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Mentor Program

USHthis Summer Youth Camp

dream it. believe it. crUSH it.

Mentors

The USHthis Summer Youth Camp offers a 6-day overnight program for youth and young adults with Usher syndrome. Mentors, aged 18–25, who use listening and spoken language, play a vital role in guiding campers while developing essential career-readiness skills. Conducted in English, the program provides mentors with a traditional camp experience alongside impactful learning opportunities.

Program Focus Areas

Program Highlights

Online Training: Interactive modules to enhance knowledge, foster team building, and prepare for camp.

Workshops and Coaching: In- person training sessions tailored to mentors’ development.

Camp Excursions: Real-world experiences designed to enhance learning opportunities.

Peer-to-Peer Discussions: Facilitated “discUSHions” about living with Usher syndrome.

Program Focus Areas

Communication
Skills
Daily discUSHions help participants better understand their diagnosis, articulate communication preferences, and explore strategies used by the Deafblind community.
Career
Exploration
Mentors showcase vocational interests by leading camper activities and, if available, shadowing staff members in relevant career fields.
Job Skills
Training
Participants complete online and in-person training sessions and provide feedback to assess their growth.
Independent
Living Skills
Sessions cover time management, problem-solving, preparedness, advocacy, safety, and social skills essential for independent living.
Recreation &
Social Activities
Recreational events, group discussions, and social opportunities foster teamwork, communication, and socialization.
Communication Skills
Career Exploration
Job Skills Training
Independent Living Skills
Recreation and Social Activities
Daily discUSHions help participants better understand their diagnosis, articulate communication preferences, and explore strategies used by the Deafblind community.
Mentors showcase vocational interests by leading camper activities and, if available, shadowing staff members in relevant career fields.
Participants complete online and in-person training sessions and provide feedback to assess their growth.
Sessions cover time management, problem-solving, preparedness, advocacy, safety, and social skills essential for independent living.
Recreational events, group discussions, and social opportunities foster teamwork, communication, and socialization.
Communication
Skills
Career
Exploration
Job Skills
Training
Daily discUSHions help participants better understand their diagnosis, articulate communication preferences, and explore strategies used by the Deafblind community.
Mentors showcase vocational interests by leading camper activities and, if available, shadowing staff members in relevant career fields.
Participants complete online and in-person training sessions and provide feedback to assess their growth.
Independent
Living Skills
Recreation and
Social Activities
Sessions cover time management, problem-solving, preparedness, advocacy, safety, and social skills essential for independent living.
Recreational events, group discussions, and social opportunities foster teamwork, communication, and socialization.
USHthis ARCHIVES

Eligibility Criteria

  • 18 years of age, with Usher syndrome
  • Or a 17- year- old graduate with a high school diploma who has completed the Mentor-In-Training (MIT) program
  • High School Diploma
  • Proven to be a role model within the community (evidenced by resume and letters of recommendation, community clubs/involvement)
  • Ability to relate to one’s peer group
  • Accepts guidance and instruction from team members and leaders
  • Willing to participate in all group activities and discUSHions
  • Respects each camp participant’s decisions regarding diagnosis, lifestyle choices, and ethnic and religious background
  • Positive character, enthusiastic, patient, adaptable, and open-minded

Application Process

  • Submit an interest form online when open
  • Admin reviews all interest forms to determine eligibility
  • Eligible mentors will be interviewed virtually
  • Finalists will receive a formal offer via email
  • Mentors will accept their position by signing a mentor agreement that outlines expectations
  • Accepted mentors must pass background checks

Program Fee: $1,500.00 per mentor

We work collaboratively with Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies for mentors already enrolled in VR. Mentors that are not enrolled in VR are independently sponsored by one of our donors. Mentors are responsible for their travel to and from camp.

2025 APPLICATION

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Are you a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor working with an individual with Usher syndrome between the age of 18-25? Email us at USHthis@avasvoice.org to see if they would be an eligible candidate for our USHthis Summer Youth Camp experience.

Interested in Vocational Rehabilitation Services in your state?

LEARN MORE

Hear From A Mentor

Find out what kind of an experience you can have as a mentor by hearing directly from one of our past mentors, Asia.

Follow Asia’s blog here.
ASIA'S STORY

Testimonials

Our Mission

The mission of Ava’s Voice is to empower youth with Usher syndrome and to educate families and school communities.

501c3 Tax ID #47-4326466

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