Virtual Voices Camp is an incredible opportunity to bring together communication device users from across the province to enjoy an exciting camp environment.  This is a wonderful experience, since so many of these campers have never seen others using devices similar to their own.  Virtual Voices 2006 took place from August 29th through September 2nd at the BC Lions’ Easter Seals’ Camp Squamish. 

The 13 campers, ranging in age from 13-19, were supported by camp staff from the 3 BC Lions’ Camps at Shawnigan, Winfield and Squamish. Campers requiring specialized individual support came with personal support workers. What makes this camp so unique is that there is an additional team to support the campers' use of their communication technology in the process of enjoying camp activities. This team provides help programming devices and implementing activities to promote communication. The team is comprised of school district speech language pathologists and speech language pathologists’ assistants, SET-BC and CAYA consultants and assistants, as well as consultants from communication device manufacturers.

It was gratifying to see the development of the campers’ use of their communication technology through coaching and provision of opportunities to practice. Overcoming their many challenges, these campers enjoyed a variety of activities and equipment including: a low ropes course, climbing wall, giant swing, inground trampoline, pool, scavenger hunt, digital photography, tie dying, fabric painting, campfires, a visit to the waterfront at Alice Lake Provincial Park for a picnic and swimming, sing songs, and creating a yearbook and slide show. 

To support the camp theme of "Teenage Dreams and Empowerment", the campers enjoyed a visit from Ashleigh, a former VV camper and user of a Pathfinder, who is now an adult. The campers were thrilled to hear that Ashleigh now lives on her own. It was evident from the questions the campers asked following the presentation, that many looked to her as a model of how they might tackle their own personal challenges to independence. Mike, also a former VV camper who now works at SET-BC, came to share information about the new Virtual Voices Villages website and requested the campers’ submissions and input.  his website is an opportunity for SET-BC students to share their work and interact with one another. 

The VV2006 camp culminated with an awards banquet where each camper received an award, followed by a dance.  

Thanks to all who made this camp so successful, including the BC Lions, the camp staff and many volunteers. The smiles on the campers’ faces were worth every bit of time and energy expended by so many. 

Do you know someone who could benefit from such an experience?  Go to http://www.setbc.org/virtualvoices/ for information about Virtual Voices 2007!