This is the ASL version of the press release. Please read below for the transcript.
Aspen Camp of the Deaf is Scaling Back to Move Forward
Snowmass, CO- Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing announced a restructuring initiative to accelerate its evolution from a summer camp to an organization that builds identity and community around Deafhood. This announcement is at the heel of celebrating the organization’s 50th anniversary this year.
Aspen Camp will amplify its focus in high-opportunity areas where it is positioned for long-term leadership, customer and donor value and growth, while making the nonprofit more efficient and healthy.
“Our goal is to enhance and build on the experiences of our staff, customers, volunteers, and donors,” explains Executive Director, Dr. Lesa Thomas. She adds, “I am confident that we will emerge as a more productive and inspiring organization with sharper execution and transparency.”
The restructuring was inspired after seeing staff overworked, resources spent beyond it’s capacity, tight cash flow, and a changing economy and political climate. Restructuring includes rearranging programs and services, updating many processes, raising necessary funds, and enhancing efficiency. There are no plans to eliminate staff members or the core of Aspen Camp, youth programs.
“With scaling back, we are able to increase the focus on quality and boosting productivity and morale. Our goal is to come out stronger so we can truly blaze into the future,” says Katie Murch, Marketing & Strategic Director. She continues, “It’s like pulling an arrow. We are pulling back so we can fly forward over the next fifty years with more strength and accuracy.”
The first part of restructuring includes suspending Womxn’s Retreat, Xtreme Retreat, and American Sign Language classes until further notice. Those who have already registered for these programs are getting a full refund, including the reservation fee. Affordable cabin rentals are available for those who seek to enjoy ESPN’s Winter X-Games in Buttermilk, Gay Week in Aspen, and Winterskol in Aspen. Cabin rentals are open for Deaf* and hearing guests. See https://rentals.aspencamp.org for details and to make reservations.
Winter Camp and Summer Camp 2018 will continue as normal. Our program staff will only make tweaks after a very successful summer. A survey are being sent out to parents and recent alumni to see where they think youth programs should go. Details and registration will be released on the second Tuesday of September on the website and through social media.
Volunteer opportunities for Winter Camp will be released on the third Tuesday of September and accepted on a rolling basis. Staff opportunities for Summer Camp will be released on the third Tuesday of October and closed on January 15. At that point, interviews will be conducted and positions will be offered to qualified candidates around the end of February. Positions will be shared at www.aspencamp.org/jobs.
Aspen Camp is also not accepting new You Camps until sometimes after fall of 2019. Those who are interested in renting the campus for events can rent cabins and use public buildings for small celebrations. Once the You Camp service reopens, the experience will be more streamlined for guests.
The final strategic plan will be shared with the public late this fall.
Founded in 1967 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, Aspen Camp of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides programs and services to recognize and capitalize on what the Deaf Community* can offer to the world. This includes the opportunity for Deaf* youth to grow in confidence and identity through programs like summer camp, winter camp, family camp, vocational training, and more. You Camps enable the local community to learn more about Deaf Culture. More information about Aspen Camp can be found at www.aspencamp.org.
We use Deaf* to represent all those who identify as Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, late deafened, and more. Learn more about the asterisk at aspencamp.org/about/deaf101.