Silent Weekend Camps
What is a silent weekend camp? It is a weekend where NZSL learners and Deaf people throughout New Zealand can get together at a camping site to switch off their voices and sign all weekend. Silent camps have a mixture of language activities for all levels, drama night and outdoor activities. It is a different experience than learning NZSL in the classroom as you get to put your NZSL in practice with other NZSL learners and Deaf people. You will meet a lot of new people and have fun! It is recommended that you have some knowledge of NZSL to survive a weekend of using no voice. Participants must be aged 16 and over to register.
North Island Silent Weekend Camp
On 15th to 17th June 2007, our infamous silent weekend camp was hosted once again at Lake Taupo, a beautiful and tranquil spot. We were blessed with excellent weather, thank goodness. About 130 people, a record number of attendees, merrily made their way to the camp which was transformed into a New Zealand Sign Language zone. Voices were switched off for the entire weekend and 260 hands fluttered in NZSL.
The theme was kiwiana and yes, we were showered with kiwiana stuff from day to night led by Darryl Alexander, our Camp Leader. Participants were divided in 12 kiwiana teams i.e. Team Gumboots, Team Kiwifruit, Team All Blacks. Language activities were peppered with kiwiana flavour. Staying true to the theme, camp food was not foreign but delicious.
Everything was New Zealand, New Zealand, New Zealand! Just about everyone donned kiwiana costumes on Saturday night and showed off their creative flair. People were wrapped in pavalova, paua, tramping gear, buzzy bees, sheep, Fred Dagg, fern and so on. The winner went to Miss Paua, see photo below. Each team had to put together a drama skit about their team name and kept the audience entertained (and cracking).
On Sunday morning, kiwiana teams battled at toptown and the winning title went to Team Kauri (yep, they only got lollies!). Before we knew it, the weekend was over and it was time to bid each other farewell. Some didn't want to hang their signing hands up. Participants left feeling more confidence about their signing and YES, we will be back at the same place - it has been booked for 3rd weekend in June 2009.
When is the next one?
North Island Silent Camps are held every two years at Lake Taupo. The next camp has been booked for the 3rd weekend in June 2009.
NZSL Week