Staff Information & Employment

Camp staff is composed of qualified administrative and activity coordinators, counselors and Volunteers. They must be over 18 years of age and fluent in sign language. Counselors are selected from qualified students, teachers, deaf adults and dedicated Lions. Many were once Wilderness Campers themselves. One counselor is provided for each five campers. A special Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is provided 16-17 year olds who would like to gain the skills and experience to be future staff members. They are given training in various skills and work in groups with qualified counselors. Applications are available online.

Meet Our Staff for 2008

Rebecca Shaffer
Camp Program Director

Welcome to Wilderness Camp for Deaf Children!

I am a San Diego native. I was born hearing and was diagnosed with meningitis which destroyed my hearing making me Deaf at 18 months old. My mother always sought what was best for me when I was growing up being a Deaf woman. I wouldn’t be who I am right now if it wasn’t for my mother and my sister.

I am pursuing a degree in Child Care business.

 In 1984, I was a first timer at Wilderness Camp for Deaf Children and I remember how much fun I really had. Every summer I would get restless waiting to go to camp because it had become my world. There never was a communication barrier. I have always felt so at ease.

I have reached my goal to be the camp program director; one I have had since I was a wilderness camper. I have been part of Wilderness Camp for Deaf children for 20 years and still counting.

I am very proud of Wilderness Camp for Deaf Children as a new Deaf Camp program director. I would be pleased to have you all as an integral part of our camp. I am sure I will continue to grow as I accommodate and provide the opportunity for our campers and staff.

We all share a common bond that will carry us for eternity. This bond, none of us can forget. We are the WILDERNESS CAMP!

campdirector@lionswildcamp.org
619-212-6472 (VM)

Employment Opportunities

Interested individuals from age 18 and above who are fluent in ASL (American Sign Language) and can move along the Signed Communication continuum are encouraged to apply for employment at camp. Various positions are available: counselors; activity staff; security guards; interpreters; administrative staff; instructors (must have current and valid license or certificate to be lifeguards-both at pool and lakes, rifle/archery teachers, etc.) and volunteers are warmly welcomed. All participants must uphold the social theme of inclusion. Information forms are available for download.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers shall be utilized to the maximum extent possible based upon their qualifications and desires as stated on the Volunteer Information Form. Volunteers may be used in any position at camp without exception, however, the prime consideration is to provide the highest quality camp experience possible with an underlying purpose of providing employment for members of the Deaf community. Qualified members of the Deaf community shall be used in the majority of the camp activities and counselor staff positions. Vacant positions shall be first filled by qualified Lion volunteers, then by qualified non-Lion volunteers, and finally by qualified paid staff. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied and under the direct supervision of an adult parent or guardian at all times while at camp. Information forms for volunteer positions are available for download.

Webmaster@lionswildcamp.org