In July, in collaboration with Gallaudet University’s Deaf Youth Programs, we held our inaugural ASL-led High School Field Experiences summer camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) high school students from across the country.
We had a jam-packed week filled with hands-on field activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and native plant restoration at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. Before embarking on an adventure to Peanut Island, the campers visited our Hospital and Research labs.
It was no surprise that both the Research and Hospital teams were met with question after question – in the best possible way! Hands continued to fly up across the room as campers eagerly engaged with our teams and explored each space.
During their visit to Research, campers had the opportunity to see preserved sea turtle hatchlings, including leatherback, loggerhead, and green sea turtles, up close. They were in awe as they carefully examined each specimen. They also got a glimpse into how satellite tagging works through a live feed of our currently satellite-tagged turtles. This was especially meaningful for our Deaf campers, as members of the Deaf community often rely heavily on visual cues. Seeing a large map displaying both previous and current locations of satellite-tagged sea turtles – and discovering just how far these animals can travel – absolutely blew their minds!
As one of our team members stated so eloquently, this visit reminded our department team of just how special the work we do in Research is. Seeing our work through the excitement and curiosity of the campers gave us a fresh perspective and reminded us why what we do matters.
During the Hospital visit, campers asked thoughtful and thought-provoking questions, including, “What is the hardest case you have ever seen here?” and “What made you decide to work with sea turtles?”
Even at the end of each visit, the questions kept coming! To make sure no question went unanswered, we provided a large whiteboard where campers could write down additional questions for our teams. As you can see in one of the photos, they had a ton to ask!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to be part of these Deaf campers’ meaningful experiences. The time, knowledge, and enthusiasm you shared will stay with them wherever they go – and hopefully continue to spark their curiosity, inspire their futures, and remind them of what is possible.