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Frequently Asked Questions - Family Camp
Does the camp provide sign language and other language interpreters?
Yes. The camp provides professional sign language interpreters to children of all ages. We also provide sign language services to parents upon advance request, and can arrange for Spanish and other foreign language interpreters to assist campers who need them.
Can children attend the camp without their parent(s) or guardian(s)?
All children under the age of 18 must attend with at least one parent or guardian present.
What type of accommodations are offered?
Families stay in large dormitory-style cabins with bunk-beds. The arrangement fosters a social setting that is a healthy part of the camp experience. Special considerations are given to families with physical disabilities with prior arrangement. All cabins and rooms at Camp Hess Kramer are clean and well-maintained. Families bring their own sleeping bags or sheets/blankets as well as toiletries and towels and personal items.
Can we attend camp during the day and stay elsewhere at night?
To fully benefit from the many social aspects and activities offered at Family Camp, we request that all families remain at the camp through the duration of the weekend, with exception of family or medical emergencies.
Are there activities for all ages?
Yes. Many activities are age-group specific. Others are designed to be joint-family activities.
What type of programs are there for parents?
Each year, a series of parent workshops and presentations are offered with the goals of giving parents new information and ideas to assist their child(ren), inspiring enlightening discussion, and sharing experiences and trading insights with one another on the social, physical and emotional challenges of raising children with hearing loss. Presentations of new technologies and resources are featured, as well as a parent yoga relaxation class to help with stress relief and rejuvenation.
What about the meals?
The quality of the food served is actually one of the highlights of the camp experience! All meals at Camp Hess Kramer are well-balanced and nutritious. All are planned and prepared under the supervision of an executive chef, who also happens to manage the Camp Hess Kramer facilities. For people who need it, special dietary requests for meals can be made in advance.
Are there any safety concerns?
Family safety is a number one priority for the House Research Institute in offering its Family Camp program. Camp Hess Kramer facilities offer a very safe, secure setting for families to relax comfortably and are gated securely at nighttime. To further ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe weekend at camp, there are sets of specific rules and guidelines that all campers and counselors must abide by at all times, and which they agree to in writing prior to entering the camp.
What will my children do when I am attending the parent program?
All children are grouped by age and participate in activities where they can socialize with other children. Each child is assigned to a trained youth counselor, who is responsible for their safety and care during designated times when they are not with their parents. There are multiple counselors in each group, so your children are never left alone or with just one counselor at any given time. A fully staffed nursery is offered for infants and children who are 3 and under.
