This ministry exists to provide a one of a kind opportunity for deaf children of the Dominican Republic to gather together for a week of recreation away from the dirt and bustle of city life or the quiet isolation of the small villages. At camp they experience things not provided to them in their homes on a regular basis.
Because severe language barriers exclude them from the surrounding Spanish speaking world, these kids are often left feeling excluded and alone. For the most part they are ignored, being viewed as unreachable or even unteachable. Little money or effort is spent to treat them like their hearing counterparts. While there have been some efforts made by government, a few international agencies, and religious ministries to help educate these kids, they are still left with little access to the everyday enjoyable activities and fun which are common to other children of their age.
Here at camp they are provided with good meals served three times a day, arts and crafts time, swimming in the pool, supervised sports, and most of all time together to use their shared language, giving them a chance to hear the precious word of God which tells them how truly valuable they are.
Going to camp allows them a prolonged time to be with other deaf kids, deaf adult role models, and hearing people who know and love their language. This is so important because most of them come from families who will never be able to communicate with them beyond basic needs.
Most of the children’s families could not afford to provide a getaway of this nature, so it is generous sponsorship and volunteer staffing which make the camp experience possible.
Will you consider joining with us again this year as we make June 14- June 23, 2016, a very special week for these children? Without all of us, Camp Hands of Joy would not exist.
Please consider an $85 one time sponsorship of a child in part or in whole by sending a check of any amount to:
Hands of Joy 148 Malloch Road Churchville, NY 14428 or email us at: [email protected]