Frequently Asked Questions

I noticed the schedule does not include Friday this year. Why the change?

We decided that we will use Friday to have staff meetings and trainings, and to give us time to finish setting everything up before before the ASL Immersion starts on Saturday.

Can I still come on Friday evening to set up my tent and sleep over so I’m rested for Saturday morning? I may be driving from a distance.

Yes! You are welcome to arrive Friday. The exact arrival time will be emailed in June, but most likely 5:30pm. However, all campers, when on the property, will be asked to stay in the camping field. There will be games and activities set up and you may socialize with other campers using either voice or ASL.

Is dinner provided for campers on Friday?

No, dinner is each camper’s responsibility. There are restaurants in the area, and Walmart is down the road.

What time is check in on Saturday?

Campers can start arriving and checking in at the lodge Saturday morning at about 8 to 9 am. Light breakfast and drinks will be provided. Registration will happen during that time, then introductions and icebreakers. Silent Camp will finish Sunday around noon.

I am an ASL student, is this a good fit for me?

Yes! The best way to learn and improve your ASL is to do it in a ASL environment! We have Deaf staff that will support you.

What do I do if I don’t know how to sign something?

Ask any of our staff. You can fingerspell, write, text, mime, or gesture.

Is there an age limit?

Yes, everyone that comes to Silent Camp’s ASL Immersion Weekend must be 18 years of age or older.

Can I have someone drop me off/ pick me up at the camp?

Yes, you can be dropped off and picked up. Drop off is after 5:30pm on Friday. Pickup is no later than 12:30pm on Sunday. People that are not registered for Silent Camp will be asked to leave after dropping off.

Are there cabins on the camp?

No, YMCA Camp Watchaug is a day camp. There are no cabins or beds.

Where will I sleep?

You are responsible for bringing your own tent, sleeping bag, cot, and anything else you need for camping. See our Items to Bring page for a list of recommendations.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, you can. You are welcome to bring your own food to supplement what we are providing. However, there is limited refrigerator space, please bring a cooler.

Can I come for Saturday only?

Registration for Silent Camp lets you come and go when you want. We do not offer a Saturday only price at this time.

Is alcohol allowed?

Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

What is the refund policy?

In the event that Rhode Island Silent Camp is cancelled due to events beyond our control, Silent Camp will offer a full refund or hold your payment for the next Silent Camp. If not used within one year, it will be considered a donation.

If you need to cancel your registration, Silent Camp will not issue refunds. Silent Camp will hold your payment for one year (until the next Silent Camp) or we can consider it a donation. If not used within one year, it will be considered a donation.

Please email us if you plans change.

I am an interpreter. Does Silent Camp offer CEUs for workshops?

We are not offering CEUs at this time.

Is there a charge for the workshops that provide CEUs?

Workshops and activities are included with Silent Camp registration. If you wish to attend any of the workshops, you will need to register and pay for the weekend.