Day 1: June 8th, 2024

 

Day 1: June 8th, 2024

Instagram @nmsdtrue 
Facebook: @New Mexico School for the Deaf


2nd Year at Aspen Camp of the Deaf!  


Day 1 Highlights Notes: Staff bios & trip to Aspen Camp

We are thrilled to have a summer camp program at Aspen Camp of the Deaf again this year! This blog will serve as the update center for the families and community. We will try to post daily updates as much as we can and some posts will be done by our student campers! 

As you know, the campers won't have access to their electronic devices (i.e.; phones, tablets, etc.). We want to ensure that the campers will have fun with activities that are planned and provided. 

The emergency contact information is in the registration packet. Coordinator Jesse Woosley will be the contact person. 

Good read on homesickness: click on the link: Preventing Homesickness

Our top and foremost goals for the campers are SAFETY and FUN. 


                        Getting ready to leave for Aspen!


We the staff worked so hard getting the trip and camp ready for the campers! 

Introducing our fabulous staff!


 
Jesse - Director
Jesse works at NMSD as a transition coordinator and has been summer camp director since 2014. Jesse's hobbies include disc golfing, hiking, bikepacking, natural building, DIY projects, and more! 


Sherry - Camp Cook, etc.
Sherry loves nature, water sports, art & crafts, and cooking. She will be in the kitchen making delicious food for everyone and having fun with campers! 

Gloriann - Camp Staff
Gloriann is an New Mexican. I love to be in the outdoors and be around the nature!

 Hillary - Camp Staff
Hillary is a 1st/2nd grade teacher at NMSD, and it is her third year working with the summer program. It is one of her favorite times of the year as she gets to know the older kids more that she does not work with during the school year. She is looking forward to exploring Aspen and Colorado with the campers! 

Matthew - Camp Nurse
Matthew is excited to be involved again with the staff and students of NMSD. After retiring from NMSD in 2019, he worked as a public school nurse in New York, and left there last year in order to return to his beloved New Mexico. 

Sabrina - Camp Staff
Sabrina works at NMSD as a teacher aide. It will be her third year working with NMSD's summer camp. She is looking forward to going to Aspen and having fun!!

Scott - Camp Staff
Scott has lost count for how many years he have worked with the summer camp now. He enjoys various things and, especially making it fun for the campers! Aspen area has a permanent place in his heart now. 
Dylan - Camp Staff
Dylan (they/them) is a freelance signed interpreter who is born and raised in Northern New Mexico. Alongside interpreting, they spend their free time volunteering at the Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico, hiking and climbing in the Sandia Mountains, and being guardian to Miss Luna, a strong-willed German Shepherd-Husky. As a young professional, they believe in the power of community care and the educational youth development of our youth.

Matt - Camp Staff
Matt enjoys outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, etc. and he is looking forward to the Summer Camp with the NMSD students!


Stefan - Camp Staff
Stefan is a Transition Teacher at NMSD. He loves camping, hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. He has a lot of experience with outdoor experiential education.

Jesse - Camp Overnight Staff
Jesse has worked at NMSD for 13 years and the summer camp for over 10 years. I look forward to watching the students during the night and esuring they sleep well.


David - Camp Staff
Known as "Jessup". He believes that the forest find ways to bring peace to us. He is looking forward to this year's camp! 

Sierra - Kitchen Staff Intern
Sierra identifies herself as DeafBlind and disabled. Artwork, research, spending time with her family, and learning new things are things that she enjoys! She enjoys sharing new and important information with communities about accessibility.

Damien Spillane - Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Coordinator
Damien started in this position last April 2024. He has been working to resuscitate the camp back on its feet to bring in Deaf and Hard of Hearing campers to experience outdoor activities and nature.

Enjoy the pictures of the drive to Aspen Camp

Rainbow at the Independence Pass

Elias basking in the beauty of the mountains surrouding the Independence Pass

Liam and the deep snow

Obligatory state border picture time!

Group picture at Independence Pass


Silly picture

Esteban could not believe that the dinosaur was not any bigger than him!

Safety and having fun was the recurring theme during short presentation by Jesse. 


Camp Schedule (subject to change)

Saturday, June 8th: Depart for Aspen Camp of the Deaf in Snowmass, Colorado 

Sunday, June 9th: Orientation, icebreaker and team building activities, and evening program

Monday, June 10th: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, fireside chat & story time

Tuesday, June 11th: Rafting and hot springs at Glenwood Springs, and evening program

Wednesday, June 12th: Maroon Bells and Challenge Aspen (archery)

Thursday, June 13th: Challenge Aspen (paddle boarding) and fishing

Friday, June 14th: Free time activities, e-biking, and swimming at Aspen Recreation Center

Saturday, June 15th: Community Farm, Olympics, last night festivities and clean up/pack

Sunday, June 16th: Depart for NMSD!





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