, along with Juwan’s mother Taya Truman, accompanied him on the trip.

Juwan’s mother noted how easily he adapted to his new environment, saying with a chuckle, “After we took him to camp, for the most part he didn’t want Tasha and I around, because he finally got to be around people that were just like him.”

Spending seven extraordinary days exploring nature, horseback riding, camping, and competing in various team challenges, 11-year-old Juwan received the coveted “All Around Camper Award” for his sportsmanship and riding skills.

“What intrigued him more than anything at the camp was the fact that other hearing-impaired people drove cars, had good jobs and led normal lives; that really gave him encouragement for the future,” said Mrs Miller, who added that Juwan is a very smart mainstream student who is popular and treated no differently by the other children in school because of his hearing problem.

“Seeing how he interacted with everybody really touched me and gave me and the rest of my family a boost to learn how to sign properly so that we can communicate better,” Miss Truman said. “Since the camp, his younger sister has been doing a great job with signing.”

Camp Willard is a summer camp for deaf and hearing-impaired children in years 3 through 12, and includes competitive and non-competitive games, team sports, swimming, arts and crafts, and many opportunities for social interaction, explained Miss Truman, who carefully researched the facility before sending Juwan there.

Named after William Willard, the founder and first superintendent of the Indiana School for the Deaf, the experience allows deaf and hard-of-hearing campers the opportunity to live outdoors, explore the environment and appreciate nature, solve problems and, at the same time, socialise.

Campers can interact with others to share common experiences and develop networking and friendships. This knowledge helps to broaden their view of the world and realise their individual potential.

The primary language of Camp Willard is sign language and all deaf and hearing-impaired children are welcome to attend, regardless of their signing ability.

Camp Willard is staffed by trained Indiana School for the Deaf employees. According to the camp’s website, the counselors are experienced in education, American Sign Language, deaf culture, communication facilitation and leadership. The staff is able to provide each camper with opportunities for socialization with peers and adults, leadership development and personal growth, the camp said.

Ms Miller was pleased that Juwan was given the opportunity to experience the camp.

“I am happy he got the chance to go,” said Ms Miller. “He really is a special boy and deserved it.”

Miss Truman added, “I would just like to thank everyone who helped to make this trip possible for my son.”