We are excited to share that our program will run in the United States, as well as the United Kingdom during the 2023 Summer Season. Our goal is to support organizations like Usher Kids UK to implement and embed the USHthis Summer Youth Camp Program for their local communities.
Interested in applying to attend your local program? Click on the button below and a member of our team will follow up with you. Interest Forms will be accepted through March 24th 2023.
USHthis is a week long sleep away camp for youth with Usher syndrome, ages 11-17. Ava's Voice is partnering with international organizations to pilot USHthis Summer Youth Camp all over the world. If you are interested in your child having future opportunities or if you would like to be a counselor, fill out the application below.
USHthis 2022 Sponsored by The Gilson Family Foundation
Camp will provide an opportunity for youth with Usher syndrome (ages 11-17) to engage with peers, peer counselors and adults with Usher syndrome, learn about available resources, acquire strategies to
resolve challenges and foster connections that will last a lifetime.
Campers, ages 15-17, may be selected for Counselor in Training
opportunities.
Young adults with Usher syndrome (ages 18-24) who are interested in
being a mentor to our youth campers and discovering more about
themselves in the process may apply. Counselors will embark on this
journey with their peers and be a role model to campers. Experience
preferred, but not required.
Meals, lodging, and activities for all attendees are sponsored through the generosity of Ava’s Voice donors and investors. UK camp costs are covered by Deafblind UK in partnership with Usher Kids UK. There is a nominal registration fee for campers. Camp attire and supplies are included.
Registration fee applies once campers are accepted.
TRAVEL COSTS
Travel costs to and from camp are the responsibility of the camper, counselor and mentors. We encourage you to reach out to local organizations and agencies that may be able to alleviate some of these costs. If interested, we will connect you to one of our Ava’s Voice Team Members to learn how to apply. Limited travel scholarships are available through the Gilson Family Foundation once all other resources are exhausted.
SPONSORSHIPS
Scholarships are available through the Gilson Family Foundation for families experiencing financial difficulties, please don’t hesitate to indicate any hardships on your application.
Are you ready to get inspired? Join our team, disconnect from the world and get ready to be immersed in an experience of a lifetime. We are always looking for volunteers and professionals looking to expand their knowledge and experience with the deafblind community. All accepted applicants will be required to go through our official application process and background check.
USHthis is the main initiative of Ava’s Voice Inc. Ava’s Voice was established in 2015 by Ava’s mom, Carly Fredericks, and her family.
Once Carly saw first hand the connection Ava had when provided the opportunity to connect with her peers, she couldn’t help but think about all children living with Usher syndrome. In the summer of 2018, Ava and the other Ava’s Voice Ambassadors, USH brothers Ethan and Gavin Morrobel, attended a local event on the Jersey shore. After riding the waves all day, Gavin continued to show off his skills ending
the day with a standing backflip on the lawn. Carly screamed in excitement, “USH THAT”! Gavin responded in confidence, “USH THIS” and so the name it became. USHthis, an Usher friendly place, to dream it. believe it. crUSH it.