Daniel Greenwood of Auckland nimbly negotiates a wall on the Camp David confidence course.
Nothing unusual in that, but take a closer look and a second person stands alongside Mr Greenwood using his hands to communicate.
James Bichan is an interpreter. His job is to use sign language to communicate and interpret for Mr Greenwood, who is profoundly deaf. They are two of 72 interpreters, leaders and deaf youths who are staying at Camp David this week to take part in a variety of activities.
Co-leaders Darryl Alexander and Theresa Cooper were both deaf and organised the camp, which was the third of its kind. Participants have come from all over New Zealand to the camp which has the theme of “unity.”
“The reason we had a camp was to help deaf youth get together and to share ideas and experiences,” Mr Alexander said through interpreter Tania Davidson.
Many deaf people felt isolated and the camp gave them a chance to meet others and share information, Ms Cooper said.
The six-day camp includes confidence course activities, kayaking, abseiling, and negotiating the climbing wall and ropes. An outside camp out is also planned as well as a burma trail at night and cooking over the campfire.
For Daniel Greenwood, the chance to meet other deaf youth makes the camp a great experience.
“Having young deaf people from across New Zealand just coming together and mixing in together has been great,” he said.
Everyone challenging each other and communicating is setting up good pathways for the future, he said.
“It’s been a fantastic experience,” he said.
The camp will culminate in a forum on Saturday where the deaf youth will discuss issues and plans for the future.
Photo caption – CHALLENGING TIMES: James Bichan, interpreter, watches over Daniel Greenwood, from Auckland, as he climbs on the confidence course during a camp for young deaf people at Camp David in Central Hawke’s Bay.
