EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT
Wellington Deaf Society, in partnership with Manawatu Deaf Society, is thrilled to share some exciting news!
We are working hard behind-the-scenes to bring to you a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Family Camp for Deaf children and their families/whānau. This camp will be held the weekend before NZSL Week 2025.
WHEN: Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th May 2025
WHERE: El Rancho, Waikanae Beach, Kapiti Coast
WHO: Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families / whānau from across the Wellington, Wairarapa, and Manawatū-Whanganui regions.
Please keep your eyes peeled for the registration form - coming soon!
A special thanks to the New Zealand Sign Language Board for all their support to make this camp possible.
We look forward to welcoming you to El Rancho.
NZSL Family Camp - FAQs
What will the primary language of the camp be?
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), but it is okay if you are not fluent or only know a bit of sign language - this is the perfect opportunity to learn more! We will have interpreters available throughout the camp to help with communication and Deaf leaders will also be present to support you and your whānau in your NZSL journey.
What is the cost to my family to attend the camp?
Attendance comes at a cost of $100 NZD per family - which includes accommodation, food, and activities. If there is a financial barrier to you attending, we ask that you contact us via nzslcamp25@gmail.com and we may be able to offer you a subsidised stay.
Are the bedroom sites shared between families?
Yes, we want as many people as possible to attend the camp so be prepared to share! The majority of bedrooms on site are built to be shared between families. On the registration form, you will see an option to share a bedroom with another family whom you already know. If, for whatever reason, you are not able to share a bedroom, please disclose this when registering and we will endeavour to accommodate this request.
I don’t want to stay overnight - can I come for a day visit?
No, we have decided not to allow day visits to the camp as our main goal is to foster connections between families coming for overnight stay. If you would like to visit without staying overnight, there is the option to join us for a luncheon on Sunday 4th May. The registration form for this luncheon will be made available closer to the time.
I don’t have any Deaf children, but am Deaf myself and am parents of CODAs. Can I come to the camp?
Our camp is targeted towards families with Deaf children. Members of the Deaf community are welcome to join us for the luncheon on Sunday 4th May and are welcome to volunteer to be a Camp Leader - we’d love to have you. More information on the luncheon/Camp Leaders coming soon!
Who is responsible for my child/ren during the camp?
Children/tamariki remain the responsibility of parents and caregivers. Camp Leaders and volunteers are here to help with any questions you might have about NZSL and Deaf life, and are the driving force behind this project, but they are not responsible for supervising children/tamariki.
Is this camp wheelchair-accessible?
There are some facilities within El Rancho that are fully accessible to wheelchair users. If you do use a wheelchair, we ask that you get in touch with us via nzslcamp.reg@gmail.com, and we can work with you to organise an access plan.
Will we have WiFi access?
No, campers will not have general WiFi access due to limited supply available at El Rancho. We encourage you to put down the devices and take full advantage of all the facilities on offer. If you require WiFi access for a specific reason, please email us via nzslcamp.reg@gmail.com and we will endeavour to accommodate your request - however, this cannot be guaranteed.
Are the bedrooms heated?
Yes, all bedrooms at El Rancho have been recently upgraded to include warm heating.
What do I need to bring?
Our team has created a checklist of items that may be helpful for you to bring. We will email this out closer to the time.
Will bedding be provided for campers?
No. Campers are required to bring their own bedding and pillows - El Rancho will supply a mattress. There is the option to borrow bedding from El Rancho, however this comes at an additional cost of $15 per person.
What food do I need to bring?
Food/kai will be provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner by El Rancho staff and our volunteers. All we ask is that you bring some biscuits, crackers, or fruit of some sort to contribute towards our shared morning and afternoon teas.
What do I do if I have an allergy/dietary requirement?
Please get in touch with us via nzslcamp.reg@gmail.com when you register for the camp, and we will pass on your dietary need/s to El Rancho. All individuals with allergies are required to declare them as they register, so we can safely cater to you. Please note that El Rancho can accommodate individuals that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Who is responsible for cleaning up towards the end of the stay?
We need everyone to help keep the camp clean, especially at meal times and in common spaces. We ask that you keep your bedroom tidy throughout the camp and help with clean-up prior to departure. Cleaning equipment will be provided.
My question is not on this list. How can I contact you?
Please send an email to nzslcamp.reg@gmail.com. We will aim to get back to you within three working days.