Camp Chris Williams
2026 Registration will open January 2026 until May 31, 2026, or when camp is full.
- Do not send Camp Chris mail to Camp T.
Important Dates:
January 2, 2026
Registration Open
More info about registration, go to payment section.
May 31, 2026
Registration close
Registration close on May 31, 2026 OR when camp is full.
August 2, 2026
Check in Camp
Location:
Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T)
in Greenville, MI.
Check in 3PM
August 8, 2026
Check out Camp
Location:
Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T)
in Greenville, MI.
Check out 10AM
Quick Links / Content Shortcuts:
Information:
Camp Chris Williams (CCW) is a week-long summer camp for deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind youth ages 11-17. CCW believes in the worth of every Deaf, hard of hearing and DeafBlind (DHHDB) person. We support young people and adults who are DHHDB with all types of communication modes, abilities and other disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrates communication, inclusivity, diversity and fostering positive relationships & mentorships in our communities.
IMPORTANT INFO:
Due to space limitations, all CCW campers must be Deaf or hard of hearing and be between the ages 11-17 during the week of camp. Interpreters and both deaf and hearing staff are part of the CCW leadership team. Campers are not expected to be fluent in American Sign Language. However, campers need to at least be open to being exposed to sign language all week long. CCW respects all modes of communication campers may choose to use, at any fluency. CCW is an opportunity for campers to explore communication on their own terms, in a safe, fun environment with other youth who share common experiences.
History:
HISTORY: CCW stretches back to 1978 where it began as “Camp Amigo” by Lion’s Club Member, Chris Williams. Today, CCW continues to honors Chris Williams’ commitment to deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind youth every summer. Camp Amigo was renamed in 1984 to CCW after Chris Williams passed away.
CCW 2026
CCW 2026 will have a new theme, The Greatest Camp on Earth! (Carnival Theme). During the week, campers and staff will enjoy traditional camp activities along with team building. CCW builds into the daily camp experience an opportunity to teach transitional skills for adulthood. Individuals from the deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind community are invited every summer to present at camp. Presentations include information about their professions and hobbies at camp as deaf adults. Campers learn about education options after high school, various career opportunities, and self advocacy skills.
Additional life skills such as friendship, patience, independence, safety, and communication are also a part of the outdoor education camp week. Traditional camp activities include, wall-climbing, low ropes, boating, swimming, hikes, nature center, arts and crafts. While much of CCW happens outdoors, at the lake, and in the woods; lodging for campers are housed in comfortable basic dorm style cabins with indoor bathrooms/showers and a safe place in the gymnasium in the event of bad weather.
QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION?
Email: [email protected]
Payments
Payment Form
PayPal
[email protected] (Please add the note: the camper’s name or other notes)
Donate
Checks / Money Orders
Mailed to: Camp Chris Williams, C/o MCDHHIP, PO Box 980553, Ypsilanti, MI 48198-0553
External Scholarship
If you are seeking an outside scholarship, make sure scholarship providers know this date. They may pay the balance direct to the Coalition, at Camp Chris Williams, PO Box 980553, Ypsilanti, MI 48198-0553. They can also use PayPal: use email: [email protected] or the payment online form above.
A deposit of $100 minimum is required at the time of registration. Payment plans, credit cards and ongoing search for scholarships can be conducted after registering. All fees and paperwork are due May 15. $50 additional Late Registration Fee after May 1st, (if space permits.) An invoice will be sent to you when your camper registers.
Lastly they can use the Paypal to donate. Use “[email protected]” to donate.. In all cases they should clearly mention the camper’s name so we know who’s account to credit.
Questions about deposits, payments, scholarships, camp paperwork should be directed to Camp Admin: Nan Asher, [email protected].
If you need assistance or more information, should be directed to email: [email protected]
Searching for Scholarship Opportunities?
Families needing financial assistance have a lot of opportunities if they are creative and look.
Typically, local community service clubs that have also provided many scholarship for campers: This list is not exhaustive.
- The Good Fellows: (check your local chapter)
- Quota Club (check your local chapters) Port Huron & Grand Rapids are active.
- Personal donators –They can pay camp directly and have your child’s account credited.
- Other resources: Don’t rule out other organizations in your communities that might help, such as Big/Brother & Big Sisters, and even your camper’s school, if camper’s IEP has a summer enrichment component.
- Adopted campers with Medical Health Subsidies may also qualify, check with your child’s case worker, if you cannot find any other resources.
- Camp Chris leadership, resumé and learning about different jobs activities might fall into transitional activities for students receiving transitioning services thru Michigan Rehabilitation Services. (Can start as early as age 14 in some cases.)
- The Coalition is offering annual scholarship(s) in memory of Jahan Farzam. Any camper can apply for the Jahan Farzam Memorial Scholarship Fund. Since Jahan loved camp, applicants can tell us what camp means to them. Media accepted: Video, essay, drawing, comic or even a zine are all accepted:
- Jahan Farzam Memorial Scholarship: Applications are due March 31st.
Family Center for Children and Youth:
The Family Center For Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (Family Center) offers Summer Camp Scholarship opportunities: Your camper must be registered with a deposit for the Camp Administrator to be able to confirm registration as per scholarship requirements.
Families can to apply to receive a summer camp scholarship up to $500, per camper. The Summer Camp Scholarship is designed to assist families with sending their child with special health care needs to a licensed summer camp of their choosing. Applications are accepted from January until they are out of funds. Families will be required to submit a completed application along with the Registration Confirmation Form, which will need to be filled out by the Camp Administrator.
IMPORTANT: If your camper does not receive CSHCS Insurance, you MUST send a Letter from an ENT or Audiologist (primary doctor is not enough) confirming your child’s Deaf/Hard of hearing diagnosis and how Camp Chris Williams for Deaf and hard of hearing youth will help the camper. The medical office can fax the letter to them directly at: 517-241-8970.
Important notes
Funding is limited, so please encourage families to apply as soon as possible.
Contact: Aleisha Leavitt at [email protected] or call the Family Phone Line at 800-359-3722.
- CSHCS Camp Scholarship Application:
- Please send an email to Nan Asher ([email protected]) to let us know you’ve registered and applied. She will need to confirm your registration to send to the Scholarship committee:
Camp Staff opportunities:
(Applications open in January 2026)
Want to be part of the CCW team?
Group Leaders, Interpreters, and Volunteers: applicants must be 21 years of age or older.
Leader In Training (LITs): applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
CCW Staff and Volunteer Application:
Application is open soon for 2026. Check again for the update!
Staff and volunteers are notified by first week of May, after regular camp registration ends and during late registration. However, late camper registrations, staff changes, reassignments may offer additional opportunities after that date.
All Staff , CIT’s and volunteers report 3PM August 1, 2026 at Camp for Mandatory Orientation & Training. Dinner provided. No campers on site.
