Save Your Date!
July 7-12th, 2024
Welcome to Christian Camp for the Deaf
Building Understanding of God's Word and Lifetime Memories
Ready to have the time of your life in one of the most beautiful places on Earth? Then welcome to Christian Camp for the Deaf, a unique Christian Camp where campers ages 9-17 and families of any ages can explore their independence while enjoying a fun-filled experience. If you are ready for an unforgettable camp adventure, consider spending it here with us.
Our Programs
Experience Total Fun
Christian Camp for the Deaf provides an opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind and enjoy some quality time at camp. Whether it’s a camper’s first experience with us or they’ve attended before, while here will creating unforgettable memories.
Ready, Set, Go
For all ages! Three different groups of bible classes for children, teenagers, and adults.
Special Discounts
Special Discounts for Ocoee Whitewater Rafting and Paintball not included with camp fees. Be sure to bring extra money or a checkbook with you to participate in this activity. Special Discounts!
Land Activities
Bible Study Classes
Climbing Tower
Devotionals
Class Games
Group Discussions
High Ropes
Hiking
Lodge Games
Skits
Team Sports
Tournament Games
Paintball (extra $)
Zip Line
and More!
Water Activities
Banana Boat
Canoeing
Kayaking
Ocoee Whitewater Rafting (extra $)
Stand Up Paddle Boards
Sit on Tops
Swimming
Water Jungle Jim
Water Rocket
Water Slide
Water Trampoline
Water Volley
and More!
Who can Camp?
Who says camp is just for kids?
Christian Camp for the Deaf has been planning and offering many land and water activities, Bible study classes, and a time of relaxation for all of you to enjoy. The camp is located at YMCA Camp Ocoee, and is nestled in a breathtaking setting on the shores of Lake Ocoee in the Cherokee National Forest of Southern Tennessee.
Who says camp is just for kids? Adults can participate and experience the thrills and joys of camp just as much. We are having the "Family Camp", and that means the young campers, staff, parents, grandparents, adults, preachers, teachers, and retirees can attend the camp. The young campers will have their regular varied programs and activities and will be supervised by the counselors and staff. Adults may choose to participate in most activities offered. You are encouraged to make your reservations early and participate together at Christian Camp for the Deaf as part of your summer vacation. Plan ahead now and come experience the Ocoee spirit in July!
Register
Click to Download
Be sure to fill out all (Camper (child), Adult or Staff application along with Medical History, Wavier and Release applications. Send all forms/applications with payments via online and/or mail to Camp Director to confirm your reservation.
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How to Register:
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Download the camp application forms packet (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).
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Campers, fill out the Kids Camper Application form.
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Adults, fill out the Adult Application form.
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Everyone, fill out the Medical History form.
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Everyone, fill out the Waiver and Release form
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Have the campers sign the Camp Regulations form.
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Pay online www.flyinghandsministry.com or write your check payable to Flying Hands Ministry with note "camp"
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Repeat the process for each camper who will be attending camp.
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Send all forms, signed forms, and checks to: Jesse Neal, Camp Co-Director
985 Runyan Dr,
Chattanooga, Tennesse 37405
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Staff please download and complete the Staff Registration Form.
About Us
Unforgettable Memories
Christian Camp for the Deaf, Inc. established 1957, currently hosts at YMCA Ocoee, TN, is a fun and fulfilling Family Christian Camp, offering kids ages 9-17 and families an unforgettable lifetime experience. We provide a variety of programs and activities, to the enjoyment and safety of all our campers. Come enjoy the magic of Christian Camp in a caring and inspiring environment.
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The Christian Camp for the Deaf, Inc. is a non-profit organization operated by members of the churches of Christ. It is staffed with deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing men and women who are experienced and competent in working with the deaf and hard of hearing. All staff members work without pay.
YMCA Camp Ocoee offers each camper a healthy and spiritual atmosphere. Towering and thick trees, lake, and quiet surroundings set the mood for Bible study and discussions. YMCA Camp Ocoee is a camp that desires to be different. The principles of Jesus Christ are the controlling factors in camp life. Everyday activities always include time for spiritual growth. We expect every camper to conduct him/herself honorably at all times.
History
The first workshop for the deaf was conducted in the church building of the deaf congregation on Newton Street in Austin, Texas on July 9-11, 1957. There were about 30 to 40 in the daily services. During this time, Gary Blake, a junior at Harding College, suggested beginning a Christian Camp for the Deaf at Camp Wyldewood in Searcy, Arkansas. The first camp session of Christian Camp for the Deaf was held at Camp Wyldewood in Searcy, Arkansas on August 18-23, 1957. Ben Holland served as the first director of the camp from 1957 through 1959. Richard Hawkins served as director in 1960. Bob Anderson served in 1961 and 1962.
In 1963 the camp was moved from Wyldewood to camp Haiayaka, located in Shelby Forest just north of Memphis, TN. Richard Hawkins again served as director in 1963 and 1964. Sam Roach served as director in 1965 and perhaps 1966. Richard Hawkins again served as director from 1967 through 1971. Clayton McCray took over as director in 1972 and continued through 1973. Afterwards, Camp Haiayaka was sold by the Jackson Avenue Church of Christ to the owner of a Memphis cotton company.
As a result the camp for 1974 was moved to Camp Ney-A-Ti, just north of Guntersville, AL and remained there for 36 years where Frank Rushing took over as Director in 1975. In 2011 the camp was moved to the YMCA Camp Ocoee in Ocoee, Tennessee. Frank Rushing has served his last year as Director in 2017 after serving for 40 years and now serves as exofficer. From 2018 to this day, Morgan Greene and Jesse Neal currently serves as Co-Director for Christian Camp for the Deaf which has continued to enrich growth of God's people to this day.
Contact
For more information about Christian Camp for the Deaf, our programs, activities, staff, and more, don’t hesitate to contact us!
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Check us out on Christian Camp for the Deaf Facebook!
Directions
To Christian Camp for the Deaf @ Camp Ocoee:
​You will see the YMCA Camp Ocoee main entrance sign on left, but do NOT turn left. Instead, continue on road little further and turn on the first left road at the sign, "Wesson Lodge", go about 1/4 mile and stop at the Wesson Lodge on left.